Aevûnd (eye-voond)

Past the Colossal Steps and under Fire Peak

The seat of the Aevûnd Dornakar capital dwarven city that operates underneath a volcano. A dornakar capital city, one of two in Uto Daeg. Also called a sister city to the capital of Brin Balo. While Mil Bazon was an official city first, Aevûnd established as a colony sooner.

Demographics

Majority are dwarves. A small population of almost every other race live in the city, though gnomes and halflings seem to get along nicely with the dwarves. Humans are next because of their tenacity to survive. Elves are least likely to be found. Tieflings and dragonborn and other are welcome. Half-orcs are seen as a curiosity but there is no ill-will towards them.

Districts

The city is divided into Merchant, Resident, Industry, Ruling, Servitude, and Leisure districts. These six districts were established when the colony was founded, though obviously smaller. A wall separates each district into five equal parts, and at the center is the governmental district. These districts have grown outwardly as the city's population grew. It's reasonable to assume the oldest buildings are central and become more modern the further the district goes.

Ruling

Four central towers dominate this central district. The towers house the powerful artifact Khalgwaerd and other powerful magical items, four mithril golems, a defensive rite that raises an army to the city's defense, and a portal to Brin Balo. The towers cradle the Palace of Kings, the estate of the king. Other estates close by house the guard and important officials.

Merchant

The first district when entering the city on the southwestern side, the district of trade and commerce welcomes visitors, customers, and pilgrims. Many smiling faces greet every passerby, and all have something for just a bit of your time. Good ale and warm fires are found in many hotels and taverns.

Resident

Strictly for residential purposes, no stalls or mongers are allowed here. Some shops that sell common items exist, but mostly for residents. Some old homes allow tours. Set in the northwestern side of the city.

Servitude

The best hospitals, churches, and other services are found here. The grand cathedral to Moradin straddles an eastern side of Servitude and a western side of Industry. A large anvil and forge are inside the cathedral, and the lighting is entirely floes of lava underfoot, protected by strong stone and close iron grates. City services such as septic, postal, and other utilities are found here as well as well as their employees housing. Comprises the north side of the city.

Industry

Dominating the northeast is the district of mining and forging. Fabricating weapons and armor as well as vital building materials are the staple export. The mines are rich on this northeast side. Veins of lava flow in stone-cut troughs to provide fuel for the forging. An intricate series of vents were crafted to provide ventilation for the manufacturing. The red glow of the lava-fuel illuminates this district all hours of the day.

Leisure

Where Merchant District has solid, good ales and tavernhouses, the Leisure District offers lavishly delicious commodities. From places of prostitution to alcohol houses to wineries to spas and bathhouses to sporting arenas, the Leisure District offers all manner of pleasure — for the right price. Dominates the southeastern side of the city.

History

The city started as a dwarven colony, a baemaly, from newly Raptured dwarves in Belor Daeg after the Great Revelation. It is said Moradin's avatar took the form of a dwarf enwreathed in flames. He guided them to the Colossal Steps and showed them a deep cavern. Here he bestowed upon their clergy and their leaders the divine insight of the city. At once they set to work hammering and clearing more stone, quarrying what they could to use as bricks for their new city, which they were constructing just outside the entrance to the cavern.
Despite the clerics and priests insistence the city should be inside the cavern, the newly proclaimed king decided for himself the city would be outside and the entire of the mountain would be carved clean for its resources. This upset many of his followers, but they complied to his wishes. The clerics prayed to Moradin for help.
A few years later, once the palace and outer walls were near completion, the king invited many surrounding guests into the city to display his power and influence. The clerics were not invited for he had grown tired and envious of their constant warnings and of their incessant praying. He had chosen this path and he would stick to it, despite their interjections. To the priests delight, Moradin appeared in the festival as a pillar of fire and cast down the king and his reign, establishing himself as true king of the city and commanded everyone to live under the protection of the mountain. Everyone gracefully accepted. That summer, an glacier dislodged from the mountain above and crashed down onto where the city would be. From then on, the dwarves happily lived underground, carving it in praise of Moradin.

Points of interest

The grand cathedral of Moradin that straddles the two districts of Servitude and Industry are a must-see for first time visitors. The extravagance of the Resident district also is sure to wow.
Most dwarves congregate around guilds or large tavernhalls. The central district is also popular, though not many people are allowed in due to security. The Leisure district sees many visitors for obvious reasons.
Statues of long dead heroes or city founders or Moradin or other deities are also unique places. Usually pools of lava flow around in troughs with protective grates above. This gives the statues and the city an otherworldly feel, as if the plane of fire was underfoot.

Type

Capital

Population

800,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Aevûndites