Halholm

The capitol city of the Winter Kingdom, Halholm as a city is quite antiquated. The old log houses are slowly being replaced with more modern designs, but most the roads remain cracked and potted cobblestone.

Demographics

"More dwarves than I would have expected. I suppose not everyone holds a grudge."
-Do'Undren

Halholm is one of the more diverse cities in Myrthul despite common belief of prevalent racism, mostly because of the South Myrthul War. Elves, in fact, are very well represented boasting almost 20% of the population of the city. 
The class divide in Halholm is large, but wealth has had very little to do with Halian standing throughout the kingdom's history. All Halians status is decided through their dedication to family, community, and their king, which allows farmers with little in way of valuable gifts to still make an impression on the king by showing their hard work and charity with what they have. Because of this, King Hal has elected many working men to stand in office, which has greatly reduced the capacity for corruption within Halholm.

Infrastructure

Halholm is an old city undergoing renovation to better represent its status. Currently many of its houses are built from unprocessed lumber and large uncut stone, however, King Hal has ordered a "reinforcement and beautification" initiative that calls for the use of processed woods and finer stones, such as granite or marble, in any new construction and for the demolishing and rebuilding of old buildings within the next 100 years.

Guilds and Factions

While Halholm has many political parties, mostly decided by relation, and a few in way of adventuring guilds, there is one band that Halholm is famous for hosting; the Ice Fairies. They are a solely halfling group that made the first trip across the far south from Myrthul into Vorthal. Now they offer a service to guide adventurers across the ice for a hefty fee.

History

Originally called Fenhul, the town was turned into a labor camp for the dwarves during their rule over the south, but was abandoned towards the start of the Three Blades War and remained empty for nearly 50 years. As the war progressed and the Halian rebels were able to put up a more formidable fight, they moved their headquarters to the distant settlement. The Halians continued to use the town as their base until the Three Blades Treaty and it was renamed Halholm to represent the new kingdom.

"Quite the jewel collection. Be a shame if it came up missing..."
-Unknown

The city slowly grew as a sanctuary to the persecuted Halians and was one of the only settlements within the kingdom that housed public guards. When King Henry I began his westward expansion, forcing the dwarves to return to Morathin, the city remained untouched and prospered from the introduction of the jewels from the Azroks to its markets. 
Today the city remains a testament to Halholm's prowess, its lustrous markets gleaming with jewels and its citizens living well-above others in Myrthul.

Geography

The city is built west of the southern edge of the Azrok Mountains at a bend in the Gernok River, which the city relies on for fresh water and sanitation. The low terrain is known to flood during the summer months, especially after a snowy winter.

Type

City

Population

~100000

Inhabitant Demonym

Halians

Location under

Kingdom of Halholm

Owner/Ruler

King Henry II