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The proud kingdom of the dwarves holds most of its might along the Tarkaz mountain range however many cities of humans and dwarves exist along the mountains tributaries. The Kingdom once included the kingdom of Minutia and parts of the upper elven empire, however, most of those lands were lost in the second age. The kingdoms are very scientifically advanced, growing more advanced the closer to the mountains the city dwells. The Kingdoms here have shown great secrecy when it comes to many of their advancements especially in the realm of steamwork and firearms. The Venulian Musketeers are the most prime examples of the later and serve as the major security force in the mountain kingdom. While its outlying villages and towns rely on the good old axe and board, the closer to the mountains you get the more hybrid the force you will find.
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The mountains are the obvious forerunner in geography as they are the birthplace of the dwarves. The Tarkaz mountain range stretches nearly 3000 miles in length from the northern coast of the continent down to the Sylvan Pass in the Wilderwood. At its widest, it measures over 500 miles, and its highest peak located on Tarkaz Rakust is just over 35 thousand feet above sea level.
Common translation as Gods Tomb. This mountain is fabled to hold the soul of Tarkaz whose roots are said to reach to every mountain. This peak reaches above the clouds and nearly always is surrounded by a “halo” or “crown” of white clouds. The Dwarves call this the king of mountains and hold it as sacred ground. This mountain is said to have been carved by Tarkaz himself as no history records dwarves ever crafting the halls of the sanctum beneath. The inside of the mountain is decreed not to be sullied, and the holy city on its crust ensures this be heeded.
These three rivers flow from Tarkaz Rakust; the Agna, the Ingrid, and the Kiia. In old lore, these were the first rivers that sprouted from the mountain in the days of the beginning. When Creatoriun fled the embrace of the land and dug the channels from the mountain. Tarkaz, as the dwarves say, was the firstborn, and his three sisters followed each took patronage over a river. The Three Sisters in their first days flowed with valuable metals for the first dwarves before they made the mountains their home. Agna flowed with Gold, Ingred with Silver, and Kiia with gems. The Dwarves say they were the promise of the mountains and it leads their kind to seek wealth in the deep.
This memorial of the kings of past ages is carved in the face Tarkaz Etar. It preserves the line of kings back to Kostas the son of the mountain god. Only 12 faces are currently carved on the face, though preparations for the 13th are to be underway after the expected passing of Good King Balgus the Round who has been ill for some time. The craftsmanship of the mountain face is a feat to behold and definitely earns a place in the wonders of Chaldonia.
Vas-Taruk is home to many great cities and towns. Those on the mountain range are mainly inhabited by Dwarves as would be expected however many human villages and towns have sprung up on the many tributaries of the mountains in hopes of some of its wealth reaching them.
The City of Kings is home to the royal seat of Vas-Taruk, currently occupied by Good King Balgus the Round who in a severe state of bad luck is on death's door. The City of Kings is a magnificent city to behold, the expert craftsmanship of the dwarves of ages come and gone can be seen throughout the city. The city is alight by a large crystal set in the ceiling of the expansive cavern ceiling above to provide a source of light. A tough city to live in as the guard, known as the Goldhands, are strict in enforcing the rules and the punishments are severe.
The City of Gods is built upon the crust of Tarkaz Rakust and is home to the Sanctum of the Mountain God. While it is the holy city of Tarkaz the Mountain King the city is full of worshippers of many gods and temples stretch all over the crust of the mountain. The city guard is made purely of volunteers from the major temples, due to its religious fervor and might the city has never been breached. The city is scarred and tough, and this shows in the people who live here.
The City of the deep is built within a mountain of marble and granite. Also sometimes referred to as the tiered city, this quarry delves deep into Chaldonias core. Quite appropriately, this city is the largest exporter of quarried stones in the entire world. Though this does not come free. As the deeper, the quarry goes the more terrors of the earth it awakens. The lowest levels are uninhabitable due to the frequent attacks by aberrations and the like. The upper levels enjoy a safe and profitable life of freedom and representation. Thought the deeper you get, where the warrens begin the city rules under martial law. This is partly to keep the citizens safe, but mostly to keep the miners productive. Though do not fret as long as a miner works and survives in the low levels of the quarry they will work their way through the tiers of the city.
The Major port of the Dwarves, this city allows the wealth of the dwarves to flow to other ports. The city is home to the largest standing trade fleet owned by The Copprumm Bank and Trade Company. The Copprumm Bank essentially owns much of this city, and the majority of the guard are privately owned and maintained by the bank. The city is a truly booming city however and has the lowest population of the lower class and the highest quality of life rank in the kingdom.
A city of man lays spread across the mouth of the Three Sisters and is a panning town. Don’t let that make you think its some dusty old village, the city is bustling and wealthy. They drink the wealth straight from the mighty rivers flowing from the dwarven mines. Piltum is also known for its nearly unmatched alcohol production of such quality some dwarves even prefer it to their own (though they will never admit it).