Endor, the First Mountain
The Capital of the Kingdom of Endor
Endor, also known as The First Mountain, is the capital city of the Kingdom of Endor, ruled by High King Thorik Oathenhammer. It is located at the northern edge of the Iron Range in the region West of the Gimora Mountains. It is the largest and oldest city in Azimuth.
In the Fifth Age of the world, the city stands as a beacon of stability and strength of dwarven engineering and military might.
Description
Endor is a multileveled mountain of a city. Above ground, there are seven main levels carved from the first mountain and are open to the outside air on the northern mountainside, showing as seven bars of light to travelers on the roadway leading to the city below. These openings are called the Skarzanks. The different levels of the city are connected by massive spiraling stairs that alternate in set locations throughout the levels, so that one cannot travel up or down multiple levels at once. Each staircase can be fortified and barricaded in emergencies.Rik Zorn: Level of Kings
The Level of Kings houses the capital building as well as the palace of the ruling royal family. It is a largely administrative area and heavily guarded. It is usually inaccessible for foreign nationals and lower class persons without direct reasoning for being present.- Dawi Zakhaz, The Hall of Dwarf Kings: The dwarvish capital building, which is both the head of government and where High King Thorik Oathenhammer and members of the royal line reside. This is also where a statue and an artifact of Johanna, Shieldmaiden of Endor, is held: Chedae's Tear.
- The Mithril Guard Facility: A section of the Hall of Dwarf Kings houses the royal guards, known as the Mithril Guard, sworn by oath to protect the royal family.
- The Flower of the King: A giant petalled gemstone of pinks and reds sits above the central column of Endor, a passage that leads from the first level Pavilion up to the first level where this huge gem is inlaid. It sheds constant light through to the layers below. It is said this gemstone was a gift from Rita, Wielder of the Zenethian Staff, to the ruling King of the time.
Rhun Zorn: Level of Runes
The Level of Runes contains the holdings of the four primary clans, Oathenhammer, Frostbrewer, Grimsunder, and Ironguild. These clans are wide-ranging and their family trees each encompass a number of smaller subsidiary clans under them, as well as smaller service clans that function under them as well.Kazak Zorn: Level of War
The Level of War houses the primary military facilities for the Gromril Army, as well as the estates and functionaries of high-ranking military personnel that do not have such places in the Level of Runes. It also contains the Arena, which often hosts events of varying size and scale.- The First Mountain Arena: The battle arena was rebuilt in the Fifth Age and is host to the yearly Endor Tourneys, which take place mid-spring. In addition to these primary events, many smaller bouts, spectacles, and shows are arranged throughout the year.
- Gromril Army Facility: This is the primary facility for the Gromril Army, Endor's main military force. This also functions as the head of the city's guard force, the Steelshields.
Thryng Zorn: Level of Temples
The Level of Temples is primarily split into three sections, one for each major religious structure in the upper levels of the city. Despite the size of these temples, it would be impossible for everyone to attend services simultaneously, so many smaller shrines can be found throughout the lower residential areas as well.- Temple to Zenethia: This place of worship is the largest in Endor, and many dwarves revere Chedae, The Heaven's Light, as the current deity of Zenethia. The temple is a cathedral of white stone and green glass. In addition to the sermons and holy relics that are on display, many services are offered in the temple’s wings, such as a cleric-led hospital and an orphanage.
- Temple to Morounin: Morounin, The Learned-Lady, is the second most-followed of the Gods in Endor. Dwarves worship her as the Dragon god of creation and craftsmanship. Her temple is a silvery tower, filled with tomes and records in a great library where individuals can seek out guidance and knowledge. The tower’s bells ring out the time on the hour.
- Temple of the Flowers: Though not as prominent as the previous two temples, here in the upper levels, residents of Endor can leave offerings and prayers to the other Flower Deities. These stone halls and arches have many small shrines in secluded places where small gatherings are held in honor of the Gods or to pray for their boons.
Throng Zorn: Level of Clans
The Level of Clans contains the housing of all other clans of prominence in the city of Endor. Many of these are subsidiary clans in service to one of the primary four dwarf clans.Vithang Zorn: Level of Merchants
The Level of Merchants contain the largest collection of dwarven shops, merchants, and inns in the city. Though they are mostly congregated here, facilities like these can be found in many places throughout the levels of Endor. In addition to publicly accessible locations, many support facilities, such as warehouses, suppliers, and manufacturers are located in this level as well.- Vithang Khaz, The Hall of Commerce: Here, the various guilds of Endor are centralized and can negotiate amongst themselves and with the crown regarding operations, territories, and boundaries of influence.
Ekrund Zorn: Level of Stairways
The Level of Stairways is the busiest level of the city and is the connection point for the upper levels, the Undercity, and the roadways leading into the city. The widest variety of races can be found in this level, and most foreign travelers to Endor will spend most of their time on this main level. Many different inns, merchants, shops, stalls, and taverns can be found across this level. With access to both the Iron Highway and to Endor Port, shipping and carriage services can be found here as well.- The Pavilion: In the center crossroads of Endor is a huge marketplace where vendors sell their wares. Though there are a few permanent shops built into the supporting columns or walls of the area, most are stands, carts, and pop-ups from every merchant and clan in Endor.
- The Gilded Gnoll: The most popular tavern on the first level, many traders and adventurers that travel to Endor rest here before venturing further into Endor proper. The tavern is named as such after the huge solid wood double door entrance, where artisans have carved the huge, detailed bust of a snarling gnoll. There is an adjoined inn and stables as well for housing those who need it, though it is often a busy and bustling place so rooms are not always available.
- Doors of Goldroar: The main entranceway was first commissioned by the first dwarf High King, Bharadrin Goldroar. It is a set of intricate dwarven masterwork doors, showing an impressive detailing of poured and fashioned metal depicting the first battle between Zenthai, The Dragon King, and Esturk, The World's End, at the end of the Second Age.
- Gate of the Maw: This is the second largest entryway to the city of Endor. The Gate of the Maw is on the southeastern edge of the Ekrund Zorn and leads from the city out southeastward towards Endor Port, which is several hours of travel away.
The Undercity
Below ground, the tunnels and levels become less regimented and uneven, especially the deeper and darker one goes. These areas are called the Undercity, and is where the bulk of lesser clans reside along with most of the industry of the city. These levels extend deep underground and have been dug and expanded continuously since the founding of the city. There are many smaller sub-cities and districts that exist far and away from the sun of the upper levels; circles of civilization and business that function to support those that exist in these places.- Temple of All's Fate: It is said that Leo, Captain of the Black Barrow, found and rebuilt an abandoned temple to Nerull, The Scythe-Bearer, in the Undercity of Endor.
- Beard and Bush: The Beard and Bush is a brothel in the undercity of Endor. It is run by Madame Dogma.
Above the Flower of the King
In the late Fourth Age, the Zenethian Heroes found a hidden way to an old, abandoned section of the city above the Flower of the King. There was only ruins in this section of the city, but the Heroes did find a dilapidated church to Zenethia and in it, a copy of the The History of the Third Age.Society
Government
The current ruler of the city of Endor is High King Thorik Oathenhammer. The title of High King is passed on to the named heir of the previous High King. Each dwarf Karak has their own king and functions as a city-state on its own. That said, the ruler of Endor is given the title of High King, and rules as the leader of these different kings. There is a level of duty and responsibility by these kings to honor any request by the High King, however it is not a requirement to do so. The clans convene at a summit, the Gathering of Lords, where they discuss the goings-on of the dwarves and their lands. Each official clan can attend these summits and voice their opinion to be heard. While all clans have a say in these matters, the four major clans carry the most influence as each carries the votes of its subsidiary clans along with them. It is usually very rare for a subclan to vote differently than their parent clan. The High King convenes with the leaders of the Gathering of Lords on important matters as advisors and the influence of their clan and leaders can carry much weight. Due to the nature of running a military and the functions of a kingdom, each clan has a responsibility to the crown to maintain the functions of the city. However, with each additional responsibility a clan holds, the greater their influence and power over the others. The surface lands of Endor are under each Karak’s jurisdiction, but in a similar way to Karaks, they function largely independently under the umbrella of the Karak nearest to them.Demographics
The majority of the population of the city are dwarves, which is especially true for both the higher levels of the city and in the Undercity. Other large populations include humans and halfling. After the events of the Tarterian War and the displacement of the orcs of Keeleon, a sizable orcish and half-orcish population can be found in Endor as well. As Endor is the largest city in Azimuth and is a major center of trade and culture, individuals from nearly any race can be found among the many levels and streets of the city.Notable People
- High King Thorik Oathenhammer: Current High King and leader of Endor. Clan Leader of Clan Oathenhammer and holder of the title, Master of Arms.
- Bernar Az-Baraz: Leader of the Gromril Army and rumored descendant of High Queen Gundra Oathenhammer.
- Bishop Rannyl Grimsunder: Bishop of the Zenethian faith in Endor.
- Ingri Frostbrewer, The King's Tradesman: Clan Leader of Clan Frostbrewer.
- Halrigg Grimsunder, The King's Minister: Clan Leader of Clan Grimsunder.
- Dimnar Ironguild, The King's Smith: Clan Leader of Clan Ironguild.
History
The First Age: The Age of Creations
This is the ancestral home of the dwarf race, and it is said it was created by the gods in the Age of Creations. The dwarves were given Endor, the First Mountain, and dominion over the lands of the western mountains so that they would learn the riches of the earth and make great things.The Second Age: The Age of the Severance
Bharadrin Goldroar became the ruling king of Endor, the First Mountain, at some point near the end of the Second Age.The Third Age: The Age of Zenethia
The Doors of Goldroar were commissioned by the first dwarf High King, High King Bharadrin Goldroar. HIgh King Bharadrin commissioned these doors "fit for a city of kings" after he consolidated the three primary dwarf Karaks under one banner. During the Great War, the lands of Endor were sundered and the Dragon's Maw was formed. Though many lives were lost in the century of fighting, the city of Endor did not fall.The Fourth Age: The Age of Shadow
It is said the Flower of the King was gifted to High King Faldrick Oathenhammer early in the Fourth Age by Rita, Wielder of the Zenethian Staff. After the destructive effects of the Great War at the end of the Third Age and the formation of the Dragon's Maw, High King Faldrick Oathenhammer commissioned the construction of the Gate of the Maw. For the Kingdom of Endor, trade along the Iron Highway and through the Dragon's Maw would be instrumental in its recovery after the Great War. In 4A 996, a doppelganger disguised as a defector from Branca, the Kingdom of the South entered Endor. Through the doppelganger, Psaro the Manslayer spoke with High King Thorik Oathenhammer and convinced him that King Alphonse Brancana was raising an army to attack Endor. This caused High King Thorik to gather his armies and prepare to defend the supposed upcoming attack. Later in 4A 996, during the Endor Tournaments, the Tournament of Swords was won by Johanna, Shieldmaiden of Endor, and the Tournament of Bows was won by Aoth Stormwind, Vassal of the Platinum Dragon. During the finale of the Endor Tournaments, the doppelganger disguised as Psaro approached and spoke with the Zenethian Heroes. Psaro asked the children to give their blood to him and he would never accost them again. They declined, and Psaro used a Meteor Swarm spell to attack The Arena, killing the doppelganger. A few days later, Trip, the One Who Fell, would be killed in the Endor Tunnel. The Zenethian Heroes would bring her body back to Endor, and her body was kept safe in the Temple to Zenethia until she was eventually resurrected.The Fifth Age: The Age of Beginnings
Trip had a long recovery after her resurrection at the end of the Fourth Age. Though she stayed in Endor for a time after the end of the wars, eventually she left, headed north. After the events of the wars, Johanna, Shieldmaiden of Endor, returned to Endor in the service of High King Thorik Oathenhammer for many years. Sometime in Ocana 5A 143, Luyos was left as a newborn on the steps of the Temple to Zenethia. He would be raised by the temple's orphanage. On 20 Sedaena 5A 178, Luyos met Thelman Krestwall at the Gilded Gnoll. They discussed a job posting from the Ritivan Cartographers Guild mapping the Galaz Forest and departed Endor that morning. In 5A 347, Romsca left Gohled Teente for the stated purpose of learning various skills and talents, and she went to Endor. There, she met Borscha Brickwell who took her under her wing. Romsca joined the Hands of Ore guild, where she worked until 5A 349 when they were transferred to Porgorag in Tarteria. On 24 Felim 5A 352, Durak Hamarhart, Corxim Loofallue, and "Lunchmoney" Snuggleshine visted the Gilded Gnoll tavern to celebrate their victory against a group of bandits along the Iron Highway to the north. There, they met Maalik, who hired them to retreive a lost item from the gnomish ship, the Harolaud. On 9 Madaet 5A 352, Arwin arrived in Endor from the Iron Highway. Gertrude Oathenhammer met with Bishop Rannyl Grimsunder in the Temple to Zenethia. Later that day, both Arwin and Gertrude met Captain Levka Ruslan here who was preparing goods for the Santeem Republic aid caravan. Both would join the caravan and assist, and they would leave Endor through the Gate of the Maw towards Endor Port. At some point prior to 13 Adroth 5A 352, Romsca's sister, Yeempa, was sent from Gohled Teente to Endor to fulfill "the role we need". On 16 Adroth 5A 352, Maalik spoke with the Lightbringers via a magical communication network. She was in view of the Flower of the King at this time.
Alternative Name(s)
The First Mountain, Karak Endor
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Capital
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Iron Range Continent
West of Gimora Mountains Plane
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