Hazak-Krul
As you follow the road around the mountain, clifftops towering over you on all sides, two bright stream of crimson and gold can be seen sludging down the mountain into a huge moat. They border a glorious marble statue of a dwarven battleaxe, at the hilt of which a magnificent door stands wide and open. You can vaguely make out the shape of hundreds of dwarves, beards tucked behind leather overalls, pushing wheelbarrows. As your horse trots closer, you can see they heave heavy ingots of iron, gold, and countless other ores of which you can't identify. Two large cogs border the doorway, heaving into life should the door ever need closing. Above, two more cogs grunt as the streams of lava are turned on and off like taps - it is surely the waste of the industrial powerhouse of the Dwarven Freehold.
Demographics
All dwarven and most are working class. They labour in the mines and the forges. There are, of course, some higher-level dwarves to manage the factory.
Government
Hazak-Krul is very much a factory in the shape of a city, and it is managed by officers who act on behalf of the Dwarven Freehold, directing the workers.
Defences
The moat of lava - an effective by-product of smeltery - is very useful at keeping any enemies at bay; the stone drawbridge can be lifted. The huge door was designed to require the cogs to open it and no other means can pry it open. The capstan is on the inside.
Industry & Trade
Exporting to the entire Dwarven Freehold, the owners of Hazak-Krul are some of the richest men and women in Ablivar. They pay their labourers well but their profits are still through the roof and there are mountains of gold beneath the settlement.
Infrastructure
Huge blast furnaces and smelteries are common in the city, making up most of the settlement. There is no agricultural infrastructure, but there is plenty of houses and large halls and corridors, customary of a dwarven city.
Assets
They have a huge supply of weaponry as this is their main export. Additionally, tremendous amounts of coal and smelting gear can be found at Hazak-Krul, as it is needed to craft the materials.
Guilds and Factions
There are some worker's unions but they are seldom seen or heard of.
History
The settlement was established by Hazak Ironbeard, who sought to build a "factory city" to fend of the Aklops who had just decimated the eastern dwarven kingdoms. The city did not reach sufficient efficiency until after the Pass of Balar was closed in.
Architecture
Grand and majestic, Hazak-Krul is far newer than most dwarven cities and is, therefore, more technologically advanced. Its architecture is very mechanical and truly marvellous to behold. Cogs and gears seamlessly move and transport immense weights and ornate design is woven into the city. Hazak-Krul is an exemplary piece of architecture in terms of the blending of beauty and practicality.
Geography
It sits in the centre of the Dwarven Freehold, in the Valley of Blades, so-called because of the city itself. Any enemies wishing to breach the city must first storm the narrow passes and tight spaces. Catapults behind movable doors are set to fire at these locations.
Natural Resources
Beneath the city, mounds of ores can be located, bringing in wealth and providing the resources to craft weapons and armour.
Alternative Name(s)
The Forge
Type
City
Population
At least 50,000 dwarfs live and work in Hazak-Krul.
Inhabitant Demonym
Hazakan
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
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