Ûtharun

A frozen city built into the side of The Ostmuer, it is full of hardened people and acts as the last bastion of safe civilization in the northern reaches.

Once a dwarven fortress, then a hobgoblin war camp, and now a city within The Kingdom of Tel, this ancient city built atop a mountainous arch that breaches into the ocean has seen many inhabitants. According to the ancient dwarven records kept within the Deepwater vault, Ûtharun was built near the end of the First Era. Under dwarven control it was called Ger Ûtharun, meaning City of Frost. Once the dwarves left for the underground at the beginning of the Third Era, hobgoblins quickly moved in, and renamed the city Gogh Ta’Gogh.

Barely a century passed when the King of Tel asked his close friend, Doltharak Lag-Felken, to reclaim the abandoned city from the Hobgoblins and claim it for the crown. Once this was done, the orc changed the city back to its original name, and then had a one-hundred foot statue built in his honor. Soon after, the House Hellfish was given the duchy, and have ruled the city ever since.

Demographics

76% Human
13% Dwarf
5% Orc
5% Qos
1% other

Notable NPCs

Lord Tyndall HellfishEldest member of the Hellfish family, duke and ruler of Ûtharun.
Reyjark Hellfish The duke's nephew, and one whom the people desire to rule. However, he has seen the vile nature of man with power, and wants no part in it.
Garvin Hidwell A former corrupt noble turned city magistrate, who has since become a good man.
Captain Thalron Earthsunder Leader of the Swordfish, the military of the city. He is as stubborn as he is effective.

Districts

The High Ward

The oldest and most well-fortified district of the city. It houses the wealthy and elite, along with several important buildings. The architecture here is dwarven, thus sturdy and pragmatic. Several old statues and structures from eras past can be found in ruin in certain corners of the district. Nearly all the structures here are built directly into the mountainside, giving it an impressive amount of verticality.

Deepwater Castle

The largest structure in the city, the castle is more of a keep. Inside the Hellfish resides, ruling over the city. Beyond the impressive exterior architecture lies a marvel within. In the duke’s court, where once was a breathtaking vaulted ceiling is now a large aquarium, housing all manner of local, exotic sea creatures. The aquarium arches over the court, with a glass base for that section. coupled with the skylight, the entire court exists in a magical state of light refraction. Sitting behind the duke’s throne is a towering stone mosaic of a pike, the symbol of the Hellfish family. Beneath the castle, rising from beneath the mountains, is the legendary Gate of Deg’Durahl. The gate leads to the Tunnels of Bhoraldur, which leads to the dwarven city Tarsenhildent.

Derundûn Hall

An old drinking hall that has been retrofitted to house the Federation of Coin’s outfit in the north. With both the ports at Duruk’s End and the Tunnels of Bhoraldur within the city, the guild thought it prudent to keep a close eye on the taxation in the city, as well as begin their banking campaign in the north. Derundûn Hall is managed by Coin Regent Khel Tod-Kabar.

Temple of Gorath

Aside from the hobgoblins ruling the city, the Temple of Gorath has always held worship to the god in its halls. What began as a modesty prayer hall was added upon until it became the largest holy statute in the north. And much to the surprise of the local population, the Romith Church permitted the construction to retain its dwarven style. With many chambers, rooms, a library, and barracks for The Holy Order, the Temple of Gorath has become an instalment in the church's infrastructure. The cleric in charge of the temple is Thrandrona Battlebone.

The Guild District

With a mix of dwarven and qos influence, this district has primary storefronts, artisan shops, offices, etc. The majority of the day's work that is seen within the city walls occurs here, making the bustling heart of the city.

Office of Law

Herein lies the jailhouse, Swordfish barracks, magistrate office, the gallows and stockades, as well as where royal decrees are delivered. While the dungeon does lie beneath Deepwater Castle, the majority of local law enforcement stems from this stout dwarven structure.

Market Square

With colorful tents and stone slabs lining the streets, both local and traveling merchants sell their goods all through the hours of the day. Due to the geography of the city, it takes quite the squall to shut down the square for any reason. Along with goods to buy, the square boasts performers, games, and hosts any festivals that make their way onto the local calendar.

Hjaalstone Manor

Built by a wealthy nobleman from Redawn City who died shortly after its construction, the building sticks out like sore thumb amongst the dwarven and qos culture that permeates the city. The Talons of the Coast use the building as a staging point for their northern contracts. The guildmaster that runs the manor is Aippaq the Cold.

The Lifts

An absolute marvel of engineering, the dwarves of Ûtharun built two massive lifts to transport goods ships that offload in Duruk’s End up to the city’s markets. Loud, massive gears can be heard clicking all through the day, echoing from underneath the mountainous archway. Titanic gears strain against the weight of the platforms, as teams of Dher work to operate the complex contraption.

Orcridge

Built all along the rocky arch that juts out into the water, this district is home to an amalgam culture of qos, orc and dwarven. Primary homes also house a bit of history and local landmarks.

Hibblebroban House

A popular boarding house for both travelers and recurring visitors such as merchants, miners, and caravan guards. The building has an attractive qos/dwarven hybrid design, with a massive common room, two large hearths, and delicious food. The inn is owned and operated by Mr.Hibblebroban, a gnome with little patience for funny business.

Warcast Brawlers’ Arena

A wide, well masoned building that sits in the center of town. This is by far the most popular spot in town, where both the rich and poor watch those skilled in combat battle it out. While araly do those who fight battle to the death, on occasion, when the church allows, the arena will host a blood sport event; a battle to the death. The arena is run by the retired adventurer Sam Winterspin.

Bugbear Tower

A towering blue stone-red roofed spire, this mysterious tower houses a handful of mages. While they unsurprisingly keep to themselves, they have been known to reach out on occasion to speak out with members of the Hellfish family. Very rarely do the wizards admit someone into their tower.

Doltharak Lag-Felken

Built at the end of the arch, this one-hundred foot statue of the city's liberator can be seen from miles around. Easily the most miserable landmark of the region, the statue depicts the orc hoisting his sword into the air. And as per the request of the first Duke of Coldwind, mages enchanted the blade come able with flame, acting as a sort of lighthouse for the Red Gulf.

Duruk’s End

The city beneath the city, this district is home to many shipyards, docks, warehouses, taverns, hostels, and pop-up markets stalls. The residentials population here is primarily the poor. While technically a part of the city, many of those that live in the shoddy homes along the coast see Duruk’s End as a separate entity, due to the seeming negligence of the upper city.

North Sea Port House

A slatted wood boathouse built right on the frigid water. Here the local law oversees the dockyard, and representatives from various ships and companies work out contracts. The harbormaster that runs the docks is Thukk Cavehorn.

The Farmhouse

A tavern on the south end, it's home to both local brews and exotic imports. The tavern is owned and operated by Brakas.

The Shallows

A seedy pub nestled in the rocks of the north end. Here anyone looking to start, find, or hire trouble can do so, with the right amount of coin of course. The pub is owned and operated by Cynog Cecil.

Level
8
Government
Duke (heriditary leader)
Language
Uman, West Dwarven
Religion
Romith Church
Threats
Political corruption, insurgencies, malicious shipping lords, monsters from the mountains.

Alternative Name(s)

Ger Ûtharun; City of Frost; Gogh Ta’Gogh

Type

City

Population

60,000

Location under

Coldwind

Owning Organization

House Hellfish

Raw Goods Nexus Due to the city being directly connected to both the dwarven kingdom and major shipping routes, many goods come through Ûtharun. Specifically precious raw materials. When characters are looking for precious crafting materials, treat the city level three higher.