Kan Guruhm

Kan Guruhm is a dwarven city built into the rugged cliffs of the Clersea Pinnacle mountain range, perched at the meeting point between the Technara and Verdanita territories. It serves as a strategic hub, both militarily and economically, harnessing the mountain’s natural resources while functioning as a gateway between technological innovation and the wild lands. The city’s most unique feature is its ruler—a female giant, Yrsa Icebane, who owes her life and loyalty to the dwarves after being saved from the Nevermelting Fields when they froze over.

Demographics

Population: 35,000 - 40,000

• Dwarves: 75%
• Humans: 10%
• Gnomes: 5%
• Giant (Yrsa): 1%
• Others (Halflings, Elves, etc.): 9%

Government

The city is ruled by Yrsa Icebane, a female frost giant who, after being saved by the dwarves, agreed to govern the city to repay her debt. She is known for her strength and fairness, but also for the cold pragmatism that makes her a natural fit to lead the industrious dwarven people.
Council of Clans: Beneath Yrsa’s rule is the Council of Clans, composed of the heads of the most prominent dwarven families. While Yrsa acts as the ultimate authority, the council is responsible for the day-to-day governance, representing the interests of their clans and managing city infrastructure.
Council of Stone and Steel: A technocratic body that advises on matters of technology, engineering, and trade. These experts oversee Kan Guruhm's technological advancements, often working closely with Yrsa to ensure that industry thrives without compromising the city's natural resources.

Industry & Trade

Mining: Kan Guruhm is rich in natural resources like iron, copper, silver, and mythril, which are exported to neighboring territories.
Stonework and Architecture: The dwarves of Kan Guruhm are known for their mastery in stone-cutting and constructing fortresses, which are sold to neighboring cities.

Infrastructure

Terraced Architecture: Built into the mountain, the city features massive stone terraces supported by dwarven engineering. This allows for extensive mining operations below while still maintaining residential and commercial spaces above.
Wind and Geothermal Power: The city harnesses wind from the high mountain peaks and geothermal energy from the mountain's depths to power its forges, mechanical systems, and technological devices.
Underground Transit: A series of underground mechanized carts and magical lifts connect the upper and lower levels of the city, ensuring smooth transportation between mining areas, trade districts, and the city center.

Districts

The Hammer District: This is the industrial heart of the city, where massive forges and refineries turn raw mountain ore into valuable goods. Dwarves work alongside gnomes and human inventors to craft armor, weapons, and machinery.
Verdant Market: Positioned near the Verdanita border, this district serves as the main trading hub, known for the vibrant exchange of goods and resources. Merchants from both Technara and Verdanita come here to trade minerals, herbs, and exotic goods.
Clersea Heights: The uppermost part of the city, home to the Council of Clans and the wealthiest families. It is also where Yrsa’s frost-forged citadel resides—a towering structure built from stone and remnants of ice that never melts.
The Foundry Quarter: This district is dedicated to research and development. Here, inventors and technocrats experiment with new technologies, working in facilities equipped with geothermal forges and wind-powered machinery.
The Hollow Vein Mines: Deep below the city, these extensive mines are the primary source of iron, precious metals, and gems that fuel the city's economy.

History

Kan Guruhm was established centuries ago by dwarven pioneers who saw the mountain's mineral wealth and natural defenses as key to building a lasting city. The city quickly grew, becoming a nexus of industry and trade. The Nevermelting Fields were once a mystical place, home to giants like Yrsa Icebane, until a cataclysmic freeze turned it into a barren wasteland when the abericlase went dark. Yrsa, the lone survivor of her tribe, sought refuge in Kan Guruhm. In gratitude for the dwarves saving her life, she swore an eternal debt to the city and became its ruler and protector. With its position on the Technara-Verdenita border, Kan Guruhm became a key ally to Technara, especially Prul and Trealing. They established a trade route for raw materials in exchange for advanced tools and medicines, further increasing their influence and wealth.

Natural Resources

Froststone: A rare material found only in the highest peaks of the Clersea Pinnacle, it is used for magical engineering and creating temperature-resistant armor.
Glaciersteel: A unique metal forged using frost stone which has properties resistant to extreme cold.
Wind Crystals: Magical crystals that capture the high mountain winds, used to power machines and imbue magical devices with wind-based properties.