Koredrun
Demographics
The city of Koredrun is inhabited almost exclusively by dwarves. The population is divided into castes, called loklurs.
Government
The government of Koredrun is led by a king, who is elected among the members of the seven oldest and wealthiest families in the city. These families, known as the palran loklur, hold significant power and influence in the city and their members make up the king's council.
The king's primary duty is to oversee the city's economy, to ensure that the city's resources are used efficiently and effectively, and to take the most important military decisions. The king also has the power to appoint judges and magistrates to oversee disputes and legal matters.
The king's primary duty is to oversee the city's economy, to ensure that the city's resources are used efficiently and effectively, and to take the most important military decisions. The king also has the power to appoint judges and magistrates to oversee disputes and legal matters.
Defences
The city is defended by the gate on the fourth level against attacks from outside and by the gate on the first level, the most heavily defended, against possible invaders from the depths of the earth.
Industry & Trade
Koredrun is primarily known for its metalworking industry, with its forges being the heart of the city. The Koredar dwarves mine for precious metals and minerals deep within the mountain and use the water from the aqueduct to cool and shape the heated metals. They trade their finely crafted weapons, armour, jewellery, and other metal goods with other civilisations in exchange for food, cloth and other resources.
Infrastructure
Like any self-respecting dwarven city, Koredrun contains several examples of marvellous dwarven engineering. One is the so-called circle of forges, the series of buildings constructed around the lava pool in the centre of the city, on the first and deepest level. Closing the circle is the warrior fortress, which guards the road to the mines.
The lava cascade pouring from the third level is embedded in a magically reinforced stone and metal arch, which protects the city by regulating the flow of lava.
On the fourth level, closest to the surface, is a masterpiece of engineering, the aqueduct, which channels fumes from the forges outwards and uses them to melt the snow on the mountain peaks, providing Koredrun with access to plenty of water.
On the same level are the royal palace, the palran loklur residences, and the temple of Imbradin.
The lava cascade pouring from the third level is embedded in a magically reinforced stone and metal arch, which protects the city by regulating the flow of lava.
On the fourth level, closest to the surface, is a masterpiece of engineering, the aqueduct, which channels fumes from the forges outwards and uses them to melt the snow on the mountain peaks, providing Koredrun with access to plenty of water.
On the same level are the royal palace, the palran loklur residences, and the temple of Imbradin.
Guilds and Factions
A group of seven families, the oldest and richest in the city, make up the city's nobility, the palran loklur. Below these is the clerical loklur, to which all those who decide to dedicate their lives to the service of the gods can aspire.
Koredars hold the blacksmiths and warriors loklurs in high regard. Behind these is that of the other craftsmen. Contrary to what a human might expect, the merchant loklur is not considered desirable, as it requires a dwarf to travel, possibly going out into the outside world, and thus away from home and the traditions of Koredar culture.
Koredars hold the blacksmiths and warriors loklurs in high regard. Behind these is that of the other craftsmen. Contrary to what a human might expect, the merchant loklur is not considered desirable, as it requires a dwarf to travel, possibly going out into the outside world, and thus away from home and the traditions of Koredar culture.
Architecture
The architecture of Koredrun is heavily influenced by its focus on metalworking and mining. Many of its structures are at least partially carved into the rock, all of them have basement floors. Buildings are made of stone and metal, with many featuring intricate metalwork and sculptures. The predominant colours in the city are crimson, gold and grey.
Geography
The city is built underground, in a mostly natural cave in the shape of an inverted cone within which the dwarves have carved out terraces.
Climate
Despite its location in a cold region and the depth at which Koredrun is built, the presence of the lava pool makes the air warm and dry. The climate remains constant throughout the year.
Natural Resources
Koredrun is built not far from mines that have expanded over the centuries. The mountain offers precious metals and gems, as well as building materials. The lack of water is a problem that the dwarves have solved with much cunning and effort. The presence of lava as a source of heat and light solves the problem of the lack of timber, although there is no shortage of coal underground.