City in the Sunlit Caverns

Tales tell of a city encased entirely by stone. It lies in a vast cavern to which there is no entrance; the still air is untouched by wind or sun. At least, it was when Pathruz, father of the Pathruzan people, stepped through a magic entrance and beheld the cavern's vast beauty for the first time. He swore by the light of the portal which brought him that his wanderings were over, that here he would dwell for the rest of his days.

So Pathruz named the cavern Kelonazh and settled there with all his household. He and his sons became masters of stone, as were all their descendants after them. Pathruz also studied carefully the magic entrance which brought him. With his knowledge he opened up several smaller portals which brought the sunlight and stirred the air. Thus what was hidden became the sunlit cavern.

The cavern proved to be rich in gold and iron. Pathruz traded these for food and cloth. As generations grew, so did the wealth of the cavern. At the height of its glory, the inhabitants of Kelonazh glittered more brightly than the cavern itself.

Government

The heir of Pathruz governs the city, settling disputes either in person or in name. He can call the families of Pathruz to war, but it is up to the many noble households whether or not they will answer. It is said an Immortal, observing the apathy to which most households view a summons, said, "He may control their pockets but never their swords."

Defences

Defenses include exactly one magic crystal which shuts down the large magic entrance upon enemy attack. It has only been tested on small portals, but it was built by Pathruz himself and so is sure to work.

Infrastructure

Large watermills make use of the underground river to turn many mechanisms in the numerous forges. These are kept up by the noble houses, which compete with one another for most bejeweled watermill.

Alternative Name(s)

Kelonazh

Type

Underground / Vault

Inhabitant Demonym

Pathruzan