Vasterhem

Vasterhem is a colossal dwarven citadel-type spelljammer that navigates the vast expanse of the Tears of Selune in Realmspace. Crafted by skilled dwarven engineers and spellcasters, this mighty structure resembles a magnificent fusion of ancient dwarven architecture and advanced spelljamming technology. Though never formally measured, it is rumored to be the largest dwarven citadel in existence.
The citadel is a sight to behold, an awe-inspiring combination of intricate stonework and powerful arcane engines. Though the exterior is largely  unadorned, the interior is festooned with beautifully engraved runes and motifs that pay homage to the dwarven craftsmanship and their ancestral traditions. Vasterhem is primarily constructed from a massive asteroid, making it incredibly durable and resistant to the harsh conditions of space.
The interior of Vasterhem is a labyrinthine network of grand halls, chambers, and workshops that form a bustling dwarven city in the cosmos. The citadel's layout is a reflection of the dwarven culture, with a strong focus on function and practicality. It houses impressive forges, well-stocked armories, and engineering labs where dwarven artisans and engineers work tirelessly on crafting superior arms, armors, and spelljamming technologies.
Vasterhem is powered in part by an intricate system of magical crystals and steam engines connected to the many forges in a decentralized Forgehelm. The citadel is therefore kept alive through the collective economic activity of the inhabitants. In addition to their own forges providing power, the citadel has a grander, central Furnacehelm. The central Furnacehelm is where much of the taxation go. 
The citadel is home to a thriving community of dwarves, living and working together to advance their craft, trade goods with other realms, and defend themselves from potential threats. The dwarves' close-knit society is governed by a council of skilled elders and representatives, ensuring a harmonious and productive existence within the cosmic confines of Vasterhem. The Vasterting is the name of the ruling council and is led by a Jarl. 
Vasterhem's presence in the Tears of Selune has become a symbol of the dwarves' resilience and ambition, as well as their strong connection to the cosmos and the vast wonders it holds. For those who seek adventure, trade, or simply a glimpse into the secrets of the dwarven world, Vasterhem stands as a beacon of exploration and opportunity in the far reaches of Realmspace. Yet, in recent years, high levels of immigration from Toril have complicated matters on Vasterhem, and the great citadel may find that the greatest threats come from within.

Demographics

The citadel is home to numerous dwarven clans, each with its unique traditions, history, and values. These clans form the bedrock of Vasterhem's society, and their elders play significant roles in the Vasterting. Vasterhem is renowned for its skilled artisans and craftsmen who create exquisite works of art, intricate machinery, and remarkable spelljammer vessels. From blacksmiths and stonemasons to gemcutters and engineers, the dwarves' craftsmanship is celebrated across Realmspace. As a fortified citadel, Vasterhem maintains a strong military presence to defend against potential threats. Skilled warriors, guards, and sentinels patrol the corridors and guard the vital areas of the citadel. Vasterhem is also a center of learning and knowledge, with numerous scholars and sages dedicated to studying the cosmos, arcane mysteries, and history. They contribute to the citadel's spelljamming research and exploration. The bustling markets and trade routes within Vasterhem attract merchants and traders from different parts of Realmspace. These individuals facilitate commerce, ensuring the citadel remains prosperous and well-connected with other spacefaring civilizations.
Some dwarves in Vasterhem are drawn to the thrill of adventure and exploration beyond the confines of the citadel. They become brave adventurers and seasoned explorers, venturing into the unknown reaches of Realmspace. The Valkinglers, or "Voyagers" are groups of dwarves that go on expeditions into the Tears and Realmspace to find resources, trade routes, and adventure. Vasterhem's reputation as a bastion of dwarven civilization attracts refugees and newcomers seeking safety and opportunities. The citadel's open-minded approach welcomes those willing to contribute to its society, but has become a problem in recent years. 
Dwarves constitute the largest segment of the population. They represent the backbone of Vasterhem's society, contributing their renowned craftsmanship, martial prowess, and passion for exploration. Humans are often found in significant numbers within Vasterhem, but mostly as traders and merchants. Gnomes, with their affinity for invention and magical prowess, have a noticeable presence in Vasterhem. They contribute to the city's intellectual pursuits, especially in matters of arcane research and spelljamming. Elves are also present in Vasterhem, though not in great numbers. They are seen as pawns of the Imperial Elven Navy and therefore distrusted.  Halflings find a welcoming community in Vasterhem, adding a touch of warmth to the dwarven stronghold through their taverns, inns, and restaurants.

Government

The Vasterting is the ruling council of Vasterhem. This council plays a pivotal role in governing and shaping the direction of the city, consisting of notable individuals from various dwarven clans and backgrounds. Composed of wise and experienced leaders, the Vasterting ensures that Vasterhem remains a thriving and harmonious community, upholding the values of its dwarven inhabitants.
Leading the council is the Jarl. They are the most esteemed head of the Vasterting and serves as the primary leader of Vasterhem. This individual is typically chosen for their wisdom, leadership skills, and dedication to the prosperity of the citadel. The High Thane's word carries great weight in all matters concerning the city's governance, defense, and diplomacy. 
Each of the five prominent dwarven clans in Vasterhem is represented by its respective Thane. These wise and experienced leaders act as the voice of their clans during council meetings and provide valuable insight into clan-specific matters and concerns. They collaborate with the High Thane to make decisions that benefit the city as a whole while ensuring their clans' interests are considered.
The High Skald is an esteemed figure in Vasterhem's academic community and the history of the citadel and its deeds. This learned individual leads the city's pursuit of knowledge, overseeing research, studies, and magical endeavors. The High Skald's wisdom guides the council in making decisions related to arcane matters and the acquisition of new knowledge. This council member maintains the memory of Vasterhem, ensuring that the citadel's past achievements and challenges are remembered and learned from.
Vasterhem is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, and the Master Artisan represents the city's guild of skilled craftsmen. This individual advocates for the improvement of infrastructure, the development of new technologies, and the preservation of traditional dwarven craftsmanship.
The High Sonnlinor is the spiritual guide of Vasterhem, ensuring that the city's temples and shrines remain centers of faith and sanctity. This council member represents the spiritual needs of the dwarves, offering counsel on matters of morality, ethics, and religious observances. They also lead the priesthood of the Morndinsamman.
The Lawspeaker is entrusted remembering the law and speaking to the Vasterting. When disputes of the law arise, the Lawspeaker is consulted and their judgment of what is the law is held sacred. 
The Hersir is the head of the citadel's defense fleet and city guards. The Hersir is a seasoned adventurer and skilled navigator, responsible for overseeing Vasterhem's explorations and interstellar activities. They oversee the course of the citadel's journeys through space and command the Grimnir, the guards of Vasterhem.

Industry & Trade

The city's economy is primarily built upon its proficient mining and metallurgical capabilities, which allow them to extract valuable minerals and ores from the asteroids within the Tears of Selune. The dwarves of Vasterhem are skilled blacksmiths, weapon-smiths, armorers, and jewelers, producing some of the finest goods in Realmspace.
The city's strategic location within the Tears of Selune grants Vasterhem a prime position for trade and commerce with neighboring realms and citadels. The Tear of Selune acts as a hub for various interstellar routes, and Vasterhem capitalizes on this advantage to engage in extensive trade with other settlements.
Vasterhem maintains strong trading ties with the inhabitants of Selune, the massive moon in the Crystal Sphere. They exchange fine dwarven crafts, metalwork, and gemstones for the rare lunar resources that are unique to Selune. Vasterhem enjoys a special bond with Dragonrock, the vibrant city in Realmspace. They trade precious metals, finely crafted arms, and armors, as well as specialized machinery used for mining and smithing. Vasterhem's skilled craftsmen supply the Rock of Bral with high-quality weapons, armor, and intricate jewelry. In return, they receive unique spelljamming equipment, rare gemstones, and advanced magical items. The dwarven clans of Vasterhem also engage in trade with their kin in other citadels across Realmspace. This exchange of goods and knowledge fosters a sense of camaraderie among the dwarves and strengthens the bonds of their dwarven culture.
Vasterhem's exports extend beyond its renowned craftsmanship. The citadel also trades in precious minerals, refined metals, enchanted weaponry, and specialized spelljamming components. As one of the key hubs in the Tears of Selune, Vasterhem serves as a marketplace where diverse races and cultures come together to conduct trade.
However, while trade is a significant aspect of Vasterhem's industry, the city's focus remains on exploration and expansion. The Vasterting, the citadel's ruling council, is dedicated to exploring the vast cosmos and discovering new opportunities for trade, diplomacy, and knowledge. They lead daring expeditions to uncharted territories, seeking out new allies and establishing new trade routes.
In summary, Vasterhem is a thriving dwarven citadel known for its skilled craftsmanship and strategic location in the Tears of Selune. Through its industry and trading endeavors, the citadel contributes to the prosperity of Realmspace and maintains its reputation as a beacon of exploration and dwarven ingenuity.

Districts

A small, grassy patch on the surface of Vasterhem's asteroid houses a surface trading post. Apart from a small shrine to Moradin and some petty traders, the outpost is uninteresting. It primarily exists to allow a transitory point between the gates of Vasterhem and the various docks that surround the craggy mountains. Nestled in a valley, this outpost allows traders to rest and prepare for the long trek into the asteroid to the inner gates, five miles underground. Embedded into the rock of the asteroid, the towering gates are bastions murder holes, siege weapons, and layers of ramparts. 
The Inner Gates are five miles below the Outer Gates. They are smaller, but no less dangerous. Mechanical traps abound and the tight corridor invalidate any advantage of numbers. Beyond the Inner Gates lie the Great Hall, the main cavern of Vasterhem. Cut by the River Gota, Vasterhem's main economic activity is centered here and dominated by two structures: the Hall of the Vasterting and the High Temple. In the High Temple, altars are made for the gods of the Morndinsamman, the dwarven pantheon except for Abbathor, Deep Duerra, and Laduguer. This is where the High Sonnlinor. The Hall of the Vasterting is the residence of the Jarl and the meeting place of the Vasterting. It also serves as the center of government, housing many important offices. 
Southwest of the Great Hall is the Anvil Quarter. Houses and forges combine in this area as it connects to the mines and oreworks. Connecting to the Anvil Quarter is Gnomestown and the Burrows, areas where gnomes and halflings live respectively. Also connected to the Anvil Quarter is Opal Court, the residences of the major mining and smiting operations. 
To the southeast of the Great Hall is the Common Quarter. Several residential districts connect to this quarter such as the Bloody Hall, the Halls of Mithril, Steel, Iron, and Bronze, Greenstone Hall, and Burke's Hall, which connects to Opal Court. To the south of the Common Quarter are the Mushroom Farms and the residences of Freeholder's hall where most of the mushroom farmers live. 
To the north of the Great Hall is the Noble Quarter and home to the heads of the five great clans. To the west of the Noble Quarter is the abandoned Old Quarter, damaged by a mysterious earthquake. Beyond the ruins of the Old Quarter is the Old Palace, the ruined palace of the old jarls.

Guilds and Factions

In Vasterhem, various guilds and factions play essential roles in the city's day-to-day operations, governance, and economy. These organizations are tightly knit and contribute to the citadel's prosperity and unity.
The Forgehammer Guild is one of the most influential and revered organizations in Vasterhem. Comprising skilled blacksmiths, weapon-smiths, and armorers, they are responsible for the city's renowned craftsmanship. The guild sets the standard for quality and innovation, ensuring that Vasterhem's weapons, armor, and other metalwork are sought after across Realmspace.
The Stonemason's Brotherhood is a venerable guild of skilled dwarven artisans who specialize in crafting structures and sculptures from the precious stone. They construct and maintain the sturdy architecture of Vasterhem, including the majestic citadel itself, as well as various landmarks and monuments.
The Miner's Union is a powerful guild representing the brave dwarves who delve deep into the asteroids of the Tears of Selune to extract valuable minerals and ores. They ensure fair working conditions and equitable distribution of resources, contributing to the city's wealth and prosperity.
The Starfarer's Guild is a diverse faction of explorers, adventurers, and merchants dedicated to expanding Vasterhem's reach across Realmspace. They organize daring expeditions, establish trade routes, and foster diplomatic relations with other citadels and settlements.
The Alchemist's Circle is a secretive faction of alchemists, potion-makers, and magical researchers. They engage in experiments to develop powerful concoctions, magical enhancements, and artifacts that aid the city's military and trade efforts.
The Engineers' Consortium is a collection of skilled engineers and mechanics, responsible for the design and construction of spelljammers and other advanced machinery. Their inventions power the citadel's fleet and provide technological advancements to other guilds.
The Stonecarver's Society is an elite faction of artisans who excel in creating intricate and magical stone carvings, runes, and inscriptions. Their work is renowned for its mystical properties and used to enhance various items and buildings within Vasterhem.
The Deepforged Collective: A group of highly skilled dwarven metallurgists and artificers who work tirelessly to improve the city's armaments and defenses. They are renowned for their ability to forge enchanted and resilient armor and weaponry.

History

In approximately -125 DR, a group of adventurous and pioneering dwarves from various clans set out on a daring journey beyond the boundaries of Faerûn. They were in search of new territories and opportunities to expand their horizons. During their travels, they stumbled upon an ancient Netherese spelljamming vessel, a marvel of arcane technology that allowed for travel among the stars.
Entranced by the potential of this newfound spelljamming knowledge, the dwarves decided to settle in the region they named the Tears of Selune. It was a cluster of asteroids, deep within the vastness of Realmspace. There, they established Vasterhem, a magnificent citadel carved into the heart of an asteroid, combining the skills of the stonemason and starfarer. Over the centuries, Vasterhem flourished as a renowned dwarven citadel, becoming a hub of trade, culture, and technological advancements. Its spelljamming fleet grew, and the dwarves forged strong alliances with neighboring citadels, such as Dragonrock, Selune, and the Rock of Bral.
However, in -55 DR, Vasterhem faced a calamitous event that would shape its future. A mysterious and devastating earthquake struck the citadel, causing widespread destruction and taking the life of the jarl, the city's leader at the time. The disaster created a power vacuum and left the dwarven community in disarray.
In the aftermath, the Vasterting emerged—a council of influential dwarves from various clans and guilds—to collectively govern the citadel. This new ruling council brought together representatives from the Forgehammer Guild, Stonemason's Brotherhood, Miner's Union, and other key factions to ensure that Vasterhem would endure and thrive.
The Vasterting worked tirelessly to rebuild the citadel, reinforce its defenses, and strengthen alliances with other spacefaring civilizations. They encouraged a culture of unity and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of each guild and clan working together for the betterment of Vasterhem.
With the passing of time, Vasterhem's reputation as a formidable force in Realmspace grew, thanks to the strategic leadership of the Vasterting. The citadel's expertise in spelljamming technology, superior craftsmanship, and harmonious community set it apart from other spacefaring civilizations.

Founding Date

-120 DR

Type

Citadel

Population

5,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Vasters

Location under

Tears of Selune

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