Kurn Daruhm

NATION OF ERINDAL

Empire of Kurn Daruhm

Realm of the Flameforged

Imperial Record

Official nameEmpire of Kurn Daruhm

Common nameKurn Daruhm

GovernmentHereditary monarchy

CapitalMal Darum

RulerDrogan Ironheart III

AdministrationDecentralised provinces and city councils

Major peoplesForge dwarves; Hearth dwarves

Official languageX

Principal faithDwarven Pantheon

Foundedc. 2716 AHF

Location of Kurn Daruhm

The Empire of Kurn Daruhm is a nation founded by dwarves, who continue to make up the vast majority of its population. Humans, orcs, elves, halflings and gnomes also live within the empire, but they remain small minorities and are found mainly in ports, border settlements and territories brought under imperial rule. Kurn Daruhm stretches across plains, mountain ranges and the coast of the Sea of Storms. Many of its cities were established around mines, forges and trade routes, with entire districts extending beneath the surface.

The dwarven population is divided between Forge dwarves and Hearth dwarves. Forge dwarves are generally taller and physically stronger. They are closely associated with mining, metalworking, heavy industry and the imperial military. They also possess a greater affinity for magic, particularly fire magic, and have been responsible for many of the empire's technological developments. Hearth dwarves are shorter and more compactly built. Most live in the fertile valleys and surface settlements, where they work as farmers, animal breeders, woodworkers and stonemasons. They are known for their endurance and for maintaining the agricultural communities that supply the larger dwarven cities.

Both groups are commonly known as the Flameforged. Fire is important to them not only as a tool for heating metal, but also as a source of magic and a form of art. Dwarven artisans use controlled flames in glasswork, sculpture and the creation of magical weapons. Fire is seen as both destructive and creative: it can ruin what has been built, but it can also reshape raw material into something stronger.

Family, clan and ancestry remain central to dwarven society. A dwarf's clan often influences their trade, political connections and place within the local community. Promises and agreements are taken seriously, while betrayal of one's family or allies is considered a grave offence. Dwarven celebrations commonly include large meals, strong drink, drums, horns and stories concerning the deeds of ancestors and heroes.

Kurn Daruhm was founded about 1,600 years before the present, when Durgadd Fireblessed united the largest dwarven settlements through conquest and alliance. He founded Mal Darum on a central plateau so the new capital would belong to the whole realm instead of one older clan. His son Doramin later established the first common laws and gave the empire a government which could continue after the wars of unification.

Kurn Daruhm is ruled as a hereditary monarchy, although much of its daily administration is handled by governors, city councils and influential clans. The empire's wealth comes mainly from mining, smithing, agriculture and clockwork engineering. Its military reflects the same strengths, relying on heavily armoured infantry, crossbowmen, siege engineers and mages trained in the use of fire.

CapitalMal Darum

RulerDrogan Ironheart III

GovernmentHereditary monarchy

Known forFlamecraft, mining and clockwork

Land and People

Geography

Kurn Daruhm covers a varied stretch of land extending from the coast of the Sea of Storms to the mountain ranges of the interior. Broad plains and rolling hills surround Mal Darum, while fertile valleys provide much of the grain and livestock needed by the larger cities. The mountains contain the empire's richest mines and several of its oldest settlements. Winters are particularly severe in the north and at higher elevations, where blizzards, avalanches and sudden changes in weather can isolate mining communities for days at a time.

The dwarves do not build exclusively beneath the ground. Mal Darum stands on a central plateau, Bhornholdir occupies both banks of a river on the coast, and many Hearth dwarf communities are built across the valleys and plains. Mountain cities such as Mirn Torum and Hil Doral extend both above and below the surface, with mines, workshops, storerooms and roads cut deep into the rock. Even settlements built mostly above ground often have underground districts connected to mines or defensive tunnels.

Imperial roads link the capital with the provincial cities, border posts and ports. Their condition varies by province, but the principal routes are wide enough for military columns and heavy trade wagons. The plains around Mal Darum are used for grazing, while the nearby hills provide timber, stone and smaller mineral deposits. Bhornholdir gives the empire access to overseas trade, and Khimtaruhr guards the northeastern approaches while also handling commerce with the Krugmurd Horde and the Grand Duchy of Swanvein.

Population

Dwarves form the clear majority of the empire's population. Humans, orcs, elves, halflings and gnomes are present in much smaller numbers, particularly in ports, border towns and subject territories. The Grand Duchy of Swanvein remains predominantly human, while traders and foreign craftsmen are a common sight in Bhornholdir and other commercial centres.

Non-dwarves are not forbidden from settling in Kurn Daruhm, but acceptance into a dwarven community can take time. Clan connections, old agreements and family reputations matter greatly, and newcomers often begin without any of them. Those who prove reliable and useful to their neighbours may gain considerable respect, while those who break an agreement find that the offence is remembered for a long time.

Forge and Hearth dwarves

The dwarves of Kurn Daruhm are divided into two main peoples: Forge dwarves and Hearth dwarves. Both share the same language, faith and imperial identity, and both are known collectively as the Flameforged. The distinction is important within dwarven society, but it does not divide the empire into two separate nations. Forge and Hearth dwarves live in the same cities, serve in the same army and commonly belong to the same institutions.

Forge dwarves are generally taller and more heavily built, with broad shoulders and greater physical strength. They are strongly represented among miners, metalworkers, soldiers and heavy engineers. They also have a greater natural affinity for magic, especially fire magic. Most of the empire's advances in mining machinery, metallurgy, weaponsmithing and large-scale engineering have come from Forge dwarf workshops and academies.

Forge communities are often based in fortified cities, mountain holds and industrial districts. They tend to be more formal in matters of clan, worship and ceremony, and place great value on objects made to endure for generations. Their technological skill does not make them socially progressive; many Forge clans remain protective of their traditions, professional secrets and established place within the empire.

Hearth dwarves are shorter and more compactly built. They are known for their endurance and are common among farmers, animal breeders, woodworkers and stonemasons. Many live in smaller surface settlements and fertile valleys, where they maintain much of the agriculture that supports the empire's urban population. Hearth communities are generally more open to regular contact with outsiders and place greater importance on communal gatherings and cooperation between neighbouring families.

These are broad differences rather than strict rules. A Hearth dwarf may become an engineer or soldier, and a Forge dwarf may own a farm or merchant house. What matters most to most dwarves is the reputation of the individual, their family and their clan rather than whether they fit the usual occupation of their people.

Culture and Society

Clan and family are central to life in Kurn Daruhm. Many clans are associated with a trade, profession or settlement, and dwarves commonly use their clan name as a surname. A clan may help arrange an apprenticeship, support a member during hardship or use its influence in local politics. In return, its members are expected to protect its reputation and assist their relatives when called upon. This loyalty can extend across generations, as can disputes between families.

A spoken promise carries considerable weight. Dwarves expect agreements to be direct, and deliberately breaking one's word is treated as a serious offence. Betrayal of family, clan or sworn allies is worse still. Forgiveness is possible, but it usually requires the offender to repair the harm rather than merely apologise for it. This attitude affects both private life and trade, where a merchant's reputation may be worth as much as the goods they sell.

Craftsmanship is respected throughout dwarven society. Smiths, miners and engineers hold great prestige, but the same respect is given to skilled stonemasons, woodworkers, farmers, brewers and glassworkers. Dwarves judge an object by how well it performs its purpose and how long it will endure. The finest weapons, tools and pieces of jewellery are often kept as family heirlooms and passed from one generation to the next.

Fire is the defining symbol of the Flameforged. It is used in mining, smithing, glassworking, cooking and magic, but it is also treated as an art in its own right. Skilled fire-workers can control the colour, temperature and shape of a flame, producing moving patterns, fire sculptures and delicate glasswork. Some smiths bind magical fire into weapons so that the blade or head can ignite in battle. A small number of powerful mages are even capable of opening short-lived passages through flame, although such magic is rare and dangerous.

Fire is understood as both creative and destructive, and dwarven teachings often stress that it must remain under control and in balance with the other elements. A flame can provide warmth, shape metal and produce art, but the same flame can destroy a home or poison a mine. Careless use of fire magic is therefore treated as a failure of discipline rather than a sign of strength.

Forge and Hearth dwarves give fire somewhat different meanings. Forge dwarves usually associate it with strength, transformation and the test of the forge. The lighting of a new furnace or completion of a major weapon, machine or fortification may be marked by a formal ceremony. Hearth dwarves place more emphasis on fire as the centre of a home or community. Shared meals, family recipes and local celebrations are commonly organised around a communal hearth.

Feasts are an important part of both religious and secular celebrations. Large meals, ale and other strong drinks are accompanied by drums, horns and songs. Storytelling is equally important, particularly accounts of ancestors, famous rulers, craftsmen and soldiers. These stories are not always treated as perfect historical records, but they preserve the names and deeds that a clan believes should not be forgotten.

The dwarves honour both their gods and their ancestors. Offerings may be left at a temple, family shrine, grave or the place where an ancestor practised their craft. Forge dwarves tend towards more formal ceremonies, while Hearth observances are often held as family or community gatherings. Neither approach is considered less sincere.

Government and Administration

Kurn Daruhm is a hereditary monarchy ruled by the emperor from Mal Darum. The throne normally passes to the eldest child of the reigning emperor, regardless of whether that heir is a son or daughter. The emperor has the final authority over imperial law, foreign policy, military command and the distribution of resources between provinces.

If there is no clear heir, or if the designated heir is judged unfit to rule, the Council of Dwarves convenes to select a new emperor. The council is formed from influential and respected dwarves drawn from major clans, cities, professions and imperial institutions. It is not a permanent replacement for the monarchy. Its greatest constitutional power is used only when the ordinary succession cannot continue safely.

Daily government is highly decentralised. Each province has a governor and its own officials responsible for taxation, trade, public works and defence. Major cities also have councils which decide local matters and oversee their own administrations. Governors and councils possess considerable freedom as long as they meet their obligations to the empire, although the emperor may overrule their decisions.

This system allows distant parts of Kurn Daruhm to respond to local problems without waiting for orders from Mal Darum. It also gives powerful clans and provincial officials opportunities to favour relatives or protect their own interests. Accusations of corruption and nepotism are a recurring part of imperial politics, especially when appointments, mining rights or public contracts are granted without a clear explanation.

The current ruler, Drogan Ironheart III, has concentrated much of his reign on internal reform. Imperial funds have been used to improve roads, bridges and aqueducts, while a system of public education has expanded access to literacy and basic mathematics. These projects have improved trade and the living conditions of many common dwarves, but Drogan's preference for negotiation and gradual reform has also angered officials who want a more aggressive policy abroad.

Faith

The dwarven pantheon is closely tied to the founding of the empire. Durgadd Fireblessed and Doramin were once mortal rulers who helped unite the dwarven settlements and establish their first laws. Both later ascended and became actual gods. They are therefore remembered at the same time as historical founders, ancestors of the empire and divine beings who continue to receive worship.

Durgadd is the most widely revered of the four principal deities. His temples are common in military settlements, mining towns and districts known for metalworking. Doramin is invoked in courts, councils, treaties and attempts to end conflict. Belrielle's followers are prominent among merchants and mages, while Melkum attracts those who value cunning, secrecy and the less predictable aspects of fire.

Worship is not confined to temples. Families maintain small shrines to their ancestors, guilds make offerings connected to their craft, and soldiers may carry symbols of Durgadd or Doramin into battle. Important tools, weapons and works of art are sometimes dedicated to a deity when they are completed. The principal gods are respected across Kurn Daruhm, although individual cities and clans may also honour lesser members of the pantheon.

Durgadd Fireblessed

All-father and patron of war and the forge. He united the early dwarven settlements and founded the empire before ascending to godhood. His symbol is a fiery hammer striking an anvil.

Doramin

God of peace and order and the son of Durgadd. He established the first laws of the dwarven realm before his own ascension. His symbol is a dwarven face worked into metal.

Belrielle

Goddess of trade and magic, honoured by merchants and arcane practitioners. Her symbol is a coin marked with a magical sign.

Melkum

God of fire and trickery, respected and mistrusted in equal measure. His symbol is a dark cloak, and his followers are known for cunning and the deceptive use of flame.

History

Main article: History of Kurn Daruhm

Early settlements and unification

The dwarves who first settled the region lived in separate communities built around mineral veins, fertile valleys and defensible mountain sites. Mining provided metal and stone, while the surface settlements developed farming methods suited to the local soil. As these communities grew, they established trade routes and alliances with neighbouring dwarven clans, but they did not yet form a single state.

Durgadd Fireblessed rose to power during this period. He was both a warrior and a skilled blacksmith, and many of the weapons used in his early campaigns were said to have come from his own forge. Through a combination of conquest and alliance, Durgadd united the principal dwarven settlements under one ruler. He founded Mal Darum on a central plateau and made it the seat of the new empire.

Durgadd's son Doramin governed differently from his father. He preferred negotiation and ordered rule to constant warfare, and he established the first common laws of the dwarven realm. Provincial obligations, agreements between clans and the authority of the crown were placed into a more stable system during his reign. Together, Durgadd and Doramin created the foundations on which the later empire was built. Both eventually ascended to godhood and became the central figures of the dwarven pantheon.

Expansion beyond the heartland

Kurn Daruhm expanded as its population and demand for resources increased. New mines, roads and fortified settlements brought more of the surrounding land under imperial control. The empire also established the Principality of Herm Tharim in the desert, where valuable mineral deposits were believed to lie. The first settlements struggled with the climate and lack of water, but dwarven engineers constructed irrigation systems that allowed permanent communities to survive. The port of Dhan Buldahr later connected the territory to the rest of the empire.

Expansion into Swanvein came through war rather than settlement. The conflict began over a silver mine claimed by both the dwarves and the human grand duchy. Swanvein launched a surprise attack against the dwarven forces guarding the mine, beginning a war that continued for several years and cost both sides heavily. The dwarves eventually broke the human army in a major offensive and forced the duchy to surrender.

Under the terms imposed after the war, Swanvein recognised the emperor as its overlord, ceded the disputed mine and began paying tribute. The humans retained their own grand duchy and much of their local administration. The city of Coldvein was not destroyed; instead, the dwarves strengthened its roads, defences and trading facilities. Dwarven banners and architectural additions remain visible reminders that the city is now part of the empire.

War of Endless Storms

The most destructive conflict in the empire's more recent history was the War of Endless Storms against the Holy Kingdom of Alyren Shaeras. Elven magic brought powerful storms across dwarven territory, damaging settlements and disrupting roads and supply lines. Kurn Daruhm answered with its own armies and fire mages, turning the war into a prolonged contest between two states with very different military and magical traditions.

General Tavla Ironheart became famous during the war after leading a small force into a fortified elven stronghold. Her soldiers disrupted the defenders' command structure and opened the way for a successful imperial assault. The victory did not decide the entire war, but it made Tavla one of the most respected living generals in Kurn Daruhm.

Neither nation was able to secure a lasting victory over the other. The war ended through a negotiated peace, but it did not remove the religious and territorial disputes which had helped cause it. Border incidents still occur, and both states maintain forces close to the frontier.

Disasters and the present reign

Kurn Daruhm has also suffered internal rebellions, earthquakes and volcanic activity during its history. Its most infamous loss was Dhemuhm, once a major centre of engineering and experimentation. A disaster destroyed the city centuries ago, but its cause remains disputed. Some blame engineers working with forbidden technology, while others believe an earthquake or volcanic event was responsible. The ruins remain dangerous, yet scholars and scavengers continue to enter them in search of lost inventions.

To the northwest, the magical destruction of the Forgotten Kingdom created another long-term threat. The land became a frozen wasteland controlled by necromancers and their undead servants. Kurn Daruhm has sent several expeditions across the border, but none have returned. The imperial court continues to study the region, and rumours of a future invasion have never entirely disappeared.

The reign of Drogan Ironheart III has so far been defined more by reconstruction and reform than conquest. His investments in roads, aqueducts and education have strengthened the interior of the empire. At the same time, generals and officials who favour expansion increasingly argue that Kurn Daruhm has become too cautious toward its neighbours and enemies.

Economy

Mining, metalworking and agriculture form the base of the imperial economy. Clockwork engineering is smaller in scale but important to the empire's technology and prestige. Kurn Daruhm exports metals, armour, weapons, tools and machinery, while importing food, spices, textiles and other goods that are difficult to produce within its own borders.

Mining

The mountains of Kurn Daruhm contain extensive deposits of iron, copper, silver, gold and precious stones. Some mines have operated for generations and have grown into networks of shafts, tunnels and underground chambers large enough to resemble settlements. Waterwheels, pulleys, pumps and specialised machinery are used to move workers, ore and water through the deeper levels.

Many mining clans describe the earth as the mother of life and believe that its wealth should not be taken carelessly. In practice, the need for ore does not always agree with this ideal, but wasteful excavation and the needless destruction of a productive vein are widely condemned. A well-managed mine is expected to remain useful to the clan or city that will inherit it.

The most valuable mineral found in the empire is Gorgonite, a rare metal-bearing mineral with a deep green colour and faint iridescent sheen. It is used in high-quality weapons, armour and specialised tools. Access to productive Gorgonite veins is closely guarded, and control over a new deposit can greatly increase the wealth and political influence of a city or clan.

Mining remains dangerous despite the dwarves' experience. Cave-ins, underground water, toxic gases and hostile creatures all threaten workers. Mines maintain safety procedures and inspect accidents to determine their cause, although standards are not applied equally in every province. The deepest workings of Mirn Torum are particularly rich, but only experienced crews are permitted to enter the most dangerous sections.

Smithing

Armour and weapons made in Kurn Daruhm are traded throughout Erindal. Dwarven plate is valued for its strength and careful construction, while axes, hammers and crossbows are known for remaining reliable after years of use. The most prestigious pieces combine metalwork, gems, engraving and fire magic, making them as much works of art as tools of war.

Most professional smiths belong to guilds or clans which control apprenticeships and enforce standards within their city. These organisations also maintain the military stockpiles of weapons and armour required by provincial forces. During religious festivals, coronations and military commemorations, smiths may be commissioned to produce ceremonial arms which record the names of rulers, battles or honoured ancestors.

Well-made weapons are frequently passed down within a family rather than sold after the original owner's death. Damage is repaired and worn parts are replaced while the history of the object is preserved. This practice has created heirlooms which have remained in use for several generations and carry considerable value even when they are no longer the finest weapons available.

Agriculture

Most farming is carried out in the fertile valleys and on the plains surrounding the larger settlements. Barley and wheat are the principal crops and are used to produce bread, porridge and beer. Goats, sheep and cattle provide milk, cheese, wool and meat. Beef stew made with root vegetables is a common meal in many dwarven communities, particularly during winter.

Hearth dwarves form much of the rural population, although land is also held by temples, clans and urban merchants. Irrigation, stone-lined terraces and careful breeding have allowed the dwarves to make productive use of difficult terrain. Herm Tharim depends on more extensive irrigation works because little can be grown in the desert without them.

Domestic agriculture cannot fully support the empire's growing cities. Kurn Daruhm therefore imports grain, preserved food and products which cannot be grown in its climate. These imports are paid for largely through the export of metal, crafted goods and machinery, making stable trade routes important even to communities far from the coast.

Clockworking

Clockworking is a smaller industry than mining or smithing, but it has a growing influence on both. Dwarven clockworkers produce locks, measuring devices, precision tools and machinery used in mines and workshops. The finest mechanisms require parts made to exact measurements, and experienced clockworkers are respected for patience as much as invention.

Hil Doral is the principal centre of the craft. Its workshops build devices ranging from small mechanical toys to large industrial machines, while its engineering academy teaches gearwork, mechanical design and the construction of automatons. Clockwork golems are used for mining, construction and guard duty within the city, although their cost and complexity prevent them from being common throughout the empire.

Clockworkers closely guard valuable designs. Foreign agents and rival workshops have attempted to steal or sabotage new mechanisms, particularly those created in Hil Doral. Conservative clans also question whether the increasing use of automatons and complex machinery is worth the danger, often pointing to the destruction of Dhemuhm as a warning.

Military

Main article: Military of Kurn Daruhm

The Imperial Army is organised around heavily armoured infantry. Ordinary footmen fight with shields, swords, axes and hammers, and are trained to hold formation in confined tunnels as well as on open ground. Their armour and discipline make them difficult to dislodge, but dwarven armies are generally slower than those which rely on large numbers of light troops or horses.

Crossbowmen provide most of the army's ranged support. Their weapons are powerful enough to threaten armoured opponents and can be used effectively from walls, prepared positions and narrow mountain passes. Crossbow units receive enough close-combat training to defend themselves if the enemy reaches their line, although they are not intended to replace the heavy infantry.

The empire maintains regiments of fire mages usually known as Flame Wielders. They create barriers of fire, attack concentrated formations and ignite enemy siege works or fortifications. Their magic can also deny passages and divide a battlefield before an infantry assault. Sustained use of intense flame weakens the caster, so commanders normally deploy them in short, decisive actions rather than leaving them to fight without relief.

Siege engineers build and operate trebuchets, ballistae, rams and other heavy machines. They are also responsible for undermining walls, reinforcing camps and keeping roads passable for the army. Kurn Daruhm does not field native rifle or cannon formations. Those weapons were invented by the High Kingdom, and the empire possesses only a small number of imported examples rather than the knowledge or supply needed to arm regular units with them.

War-boar cavalry provides the army with a more mobile striking force. The boars are strong enough to carry an armoured dwarf and can remain steady in terrain where ordinary cavalry would struggle. They are used to break weakened lines, pursue enemies and support infantry on rough ground, but are less common than foot soldiers.

Several elite formations have their own specialised roles. Ironclad Warriors carry massive shields and heavy warhammers. They are placed at the front of an assault or used to hold positions expected to face the strongest enemy attack. The Hammerguard use long-handled warhammers and heavy shields during sieges, where they break gates, destroy obstacles and protect engineers working close to enemy walls.

Territories

Most of Kurn Daruhm is divided into provinces governed directly in the emperor's name. Two territories retain separate titles and local institutions because they entered the empire under different circumstances. Both owe allegiance and resources to Mal Darum, but neither is administered in exactly the same manner as the dwarven heartland.

Principality of Herm Tharim

A desert territory settled by the dwarves in search of minerals and greater influence beyond the imperial heartland. Its communities depend on extensive irrigation works, while the port of Dhan Buldahr carries goods between the principality and the rest of the empire. Excavations have also uncovered the ruins and underground chambers of an older civilisation whose magic remains poorly understood.

Grand Duchy of Swanvein

A human grand duchy brought under imperial rule after a bitter war over a disputed silver mine. Swanvein retains its local rulers and human population, but pays tribute to the emperor and surrendered the mine which began the conflict. Dwarven overseers, fortifications and banners are especially visible in Coldvein, an important link between imperial and human trade routes.

Foreign Relations

Krugmurd HordeUneasy trade

The dwarves and orcs have fought repeated wars, raids and border skirmishes. Their present commercial relationship benefits both sides, but old prejudices remain strong and occasional violence continues to threaten the agreement.

Holy Kingdom of Alyren ShaerasTense peace

The War of Endless Storms ended in a negotiated peace rather than reconciliation. The two nations respect each other's craftsmanship and magic and continue limited trade, but religious hostility and border disputes keep their armies close to the frontier.

Forgotten KingdomActive threat

The frozen kingdom is controlled by necromancers rather than a government with which the empire can maintain ordinary relations. Several imperial expeditions have vanished there, and the court is believed to be considering a larger campaign against its undead forces.

Veogon Dark DynastyGuarded neutrality

The wall along the Forgotten Kingdom limits direct contact between the two states, leaving most encounters to take place at sea. Kurn Daruhm remains formally neutral but watches the dynasty closely because of its reputation for dark magic and ruthless methods.

Union of SukeyukiTrade partner

Kurn Daruhm exports high-quality steel in exchange for rare spices and textiles. Rivalries among the Union's shenxiangs have caused political unrest, leading the emperor to dispatch diplomats and monitor whether the conflict could disrupt trade.

Major Settlements

Mal Darum

The imperial capital and seat of the Ironheart dynasty. It was founded by Durgadd Fireblessed on a central plateau and is dominated by the Imperial Palace, dark stone buildings and red-tiled roofs. The surrounding plains support livestock, roads and trade moving toward every major part of the empire.

Bhornholdir

A coastal city divided by a wide river before it reaches the Sea of Storms. Its docks, merchant guild and markets make it one of the empire's principal centres of trade. Bhornholdir is also home to a university, an independent Mage's Guild and districts which differ greatly in wealth and influence.

Mirn Torum

A mountain city built around exceptionally rich but dangerous mines. Its workings produce gold, silver, iron and mithril, but the deepest tunnels contain unstable passages, underground waters and dangerous creatures. The city is also known for weapons and armour made from the ore extracted beneath it.

Khimtaruhr

A fortified northeastern outpost which guards the frontier and controls important overland trade. Its soldiers contend with harsh winters, raiders and dangerous wildlife as well as the risk of invasion. The population combines strong military traditions with crafts and customs influenced by neighbouring lands.

Hil Doral

The empire's leading centre of clockwork engineering and mechanical study. Workshops and factories occupy the lower terraces, while a prestigious engineering academy stands above them. Hil Doral is known for its clock tower, precision machinery and the clockwork golems used in mining, construction and defence.

Dhemuhm

A ruined city destroyed by an unexplained disaster connected either to its experiments or to a natural catastrophe. Unstable buildings, mutated creatures and failing machinery make exploration dangerous. Scholars and treasure hunters still search its laboratories, especially the sealed Chamber of Wonders said to contain the fuel-less blue Eternal Flame.

Important Figures

Drogan Ironheart III

The current emperor of Kurn Daruhm, known as a capable negotiator who usually prefers diplomacy to war. His reign has expanded roads, aqueducts and public education. He also funds historical and artistic projects across the empire.

Tavla Ironheart

A renowned general from Mirn Torum who rose through the army through tactical skill and personal courage. During the War of Endless Storms, she infiltrated a fortified elven position and disrupted its command before the main assault. She remains one of the army's most respected commanders.

Thrain Ironhand

A powerful general who believes Drogan's government has become too passive. Thrain wants the empire to take a more aggressive position toward its neighbours and expand its territory and influence. His military reputation gives these views considerable support within the army.

Drog Stonefist

An influential engineer and architect responsible for major fortifications and public works. He believes the imperial court undervalues his work and lacks a clear plan for the empire's future. Drog and Thrain know of each other's dissatisfaction, but their different ideas about government have so far kept them from forming a common faction.

Related Articles

History of Kurn Daruhm · Military of Kurn Daruhm · Dwarven Pantheon · War of Endless Storms · Principality of Herm Tharim · Grand Duchy of Swanvein