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 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.
Land and People
Culture and Society
Government and Administration
Faith
Durgadd Fireblessed
All-father and patron of war and the forge. Once a founder of the empire, he later ascended to true godhood.
Doramin
God of peace and order. He established the first laws of the dwarven realm before his own ascension.
Belrielle
Goddess of trade and magic, honoured by merchants and arcane practitioners.
Melkum
God of fire and trickery, respected and mistrusted in equal measure.
History
Economy
Mining
Smithing
Agriculture
Clockworking
Military
Territories
Principality of Herm Tharim
A desert principality developed around mines, irrigation works and the port of Dhan Buldahr.
Grand Duchy of Swanvein
A human grand duchy brought under imperial rule after a bitter war over a disputed silver mine.
Foreign Relations
Long periods of conflict have given way to a useful but fragile commercial relationship.
The peace established after the War of Endless Storms is disturbed by religious and border tensions.
Imperial expeditions have repeatedly vanished in the frozen realm ruled by necromancers.
Contact is limited and the empire treats the dynasty with considerable suspicion.
Steel is exchanged for rare spices and textiles, although unrest within the Union concerns the imperial court.
Major Settlements
Mal Darum
The imperial capital and seat of the Ironheart dynasty.
Bhornholdir
A divided coastal city and one of the empire's principal centres of trade.
Mirn Torum
A mountain city built around exceptionally rich but dangerous mines.
Khimtaruhr
A hardened northeastern outpost guarding the empire's frontier.
Hil Doral
The empire's leading centre of clockwork engineering and mechanical study.
Dhemuhm
A ruined city whose abandoned laboratories still attract scholars and treasure hunters.
