The United Commonwealth of Dorgesh-Kaan
Geography
The United Commonwealth of Dorgesh-Kaan, the the oldest dwarven nation, sturdy and proud. It sprawls across a vast and diverse landscape. Bordered by the great glimmering Starfall Expanse sea to the south and The Tides of Old to the east. Dorgesh-Kaan claims dominion over a realm of breathtaking beauty and richness. The nation's backbone is formed by the majestic Ruby Mountains, towering crimson-hued peaks that harbor precious gems and metals.
The Amethyst Mountains, claimed by the western halfling lands of Hillsburrow, mark the western edge of the nation. Lake Kragnir, a crystal-clear expanse in the heart of the Ruby Mountains, supports a thriving fishing industry and feeds the life-giving River Krag, which flows eastward to the Starfall Expanse.
Dorgesh-Kaan's forests are equally impressive, with the Emerald Dominion, a lush, temperate forest in the central reaches, teeming with game and valuable timber. In contrast, the Shadowglen, a dense, mist-shrouded forest in the northeast, whispers secrets of ancient lore. The Golden Downs, rolling hills and grasslands in the southwest, provide ideal grazing lands for horse breeding, while the Kragstedt Valley, a fertile river-delta region, supports intensive agriculture.
The nation's cities and strongholds are testaments to Dwarven craftsmanship. Deephaven, the capital, nestles on Lake Kragnir's shores, renowned for its grand architecture and bustling markets.
Dorgesh-Kaan's climate varies greatly, with harsh winters in the north and mild temperatures in the south. The Ruby Mountains create a rain shadow effect, dividing the nation into distinct climatic zones. This diversity has forged a resilient people, capable of thriving in even the most challenging environments.
National Flag
National Flower
Butterblossom
National Animal
Ironback Mole
Unique to this nation
Sign Language
Due to the nature of mining operations within this region, explosions are often deafening. The miners often use a form of sign language they developed independently amongst themselves. Since the mining communites are abundant throughout the dwarven mountain cities in this region, the other locals have also adopted this language to communicate, even in private to keep their thoughts from prying ears.
Dreamcap Mushrooms
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Capital City:
Deephaven
Estimated Population: 1,201,000
Points of Interest in this nation:
Ruby Mountains
The Ruby Mountains, a majestic range within the United Commonwealth of Dorgesh-Kaan, stretch across the nation's heartland. These towering, crimson-hued peaks harbor ancient secrets, precious gems, and metals. Snow-capped summits give way to lush valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and winding rivers. Dwarven clans have long called the Rubies home, crafting masterworks from the range's rich mineral veins.
Deadrock Cairn
Deadrock Cairn, hidden within the Ruby Mountains, is an ancient Dwarven stronghold shrouded in mystery. This abandoned site lies nestled in a valley of eternal twilight, its entrance guarded by sentinel stones and twin statues of grim-faced Dwarven warriors. Legend holds that Deadrock Cairn was once the seat of the first Dwarven King Kragnir the Undying, harboring secrets of the Ruby Mountains' formation and the Dwarves' earliest history.
Rumors whisper of forgotten treasures, deadly traps, and ancient artifacts concealed within treacherous tunnels and chambers. Flickering lights emanate from the cairn's depths at dusk and dawn, drawing treasure hunters and scholars. Dark forces also seek to claim Deadrock Cairn's secrets, fueling tensions in the region.
Seclude of The Stone King
The Seclude of the Stoneking lies along the rocky beaches of Dorgesh-Kaan's southernmost coast, where the turbulent waves of The Starfall Expanse meets the unforgiving rock of the land. This foreboding fortress-stronghold, carved into the rock, serves as the domain of Lord Grimbul Odensdigg, a brilliant yet mad Dwarven lord. Grimbul's stronghold appears as a jagged, salt-worn citadel, its walls seamlessly merging with the surrounding cliffs.
Waves crash against the rocky foundation, and sea spray perpetually veils the Seclude, hiding a labyrinthine network of tunnels and chambers filled with Grimbul's experiments and obsessions. Rumors whisper of his attempts to harness the sea's fury, awaken ancient sea monsters, and uncover hidden treasures within nearby tide caves. Lord Grimbul's reputation precedes him: brilliant inventor, unpredictable, and prone to violent outbursts.
Goliath Skull Cove
Goliath Skull Cove, a foreboding inlet on Dorgesh-Kaan's southern western coast, is a haunted and lawless haven for smugglers, pirates, and black marketeers. The cove's entrance is marked by a colossal, ancient skull carved melded into the rocky face, its empty sockets staring out to sea. Windswept and treacherous, the cove's waters are said to be cursed, claiming many ships and lives over the centuries.
The ramshackle settlement within the cove operates outside Dorgesh-Kaan's jurisdiction, governed by the ruthless and cunning Council of Black Anchors. Notorious figures like Captain Korga Bloodfist and the enigmatic smuggler, Raven Blackwood, operate in the shadows, trading illicit goods and secrets.
Emberwood Thicket
The Emberwood Thicket, a mystical forest ablaze with crimson maple leaves, lies at the heart of the United Commonwealth of Dorgesh-Kaan. This sacred haven, infused with the essence of fire and earth, nurtures the unyielding spirit of Luminaria's dwarven nation. Located near ancient dwarven strongholds, the Emberwood Thicket's rolling hills, crystal-clear streams and majestic red maple trees create a breathtaking landscape.
Steeped in history and magic, the Emberwood Thicket serves as a sacred site for dwarven rituals and ceremonies. Dwarven druids and wise sages seek ancient wisdom within its flames, passed down through dwarven lore. The Thicket symbolizes resilience, reflecting Dorgesh-Kaan's unbreakable will. Its crimson leaves are rumored to grant wisdom, courage and strength to those who respect its power.
Legend has it that the Emberwood Thicket's flames hold the secrets of Pyropa, goddess of fire. Dwarven ancestors communed with the forest's ancient spirits, forging an eternal bond. To this day, the dwarves of Dorgesh-Kaan honor their heritage through sacred rites and festivals, such as Emberfest, which celebrates Pyropa's power.
Throughout the year, dwarven druids tend the Thicket, maintaining balance and ensuring vitality. On Ancestor's Day, Dorgesh-Kaan's dwarves pay respects to their heritage, seeking guidance from the Emberwood's ancient wisdom. This profound connection between nature, magic and dwarven tradition makes the Emberwood Thicket an integral part of Luminaria's rich secrets.
Hall of Ancestors
The Hall of Ancestors, nestled within the ruby-hued mountains of Dorgesh-Kaan, stands as a sacred testament to the dwarven nation's revered heritage. This ancient site, crafted by the venerable Terrakian stonemasons, honors the esteemed ancestors who forged the Commonwealth. The grand hall's intricate architecture showcases majestic pillars, radiant gemstone mosaics and revered shrines. Here, dwarves pay homage to their forebears through ritualistic ceremonies, seeking guidance and strength from the wisdom of the past. Ancient artifacts, relics and mysterious runes adorn the walls, whispering tales of Dorgesh-Kaan's glorious history and the enduring spirit of its people.
Azure Peninsula
The Azure Peninsula, nestled within the dwarven nation of The United Commonwealth of Dorgesh-Kaan, is unlike any other part of the nation. While Dorgesh-Kaan’s rugged mountains and hearty, stone-hewn cities represent traditional dwarven strength, the Azure Peninsula is a realm where fae have migrated. Here, the fae have integrated seamlessly into the natural environment, creating an enchanted landscape that seems to pulse with otherworldly energy.
Under the influence of fairy magic, the forests of the peninsula are radiant with hues that shift with the seasons. Trees glisten with leaves that shimmer like gemstones under the light, and flowers glow softly in twilight, giving off a natural bioluminescence. Crystalline rivers wind through the peninsula, their waters tinged with streaks of iridescent blue and green, where small sprites and nymphs are often spotted playfully weaving in and out of the currents. The land is freckled by mysterious, glowing crystalline clusters, believed to be ancient fae markings that date back centuries.
For the dwarves of Dorgesh-Kaan, the Azure Peninsula is both a place of fascination and caution. Though they respect the fae’s bond with nature, the dwarves tread carefully through these lands, as the fair folk are known for their trickery and capricious nature. In certain areas, dwarven and fae communities have struck a tentative alliance, with some dwarves even adopting fae charms and symbols as a form of protection and good fortune.
Worldrend Basin
The Worldrend Basin is a vast, 75-mile-wide scar upon the land, carved ages ago by a cataclysmic event known as the Starfall. This ancient impact predates written history and even mortal existence, a time when the gods and primordial forces shaped the world. The Starfall left behind a colossal, bowl-shaped depression that has since transformed into one of Dorgesh-Kaan's most unique landscapes.
Over eons, the crater evolved into a lush, vibrant forest, nourished by minerals from the celestial remnants embedded deep within the soil. Towering trees with iridescent leaves grow here, their roots drawing on the strange, otherworldly energies left by the Starfall. At the heart of the crater lies a pristine lake, its waters an unusual shade of turquoise, often shimmering with a faint, silver glow at night. Many believe this lake holds traces of cosmic magic, and those who visit the Worldrend Basin can sense an ancient, lingering power in its stillness.
Legend holds that portals to other worlds often open unexpectedly within the basin, pulling in any person near by... so adventurers beware!
West Iron Trading Docks
The West Iron Trading Docks, nestled on the western reaches of the United Commonwealth of Dorgesh-Kaan in the mineral-rich Ruby Mountains, are a bustling hub of commerce and industry. Known for producing an astounding one-sixth of the world's iron, these docks play a critical role in Luminaria’s economy. The surrounding region thrives on its lucrative mining operations, where gnomish and dwarven miners work long hours extracting iron ore from the mountain depths, fueling an ever-growing demand for raw materials.
However, this wealth of resources has also given rise to a deep-seated rivalry between the miners and the upper-class elite who control the trade. These wealthy nobles, who profit immensely from the iron boom, have taken to commissioning iron golems as both symbols of status and labor-saving tools. For them, iron golems represent wealth and the pinnacle of crafted magic—a show of power that resonates in every polished, hulking construct they own. These golems perform tasks ranging from guarding private estates to performing heavy labor in less dangerous mines, which has caused an increase in friction among the working class.
The miners, especially the gnomes and dwarves who depend on labor-intensive mining for their livelihood, view these iron golems as a threat. To them, golems represent the gradual replacement of honest workers by heartless, mechanical proxies of the elite. This resentment has even sparked an underground movement: anti-golem campaigns, where laborers organize rallies, craft posters, and raise awareness about the effects of automation on their community. They demand limitations on golem use, arguing that widespread adoption of iron golems could soon push traditional miners out of work entirely.
The situation has become tense in recent years, with growing resentment between the elite and the working class. These rivalries not only shape the political landscape around the West Iron Trading Docks but have also ignited a broader debate on the value of labor, the ethics of magical constructs, and the future of traditional mining in Dorgesh-Kaan.
The Abyssal Veins
The Abyssal Veins of the United Commonwealth of Dorgesh-Kaan (UCDK) represent one of the most breathtaking and enigmatic wonders beneath the surface of Luminaria. These vast underground tunnels are illuminated by radiant veins of aether quartz, a rare and potent magical crystal embedded deep within jagged rock formations. The quartz emits a kaleidoscope of ethereal hues—ranging from vibrant blues and greens to shimmering purples—that bathe the cavern in an otherworldly glow. This natural light dances across the uneven walls, reflecting in the still waters of underground lakes that pool within the labyrinthine tunnels. The atmosphere is electric, charged with latent arcane energy that hums faintly in the air, a palpable reminder of the immense power concealed in the veins. The cavern ceilings are adorned with stalactites that glisten faintly with moisture, adding an air of primal beauty to this subterranean realm. These veins are not only a source of wonder but also a wellspring of invaluable resources for the Dorgesh-Kaan people, fueling their magical innovations and economic strength.
Dwarven ingenuity is on full display within these tunnels, where miners have erected intricate rail systems to transport the harvested aether quartz back to the surface. The tracks extend deep into the heart of the veins, flanked by carefully placed lanterns designed to blend with the quartz’s natural luminescence. Hefty stone pillars reinforce the more unstable sections of the tunnels, while smaller alcoves and chambers serve as temporary workstations or storage areas. Despite their industrious efforts, miners tread carefully in this domain, as the Abyssal Veins are not without their dangers. The arcane energy emanating from the quartz has been known to attract powerful subterranean creatures, and sudden surges of magical energy occasionally destabilize the rock formations. Legends even speak of ancient guardians, elemental beings that rise from the glowing veins to defend the sacred deposits. For the people of Dorgesh-Kaan, the Abyssal Veins are more than just a source of wealth—they are a living testament to the balance between ambition and respect for the mystical forces that shape their world.