Khazmodan¶
Khazmodan is the largest known dwarven city in Arkhaven.
The city is constructed within the tallest mountain of the south-eastern ranges and functions as one of the major political, industrial, and engineering centres of the continent.
Most of the city exists beneath the mountain itself.
Only the outer gates, defensive terraces, upper towers, and trade districts are visible from the surface.
Overview¶
Khazmodan is widely regarded as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Lazuril.
The city is known for:
- Deep excavation networks
- Large forge complexes
- Stone engineering
- Metalworking
- Archive halls
- Tunnel infrastructure
- Defensive architecture
- Guild administration
Its population is predominantly dwarven, though foreign merchants, engineers, scholars, and diplomats are common within the upper districts.
Structure¶
The city extends vertically through multiple layers within the mountain.
Upper levels are associated primarily with:
- Trade
- Diplomacy
- Surface access
- Markets
- Military defence
Lower levels contain:
- Forges
- Reservoir systems
- Archive chambers
- Tomb halls
- Mining infrastructure
- Noble districts
- Restricted excavation zones
Several deeper districts are sealed or only partially mapped.
Industry¶
Khazmodan is one of the largest producers of worked metal, stone, engineering equipment, and forged goods in Arkhaven.
The city exports:
- Weapons
- Armour
- Structural stone
- Precision tools
- Mining equipment
- Mechanical systems
- Architectural expertise
Dwarven guilds based within Khazmodan hold considerable economic influence throughout the continent.
The Deep Roads¶
Khazmodan is connected to multiple subterranean trade and transport networks collectively referred to as the Deep Roads.
These routes connect:
- Mining colonies
- Fortress holds
- Trade halls
- Tunnel junctions
- Ancient excavation zones
The oldest routes extend far beneath the known surface kingdoms.
Government¶
Political authority within Khazmodan is divided between noble houses, guild structures, engineering authorities, and ancestral institutions.
Guild influence is particularly strong.
Major guilds often control:
- Forge operations
- Mining rights
- Tunnel maintenance
- Trade contracts
- Structural engineering
- Coin minting
- Resource distribution
Reputation¶
Khazmodan is generally regarded as one of the safest major cities in Arkhaven.
Its gates, tunnel systems, and defensive structures are considered extremely difficult to breach.
At the same time, the city is also associated with deep excavation, restricted lower chambers, and ancient subterranean structures whose origins are not fully understood.
Current Status¶
Khazmodan remains one of the most influential dwarven powers in Lazuril.
The city continues to expand deeper into the mountain and surrounding tunnel systems.
Some scholars believe its lower excavations may eventually uncover structures or regions older than recorded dwarven history.