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Bhel Kurzum

Bhel Kurzum - A dwarven city carved into the walls of an ancient volcanic chimney

Population: 67,000

Bhel Kurzum is carved into the walls of an ancient volcanic chimney, with multiple levels of chambers and workshops built into the circular stone walls around the central shaft. The Great Bellows system channels cooled air throughout the city, making the volcanic heat manageable for habitation while still providing the intense temperatures needed for master-level forging.

The city operates on six distinct rings stacked vertically around the central space, from the sacred Heart-Forge at the bottom to residential areas higher up where the air is cooler. Traditional dwarven smithcraft on the upper levels coexists with duergar arcane innovation in the deeper chambers, creating both prosperity and tension as efficiency competes with tradition.

Districts

Heart-Forge Ring: The bottommost level surrounding the eternal flames blessed by Jhormun. Traditional dwarven smiths work at stations carved directly into the volcanic walls, using the intense heat for the most demanding metalwork. The Great Bellows channels air currents here to keep the temperature workable while maintaining forge intensity.

Foundry Ring: The production level where apprentices and journeymen create everyday goods using steam-powered hammers and controlled volcanic heat. The Great Bellows system provides steady airflow that regulates temperature while allowing efficient mass production of tools, weapons, and trade goods.

Learning Ring: The duergar academy level where arcane techniques blend with metallurgy. The Deepforge Academy occupies chambers carved deeper into the volcanic walls, using both natural heat and magical climate control to create optimal conditions for research and advanced crafting.

Merchant Ring: The trading level near major entrances where foreign merchants conduct business. The Great Bellows keeps this area at comfortable temperatures for extended negotiations, while storage chambers use both natural cooling and magical preservation for temperature-sensitive goods.

Rookery Ring: The residential level where families live in chambers carved into the chimney walls. Stone balconies overlook the central shaft, and the Great Bellows ensures comfortable living temperatures while providing warmth during cold mountain seasons.

Crown Ring: The uppermost level housing administrative offices and guest quarters where the air is coolest. Diplomatic meetings and formal ceremonies take place here, with the Great Bellows providing gentle circulation that maintains comfortable conditions for extended gatherings.

Key Features

The Heart-Forge: The sacred central forge with eternal flames blessed by Jhormun, where weapons and tools forged here gain enhanced durability and effectiveness against supernatural threats. Only works completed at the Heart-Forge qualify for the city's master certification, commanding premium prices throughout The Crescent.

The Great Bellows: The massive air circulation system that makes the volcanic city habitable by drawing cool mountain air down through the central shaft and pushing heated air up through side vents. This constant airflow keeps living areas at comfortable temperatures while maintaining the intense heat needed for master-level forging work.

The Deepforge Academy

Deepforge Academy - Underground chambers carved from volcanic rock for magical training

The Deepforge Academy is a prestigious duergar institution housed within Bhel Kurzum's Learning Ring. Specializing in Abjuration and Evocation magic, the academy combines arcane techniques with traditional metallurgy in ways that make some dwarven traditionalists uncomfortable.

Specialization: Protective wards and elemental magic

Notable Features: Deep volcanic chambers, rigorous entrance exams, secretive research projects

Key Faculty: Archmage Durrok (academy leader), Evoker Bryndra (fire and lightning), Warden Thrain (defensive wards)

The academy's graduates are highly sought after for creating magical protections and enhanced weapons, though their methods remain controversial among traditionalist smiths who prefer purely mundane techniques.

Regional Characteristics

Bhel Kurzum serves as The Crescent's primary source of high-quality weapons, tools, and magical items through its unique combination of traditional dwarven craft and duergar arcane innovation. The city's volcanic forges produce Heartforge Steel and enchanted weapons that command premium prices across all settlements, while their deep knowledge of metallurgy and protective magic makes them essential for maintaining and repairing critical infrastructure.

The city prefers loose confederation in the Five Councils system, valuing independence that allows both traditional and innovative crafting methods to flourish without external interference. This political stance stems from hard-won experience balancing competing approaches within their own community—dwarven traditionalists and duergar innovators have learned to coexist profitably despite philosophical differences about sacred versus efficient production methods.