The Great Cities of Ristagarhd

Khaz-Ristagar (Capital City)

Role: Political and cultural heart of the kingdom

Architecture: Vast vaulted halls, titanic stone pillars, glowing crystal chandeliers, rune-carved walls

Description: Khaz-Ristagar is a city carved from a single mountain’s core. Entire districts are stacked vertically, connected by ramps and lifts. The High Forge, Council Vault, and Ironbeard Hall are located here. The city glows with warm amber light from enchanted crystals embedded in the stone.

Emberdeep

Role: Industrial and forging city

Architecture: Lava channels, forge-halls, iron bridges, basalt structures

Description: Built above a magma vein, Emberdeep houses the greatest forges in Gorthoria. Weapons for Stonehall, tools for the Nomad Lands, and ornaments for Silverymoon are all born here. The air is hot, loud, and alive with sparks.

Gemspire

Role: Trade, wealth, and craftsmanship

Architecture: Polished stone, gemstone inlays, reflective halls, vaulted markets

Description: Gemspire is a city of wealth and beauty, where gems are not merely traded but used architecturally. Walls shimmer with embedded crystal veins, and the Grand Exchange Vault regulates inter-kingdom trade.

Cogmere

Role: Innovation and invention

Inhabitants: Predominantly gnomes

Architecture: Layered platforms, rotating halls, brass pipes, steam vents

Description: Cogmere is in constant motion. Bridges retract, walls rotate, and entire neighborhoods can reconfigure themselves. Many of Gorthoria’s most advanced mechanical wonders originate here.

Deepward

Role: Military bastion and underdark defense

Architecture: Narrow choke corridors, kill-zones, reinforced adamantine gates

Description: Deepward lies at the lowest known depths, guarding against subterranean horrors and ancient threats. It is manned by elite dwarven soldiers who rarely see the sun.