Khazadthur (Kha-zad-tur)

In the depths of Khazadthur, order is as solid as the stone around them. At the apex of power is the Keeper of the Deep, a title symbolizing the link between the present and the past, the surface and the core, and the responsibility of safeguarding Khazadthur's rich heritage and its myriad secrets. The current holder of this title is Drakhar Stonefist, who also presides as the Head of the Circle of the Deep.   The Circle of the Deep is the ruling council of Khazadthur. Its members are chosen from among the most respected and influential individuals in various facets of society, including mining, craftsmanship, defense, lore, and diplomacy. They speak the ancient Deep Speech, emphasizing the reverence for tradition and wisdom in their governance. Each member is called a Deep Sentinel, signifying their role as guardians of Khazadthur's principles and heritage.   Underneath the Circle, there is a multitude of important roles. The Warden of the Walls, stationed at Doruk Dur, is responsible for the defense of the kingdom, especially at the Closed Border. This individual maintains the fortresses, directs the military, and ensures the safety of all Khazadthur's inhabitants.   The Deep Quartermaster, usually based in Ultok Morndin, oversees all mining operations, ensuring a steady flow of precious minerals and resources to support the economy and the crafting of masterwork items.   The Herald of the Open, positioned in Noroth Rune, maintains relationships with external entities, managing trade and diplomatic affairs, and ensuring Khazadthur's interests are represented beyond the Open Border.   Within the central capital, Barak Drukar, you find the Lore Keeper, responsible for the maintenance and expansion of knowledge, history, and deep speech literacy. Also, there is the Master Craftsman, the leading figure in arts, construction, and the intricate workmanship the dwarves are famous for.   Each city has its own Mayor, chosen among its residents to manage day-to-day affairs and report directly to the Circle of the Deep. Finally, the Guildmasters of various professions, ranging from miners to blacksmiths, brewers to gemcutters, help structure society at its base, ensuring every dwarf has a voice and a place in Khazadthur's well-oiled machine.   As they say, deep roots lead to stalwart hearts, and in the layered structure of Khazadthur's society, those roots are truly profound.

The culture of Khazadthur is a rich tapestry woven from deep-rooted traditions, reverence for ancestry, and a hearty resilience born from their enduring, stone-carved existence. At the heart of this dwarven society lies a profound respect for family ties and heritage - a trait as strong and lasting as the very bedrock upon which Khazadthur is built.   Every dwarf's life in Khazadthur is inherently entwined with their kinship ties and ancestral lineage, which can trace their roots back to the founding days of the kingdom. Family history is not just remembered; it's lived, passed down through generations in stories, relics, and shared experiences. The dwarves hold their ancestors in the highest regard, believing their spirits guide them and lend their wisdom from beyond the earthly plane. Ancestors are revered, and their deeds, good or bad, shape the family's honor.   The traditional importance of family and ancestry makes any slight or insult against a Khazadthuri dwarf's family a serious matter, often leading to long-lasting grudges.These grudges aren't easily forgotten and are typically settled through a system of honor duels, arbitration within the Circle of the Deep, or, in severe cases, oaths of vengeance that might span generations. Such is the seriousness of these grudges that they are often inscribed in the Book of Grudges, a tome of disputes and their resolutions maintained by the Lore Keeper.   Despite these grudges, the Khazadthuri people are not a quarrelsome lot. Rather, they are steadfast, dependable, and fiercely loyal - traits instilled in them by their harsh environment. Their lives are filled with rituals and customs, from the Deep Speech blessings given at birth to the commemorative rites that honor their ancestors.   Their work is an integral part of their identity - miners, smiths, artisans, all take immense pride in their craft. The fine workmanship in their art and architecture bears testament to this fact. Mastery in one's craft is not just a means of livelihood, but a source of personal honor and societal respect.   The Khazadthuri people also possess a profound connection to the earth and stone around them. They revere Frystdrasil, seeing the realm as a provider, protector, and an ancestral home that has cradled their civilization for generations. Many of their religious and cultural practices reflect this bond, with regular festivals and rituals dedicated to the honoring of the earth.   In conclusion, Khazadthur's culture is a complex and deep-rooted one, a steady blend of tradition, honor, and resilient pragmatism. It is a culture that mirrors the dwarves themselves - unyielding as stone, warm as hearth fire, and deep as the caverns they call home.

The public agenda of Khazadthur, under the wise guidance of the Circle of the Deep, is embedded in the core principles of honor, ancestral respect, craftsmanship, and stewardship of the earth. Their goals and motivations revolve around the preservation of their age-old traditions, the prosperity of their kin, and the safeguarding of their realm.   Preservation of Heritage: The Khazadthuri dwarves seek to uphold and protect their rich cultural heritage. Every act, every decision taken by the Circle of the Deep has an undercurrent of preserving the customs, traditions, and the ancient language of Deep Speech. They strive to foster a culture where the younger generations feel connected to their roots and are motivated to carry forward their legacy.   Craftsmanship and Industry: Khazadthur is renowned for its exquisite craftwork and industrious nature. The Circle of the Deep works tirelessly to advance their people's mastery in mining, smithing, and other crafts. They are also continually on the lookout for new veins of precious metals and gems to fuel their industry. The prosperity of Khazadthur is measured not in amassed wealth, but in the quality and extent of their crafts.   Protection of the Realm: The dwarves of Khazadthur are profoundly connected to their land, particularly Frystdrasil. Their agenda is greatly focused on its protection, from the safeguarding of its borders to the responsible mining of its resources. Doruk Dur, the fortress guarding the Closed Border, and Noroth Rune, the city on the Open Border, are symbols of this commitment.   Strengthening Alliances: With the Necron Split in mind, Khazadthur is eager to strengthen alliances and foster peaceful relationships with other races of Eastrix. They have taken strides towards diplomatic ventures with Sorashana, and they also look forward to encouraging intercultural exchange to forge a united front against potential threats.   Upholding Justice: Guided by the axiom "Deep roots lead to stalwart hearts," the dwarves of Khazadthur seek to maintain a fair and just society. The Circle of the Deep ensures that grudges are resolved, justice is served, and honor is upheld.   In essence, the public agenda of Khazadthur is a reflection of their cultural ethos - steadfast, industrious, respectful of their heritage, and dedicated to the prosperity and security of their kingdom.