Gimion
Gimion is a small, secluded dwarven village nestled in the shadow of the towering peaks of the Dugonak Mountains. It sits upon the crumbling remnants of Kaz’Thumbar, one of the three great underground dwarven cities lost during the Century of Cataclysm. Though the grandeur of the past has faded, the people of Gimion cling to tradition, honor, and the stone beneath their feet.
Time and war have eroded their once-glorious halls into hollow echoes, and now only scraps of platinum, gold, and diamond are harvested from deep shafts and half-collapsed mines. Most of the village’s ancient forges lie cold, and the clang of hammers is a rare sound. But still, the dwarves of Gimion endure.
Demographics
The dwarves of Gimion are fiercely proud of their heritage. Songs of the old city still echo in taverns, and ancient runes are etched into every home. Despite their poverty, the villagers craft intricate stonework and trinkets, keeping the old artistry alive.
Dwarves from across Pharus sometimes make pilgrimages to Gimion to pay homage to the lost glory of Kaz’Thumbar, and to seek ancestral guidance or forge meaningful bonds. However, many of these dwarves do not stay—the burden of life in Gimion is too great for those not born into its hardship.
Government
The village is governed by The Kibil-nâla, a Council of Four Elders, each representing one of the remaining great clans that survived the fall of Kaz’Thumbar. These elders are aged, wise, and stubborn, steeped in ancient custom and resistant to change. Disagreements among them are rare, but when they arise, they are handled through traditional debate rites known as the Voice of Stone—a ritual contest of oration and memory within the old echo chambers.
Industry & Trade
Though rich in heritage, Gimion is poor in resources. The mines still yield small amounts of platinum, gold, and diamond, but production is slow and dangerous. Most of the mining is done by hand, with ancient techniques passed down through generations, and modern equipment is scarce. The gems and metals extracted are often of high quality, making them valuable despite their rarity.
To sustain itself, Gimion trades its mined goods in small quantities with nearby settlements, in exchange for food, tools, cloth, and other necessities. The village is also known for its expertly crafted stone trinkets, rune-inscribed tablets, and finely carved statues, which fetch a modest price in distant markets for their cultural and artistic value.
Additionally, Gimion exports hardy alpine herbs and mushrooms harvested from the upper slopes of the Dugonak Mountains. These are sought after by alchemists and healers across Seradestina. Despite their isolation, the dwarves of Gimion maintain a few trusted trade routes, guarded fiercely by seasoned warriors who remember all too well the dangers of the wilds.
Barter is still a common practice in Gimion, and trade is overseen by a rotating Guildmaster chosen by the Council. Smuggling and black-market dealings are rare but not unheard of, usually occurring when outsiders bring temptation into the village.
Points of interest
- The Glimmerdeep Veins – Collapsing mine shafts where platinum and gold were once plentiful. A few still produce, but most are more dangerous than fruitful.
- The Shardvault – A sealed chamber deep in the ruins said to hold the last treasures of Kaz’Thumbar. Guarded and locked with complex dwarven runes. Some say it's cursed.
- The Stonefire Shrine – A modest underground shrine to Morndin, dwarven god of creation, built from the heartstone of the fallen city.
- The Echohall – A collapsed amphitheater where the Voice of Stone rituals are held. Said to amplify the truth of one’s voice and diminish lies.
