Kaldenhal
Kaldenhal is a monumental Dwarven kingdom nestled in Northern Regalia, a beacon of advanced steampunk technology and a testament to dwarven ingenuity. Built into the base of the massive, snow-tipped Mount Kurden, which connects to the sprawling Frosthill Alps, the city is a marvel of engineering, boasting extensive tunnels that tap into the richest ore veins. Its formidable walls are crafted from marble, and its roads are of robust stone, all interconnected by a wondrous steam-powered rail system that defines its internal travel.
From a bird's-eye view, Kaldenhal forms a large half-circle extending from Mount Kurden, roughly 4 miles wide and 2.5 miles deep. Its unique layout is tiered into three major provinces, each progressively smaller and higher in elevation: The Cog (lowest and largest), The Gear (middle), and The Rune (uppermost and smallest). Each province houses distinct districts serving its populace.
Kaldenhal operates as a hereditary caste-based monarchy, governed by the King and the Assembly. King Aeodin Runesinger currently rules, chosen from among the noble houses, with the throne typically remaining within the most powerful families. The Assembly, a council of representatives from noble houses and powerful guilds, advises the King and holds significant political influence, playing a critical role in electing new monarchs. In practice, Kaldenhal's government functions as a monarchic oligarchy, with power often contested between the King and a politically factionalized, sometimes corrupt, Assembly, reflecting themes of tradition, inequality, and internal strife.
The city's economy is overwhelmingly dominated by mining. Mount Kurden is exceptionally rich in silver, gold, and various other metals, but its most prized resource is Residuum. This rare and volatile ore, once refined, is essential for creating magical items and is highly sought after by cities across Regalia. The mass refinement of Residuum relies on intricate, steam-powered machinery, making inventors the most valued members of Kaldenhal's society.