Tìodhlaiceadh Uamh (tchee-le-ked oo-ahv)
Tìodhlaiceadh Uamh (tchee-le-ked oo-ahv | burial caves) is a relatively new dwarven settlement located beneath the Stonebarrow Mountains (cladh bharpannan | clowgh bvah-pannen | barrow cemetery) in central Southern Wildlands, from which the Barrow River (itheadair | eek-ed-ere | Devourer) flows.
It was established in the reclaimed ancient city of an independent dwarven society that disappeared around 2947 PL and the eruption of Mount Firebrand.
Originally an assembled expedition crew of approximately 30 dwarves from several uaimhean (oo-av-en) of the Adashe Court, the settlement has attracted further professional interests, adventurous individuals, and various support crews to expand their number to a couple hundred over a few years. The settlement, almost entirely contained within the first filltean (fee-tchen | layer) of the multi-filltean uamh, works to excavate and restore the ancient city, and discover what strange fate befell its people.
Contents
Government
The residents and authorities of Tìodhlaiceadh Uamh all originate from dwarven cities that are members of the Adashe Court. While this new settlement operates independently and is not beholden to the Court's rules or regulations, they do observe the common laws of their original societies.
The settlement itself is run by the small council, a loose collection of trusted representatives that speak on behalf of the people's interests. In such a small and close-knit community, the positions on the small council aren't formally elected, instead being made up of those who are naturally positioned within the community. Anyone can address a small council meeting, and anyone finding themselves doing so with any frequency tends to find themselves included on the council.
Overseeing the council, and thus the settlement as a whole, is Comhairliche (kor-lee-ke | councillor) Fionnlagh, Fionnlagh was placed in charge of leading the initial expedition that brought them to the ruined city, and he has maintained his position of authority so far.
The expeditions, excavations, and reclamation efforts are all lead and governed by the Cumadair (coo-ma-dare | shaper the mystics of dwarven culture, whom have a great affinity for spirits of the earth, and of dwarves both living and dead. Cumadair Torcall was tasked with leading the shaper's efforts in the initial expedition, and brought on his former apprentice Cumadair Sorcha to co-manage the work.
Though the Comhairliche officially has final say on matters of operations, society, and law, it is rare for any dwarven authorities to disregard or operate in opposition to any desires or decisions of the Cumadair.
Society
As with most dwarven communities, the people of Tìodhlaiceadh Uamh are close-knit and supportive of each other. The small population, limited resources and infrastructure, and remote location, have all resulted in a particularly altruistic and sharing community. While they do make use of currency, they are generous with it, and with their prices, at least within the community itself. The most important and far more stringently applied used of currency comes via Air A Lorg (ear-a-lorog | unearthed/found), the settlement's trading company operating out of Baybluff, a trading port located down river.
The settlement primarily grows their own roots and root vegetables, as well as a number of low maintenance herbs and spices, all of which is quite typical of dwarven culture, whose subterranean existence limits options somewhat.
Though happy to work, trade, and socialise with others, the unique burial ground nature of the uamh means that they almost never allow non-dwarves to enter. This is not particularly out of character as there are very few non-dwarven permanent residents in any uamh, though this is generally considered to be more a product of the reality and practicality of life in an uamh.
Technology & Magic
Due to the extremely remote location, the expedition was very limited in what supplies and equipment could be transported. Instead they brought with them the expertise and experience required to establish new infrastructure and supporting industry, and restart or adapt existing opportunities.
With the skills of Innleadair (een-le-dare | engineer) Droghan, the settlement was quickly successful in establishing essential infrastructure, as well as reopening the river inlet and docks, and restarting iron mining and smelting operations in the third filltean, allowing them to trade for other goods and supplies.
The cumadair have a particular affinity for magics of the earth and their spirits, granting them great power and understanding of their subterranean homes. In day-to-day life, the abilities of the cumadair are brought to bear in the form of creating light and heat for the city, facilitating the growth of crops, locating and extracting ore and minerals from the mines, and in the handling of and treating with the spirits of the land and the dead.
Diplomacy & Trade
Tìodhlaiceadh Uamh operates largely independently from its inherent connections to the uamh of the north, primarily out of necessity given the great distances and limited travel options involved. They do infrequently exchange limited updates, information, goods, and personnel.
The only substantial relationship the city maintains within the Southern Wildlands is with the trade port of Baybluff, where they have established their own trading company, Air A Lorg, to sell their goods (primarily raw iron and iron-based goods) and acquire supplies that they do not produce themselves, such as woods and meats.
Air A Lorg almost exclusively ferries goods along the Barrow River, between Baybluff and Tìodhlaiceadh Uamh, and arranges for trades and acquisitions via the other trading companies that operate within the town. There are a small number of dwarves that reside within Baybluff to represent their interests, and maintain good relations.
Geography & Climate
Located beneath the Stonebarrow Mountains, the city has a very stable, cold climate, but one that is easily offset by standard heating methods. The advanced engineering and planning methods of the former residents have ensured that almost all areas remain dry, with all water sources being channelled appropriately for use in various manners, including farming. As is common in uamh, subterranean farms have been established with a combination of channelled water, imported earth, and magically provided light and warmth.
Outside the city, the mountains a stoney and steep, and though a fair amount of excavation and shaping has been done to accomodate external spaces and uses, the land is not naturally accomodating to much supportive life. The lower regions of the mountains are home to many lizards and similar wildlife, while the basalt columns make for excellent roosts for all manner of birds across the full range.
Locations & Landmarks
First Filltean: All current habitation, most industry and agriculture, the main city gates, and access to all other filltean can be found here.
Second Filltean: Excavated and almost entirely cleared, but not in active use. Used for storage and sorting of excavations findings and goods. Similar features and functions to the first.
Third Filltean: Access to iron mines, primary forges and workshops for iron work, riverside inlet docks granting access to the Barrow River. Can be accessed directly from certain points of the first filltean.
Fourth Filltean: Partially excavated and cleared, but subject to some of the worse cave-ins and structural damage discovered so far. Contains a large portion of the city's burial chambers.
Fifth Filltean: Subject of current excavations, currently blocked very early on.
Sixth Filltean: Subject of current excavations, previously barred by a gate, which is unique to all present filltean. Makes use of natural cave systems rather than being carved.
Stairway Chamber: A huge natural cavern utilised for huge alternating staircases for travel between filltean. Also features elevators for same purpose, though only one has been successfully repaired and replaced at this time.
Notable Figures
Innleadair Droghan
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