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--- consolidated:easttelida:holden [2025/06/01 22:59] – [Zorfu] johnb
+++ consolidated:easttelida:holden [2025/08/15 22:30] (current) – [Belarum] johnb
@@ Line 52: / Line 52: @@
 ===== Belarum =====
-Belarum is a Dwarven stronghold set high up in the mountains, accessed via a steep sided inlet and a climb. It is mainly built underground, an acts as a single small town. The dwarves here are not wealthy, but mine and smelt both tin and copper for export as well as a few gemstones such as malachite, azurite, turquoise. It also has the traditional underground caverns dedicated to fungi-culture and Cave Cricket husbandry and a population of about 300 dwarves.
+Belarum is a Dwarven stronghold set into the side of a mountain, accessed via a steep sided inlet.  At the end of the inlet  you will find two stone quaysides -  one houses the Dwarve’s Karve (add Link) while the other is free for visitors – however the water is shallow and the quay is short -  large vessels (even longships) do not fit easily.  There is a short climb up a zig-zag footpath, interrupted by small flights of stairs, making it difficult to storm the font door of the hold.  The doors themselves are flanked by small towers built into the rock face, with just the right position to drop rocks and boulders on anyone foolish enough to attack.
-While they trade with the people of Holden, and export their goods via the markets in The Kapot, the Dwarves of Balarum and followers of Moradin, and are therefore somewhat insular.  However, their military are known for their heavy crossbows,  hand axes and bronze armour.
+There are double doors, a portcullis, murder holes and arrow slits, just in case anyone does get through the outer door, but these are hidden by wooden shutters painted with images of Dwarven industrial expertise, to make it more welcoming for visitors.
+Most visitors come to buy masterwork, or magical weapons or armour, and don’t get beyond a reception and trade area - although there is a bunk room available, should the visitor need to stay over.  Only chieftains, leaders and others of similar importance get invited into the Dwarves feasting hall.  Beyond that, are the Dwarves’ living area and mines.
+The mine mainly exports ingots of Copper, Bronze and Lead.  However, it mints its own coins (mainly copper but some silver and a few gold) and produces enough steel to make some good quality arms and armour.   They supplement their income by exporting the few gemstones (malachite, azurite, turquoise) that they find in their ore deposits.  They mainly import ale, grain, cloth and luxury items.
+Everyone knows that there are other exits higher up in the mountains, although their location is not common knowledge.  They are mainly used for hunting, but there are rumours that the dwarves also trade with some of the less civilised races that inhabit those wild regions.  Underground caverns dedicated to fungi-culture and cave cricket husbandry, give them a rounded diet, with enough of the traditional Dwarven home comforts.  Overall, the mine-hold is estimated to have a population  of about 300 dwarves.
+As followers of Moradin, they are somewhat insular.  They trade happily, and send goods to market on The Kapot, but they are a home loving group, and do not tend to set up permanent homes in ex-pat communities.  This does not stop adventurers going out into the wider world, and (perhaps) stopping for a while – but the intention is always to come home to Belarum, eventually.
+When the Dwarves go to market, it is a formal expedition.  The sides of their Karve are lined with highly polished bronze shields, the Dwarves all wear polished bronze breastplates and helmets – and are armed with heavy crossbows and bronze axes.  They are very impressive – especially when you are close to them, and realise that all of their arms and armour are top quality masterwork items.  Most of the Dwarves are there as rowers and guards, but there is an experienced boat captain, and an officer to handle trade and sales -  although they wear the same arms and armour as all the others.