5001-HârnWorld/3rd Edition/3

Azadmere is the kingdom of the Khuzdul in Hârn’s Sorkin Mountains. Ruled by King Hazmadul III of Clan Tarazakh, the kingdom is centered on the city of the same name but includes most of the mountains surrounding Lake Arain. It was founded more than 7,000 years ago and is the last settlement of Khuzdul on Hârn.

The kingdom is a unique hybrid culture of dwarves and humans. Of the 11,000 total population, 6,200 are human descendants of a few hundred trusted Jarin who were given refuge after the Atani Wars. Most of the humans live around the settlement of Habe, the main source of food for the kingdom. They owe allegiance to Hazmadul’s chief human vassal, Baron Kophar, who rules his barony with little interference from the king. Most other humans live in the city of Azadmere, as do almost all of the Khuzdul.

The city of Azadmere is an impressive walled settlement, with a moat, stout double walls, and prominent round towers. It is really two cities, the Outer City and Inner City. The Outer City lies between Lake Arain and Mount Zaduryn, at the foot of a megalithic cliff with large granite outcrops at its summit known as “the Knives.” It is devoted primarily to human residences and various trades and crafts. The Inner City features extensive chambers and passages carved into the living rock of the mountain. It contains the mines and residences for the Khuzdul, most of whom work in the Outer City. Very few humans are permitted access to the Inner City, notably Baron Kophar, his closest lieutenants, and some local officials.

The high altitude and poor soils are not suitable for growing wheat so the kingdom relies on imported grain from Kaldor to supplement its own crops. In return, Azadmere exports weapons and armour, gems and jewelry, and gold and silver artifacts. The mines of Azadmere produce iron, silver, and gems, and are the major active source of gold on Hârn. The Khuzdul have no formal guild system but various clans have economic rights that amount to monopolies in their chosen crafts.

The Khuzdul have a strong enmity for the gargun that infest the surrounding mountains. In addition to the city’s fortifications, the kingdom includes the formidable fortress of Zerhun. Built into the rugged cliffs overlooking the Silver Way, Zerhun is strategically placed to guard the approaches to Azadmere.

Although a few adventurous or outlawed Khuzdul may be found anywhere on Hârn, the Kingdom of Azadmere has minimal contact with outsiders other than the limited trade with Kaldor. It is deemed a great honor for an outsider to be permitted entry to the kingdom.

= =