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1. History of Baltun'ia/1. First Age/Key Locations/Kordrumm.md

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+### **Kordrumm: The Seat of the Dwarven Empire**
+
+**Type:** Mountain Fortress-City  
+**Founded:** c. 890 F.A. (expanded into the Imperial Capital under Rangrim in 2700 F.A.)  
+**Notable Features:** The Forge-Temples, The Iron Keep, The Deep Gates  
+**Status:** Absorbed into [[Mountainvale]]
+
+Kordrumm is the greatest of the dwarven cities, a vast underground stronghold that served as the seat of dwarven power for centuries. Originally established as a fortified mining and smithing hub, it was later transformed into the imperial capital under [[King Rangrim the Unyielding]] during the Second Age.
+
+### Structure and Layout
+
+Built deep within the [[Mimfjell]] mountains, Kordrumm is a labyrinthine metropolis, descending through multiple levels carved directly into the mountain stone.
+
+- The Iron Keep – The central palace and former throne of Rangrim, a colossal stronghold reinforced with rune-etched steel and blackstone.
+- The Forge-Temples – Enormous industrial halls where priests and smiths work in tandem, forging weapons, armor, and war machines through divinely inspired metallurgy.
+- The Deep Gates – A series of heavily fortified tunnels connecting Kordrumm to other dwarven strongholds and the legendary Deep Roads, a vast subterranean highway system.
+- The Hall of Edicts – A grand chamber where Rangrim once dictated laws, now a historical relic used by scholars and political advisors.
+
+### Kordrumm’s Role in the Dwarven Empire
+
+During the height of dwarven rule, Kordrumm was the heart of governance, industry, and military power. From here, Rangrim and his successors dictated laws, taxation, and war campaigns.
+
+- Center of Innovation – The city housed engineers and artificers, developing early [[Automatons|automatons]], rune-forged constructs, and advanced siege weaponry.
+- Military Stronghold – The fortress was considered impregnable, with layers of defensive gates, siege weapons, and hidden escape tunnels.
+- Cultural Symbol – To dwarves, Kordrumm represented unity and power, while to the conquered peoples, it was a symbol of oppression and dwarven dominance.
+
+### Decline and Legacy
+
+After the Revolt of the Free Peoples (500 - 600 S.A.), Kordrumm lost its position as the center of the world, though it remained a formidable stronghold. The city still thrives today under the new name of Mountainvale, but its halls are quieter, its forges no longer fueling empire, and its influence overshadowed by the rising power of integrated city-states.
+
+However, many whisper of forgotten chambers and vaults deep beneath Kordrumm, where Rangrim’s greatest secrets remain buried, waiting to be rediscovered.