Khrumaz

The High Kingdom of Khrumaz, (Neo-Khuzdul translation: The Everlasting Realm), formerly known as The Karaz Ankor, stands as a prominent Dwarven realm in the Tiberian continent's northeastern mountain ranges in Abexilas. It was founded by the first king Thorgrim "the Mad" Stoneheart and is now ruled by King Vaelis "the Wise" Runehammer (Also known as Vaelis I).
Khrumaz first came to being from migrants of Rathnir and Eldham who were saved by their gods Tokad and Yora and transported to Abexilas after centuries of travelling. Ord Khaz was the first hold these dwarves made followed quickly by the bastion of Vel-Ukaad. Strife struck these dwarves and only barely survived the battles against the greenskins. After this, the dwarves that would form Khrumaz dispersed and isolated themselves in order to preserve themselves in the mountains. It took centuries for them to reform under a common goal and banner. 
They now thrive under the leadership of Vaelis I. Through industrialization and a renaissance of architecture, smithing, and art, the dwarves of Khrumaz have prospered. Their cities bustle while their forged smoke endlessly to further propel Khrumaz into an age of might and innovation. 
== History ==
=== Realms of Khrumaz ===
The Realm of Khrumaz was founded on April 5th, 2024, by Thorgrim Stoneheart, a former King of the dwarves of Rathnir and Eldham. Seeking to establish a sanctuary for his people in the lands of Abexilas, Stoneheart founded the realm and laid the cornerstone for its capital city, Urd-Azhâr. With a population of around 100, Khrumaz quickly became the most populous Dwarven nation in Abexilas and a significant power in the central-north continent of Tiberia. Khrumaz was home to several holds, each with ambitions to establish their strongholds within its borders. The realm spans three impressive mountain ranges, providing a rugged yet picturesque backdrop to its landscape. 
As Khrumaz expanded, it attracted more dwarves seeking to align themselves with its growing influence. In a gesture of goodwill and strategic foresight, Thorgrim Stoneheart granted the northernmost mountain range to the Ariefel dwarves as a vassal state, solidifying an alliance that strengthened the realm's unity and solidarity. Many Dwarves flocked to the banner of Khrumaz in the early period of it's history. 
File:Flag of RK.jpg|Former flag of Khrumaz
File:Map of Khrumaz.png|Former lands of Khrumaz
==== Strife between the Uzbad and Council ====
Following the decision to cede the northern mountain range to Maecenia, tensions arose within the realm of Khrumaz. The Uzbad (Neo-Khuzdul for "King") and Council found themselves in disagreement over this matter, as it brought unforeseen challenges and strategic implications as well as the loss of an entire mountain range (which had already been settled by Dwarves). High King Thorgrim Stoneheart claimed he had no choice, and that he had to cede the northern mountain range to Maecenia, though there stands little to no evidence that Maecenia had any actual valid claim to the land, especially considering the Dwarves of Ariefell had already settled the mountains before Maecenia had. This decision, made without consulting the Council or the Dwarves of Ariefell who lived there, created internal tension within the realm between Stoneheart and the Council and Ariefell. Consequently, the Council unanimously voted to remove Stoneheart from his position as King of Khrumaz, caused by Stoneheart beginning a vote to see if he would remain Uzbad. In retaliation, Stoneheart declared the dissolution of the Realm, severing all former political ties with its neighboring realms. This declaration left the once united holds isolated and vulnerable. Following this, an influx of settlers from Maecenia and other nearby nations flooded into the former region of Ariefell, prompting many Ariefell Dwarves to flee in search of refuge in distant lands due to their home being given away. 
=== The High Kingdom of Khrumaz ===
After the supposed abolition of the "Realm of Khrumaz" according to the Mad King, the country's high council proclaimed the establishment of the High Kingdom of Khrumaz, with the former councilors assuming the role of thanes in the new nation and appointing Vaelis Runehammer from amongst the thanes to be the new Uzbad of Khrumaz. The new government decided to transfer valuable assets from the city of Urd-Azhâr to the Hold of Goldfield, ensuring their safeguarding and future prosperity within the realm. The nation thrived under Vaelis I "The Wise" Runehammer and his new administration. With him, he brought peace and structure, bringing more Dwarves into the fold and political stability on the global stage. Projects such as the Urd-Azhâr construction project, further development of Durag'Aban, and population growth across Khrumaz are credited to his new government style. 
=== Partnership with Castanor ===
After the establishment of the High Kingdom of Khrumaz following Thorgrim's dissention into madness and his attempted dissolution of the country, the dwarves under "Vaelis I" needed allies to establish security. The Uzbad sent out messengers to many of the Northern countries and received answers from very few. However, one country which did was Castanor. They found similar interests in maintaining balance on Tiberia while promoting trade and friendship between the northern continents. They would sign an Full Military Agreement soon after and establish formal ties to each others countries.
Despite this, threats from across Tiberia push Khrumaz ever further into insecurity. Their military was small and uncapable of fending off those that would like to see its borders crumble. As a result, on May 21st, 2024, Khrumaz announced its agreement with Castanor to become a Vassal under them. In order to maintain its protection while gaining more friends in Tanraugh, the dwarves of Khrumaz gave up their full, unequivocal independence for the sake of their longevity. 
Since the Khrumaz-Castanor Vassalization Treaty was signed, Khrumaz has managed to establish many new alliances in Tiberia and Tanraugh.
== Government ==
The United Holds of Khrumaz are primarily governed by the High King/Queen, also recognized as the Uzbad, which is currently led by Vaelis Runehand (Chrisothic). The chancellor and Council serve as the sovereign's advisors and envoys.
The Uzbad possesses the authority to appoint a High-Thane to aid in governance. Typically, the High-Thane is chosen from the different Thane's of the different holds a position on the Council upon nomination. Both within and beyond Discords, the High-Thane assumes a secondary leadership role.
In the absence of the Ruler, the High-Thane and Council members wield the power to administer the faction. They execute their will, aid newly arrived dwarves in their survival endeavors, and manage foreign affairs to the best of their capabilities. As esteemed and esteemed dwarves of the nation, they are tasked with assisting in the governance of the Dwarves of Khrumaz. Moreover, the Council enhances avenues for contacting the UHK government, as its various members are available at different times of the day.
== Major Holds ==
* Ord-Khaz - The current Thane of Ord-Khaz is Durin Blackhammer.
* Goldfield - Carved inside the cliffs near the the shores of Lake Kheled-Záram, Goldfield emerged as a beacon of hope following the confiscation of loot from the former capital Urd-Azhâr after the Strive between Uzbad and Council. Strengthened by the resources acquired, the city surpassed any other dwarven stronghold, growing both in size and might making it a pivotal hub within the Realm of Khrumaz. Byond its economic dominance through the sale of honeycomb and building materials, the city's bustling marketplaces hum with activity as merchants haggle over precious goods from distant lands, while the clang of anvils echoes through the labyrinthine tunnels of its industrial might. The current Thane of Goldfield is Findal Taerinxoth.
File:Goldfield1.png|Goldfield
File:Goldfield2.png
*
* Thulun Rabat - The current Thane of Thulun Rabat is Waffgard Syrupbeard.
* Urd-Azhâr - The seat of the Uzbad, and holy city of the Ankora, Urd-Azhâr is the beating heart of Khrumaz. It is a testament to Dwarven achievement and strength, and is one of the most ambitious building projects in Khrumaz. Urd-Azhâr is also the seat of Clan Steamhammer and the centre of innovation and technology. The local Cult of Vari is very present in this hold. The current Thane of Urd-Azhâr is Bavor Hammerfist.
* Durag'Aban - Nestled in the mountains east of the holy Urd-Azhâr lays the ancient White Keep of Yora, Durag'Aban. It is the library of the East, and the original hold of the King's clan, Clan Runehammer. The hold is the center of Dwarven learning and Ankoran religion in Khrumaz, holding the national archives and main temple of the Ankora. It is a place of ancient knowledge and magicks from the old world, where the scribes of Khrumaz write their tales and document history. It is where the Second Vakir gave his first preaching, and where the Second Vakir would decide to be entombed in Urd-Azhâr. The current Thane of Durag'Aban is Vaelis Runehammer. 
* Dorn Khazrak - Dorn Khazrak, also known as the Fortress of Iron or the Gate of the South, it stands as a fortress by the Long River for all Dwarves. The current Thane of Dorn Khazrak is Furin Hammerhood.
* Vel Ukaad - The first hold that was established by the Dwarves after the Great Voyage that brought them to Khrumaz, it stands as the oldest hold in Khrumaz. It was the site of a great battle between the Khrumazi Dwarves and savage Orcs of the North. Now all that are left of the graves of the Dwarves who died, though the Orc tribes were smashed into a thousand pieces, the Dwarves lost many Kin that day. The current Thane of Vel Ukaad is Kili Silverfoot.
== Culture & Language ==
The nation is overwhelmingly Dwarven in culture, due to the mountainous enviornment combined with the nature of the founding of Khrumaz. It has become a haven for Dwarves across the world who seek safety from persecution and genocide, as many Dwarves have often faced.
Neo-Khuzdul is taught in schools, alongside Traveler's Tongue. Neo-Khuzdul is an new version of typical Khuzdul, as well as a blend of Torum & Mallean Khuzdul, and other Dwarven languages. The Durnic language is rarely spoken or understood, though it varies from clan to clan due to not all of the clans hailing from that specific area of the Old World . Neo-Khuzdul was the easiest language for the various clans to understand and speak (as it was a common root language for many Mountain Dwarf languages), and it stuck as the national language. While some may speak the tongue of their ancestors, all speak Neo-Khuzdul. Traveler's Tongue is taught to Khrumazi Dwarves after they learn Neo-Khuzdul as a way of communicating with the people dwelling in the Lands of the Sun, or what is known as the surface world. WIP
Khrumazi food is comprised of mainly earthy foods such as grains, potatoes, and mushrooms. Old Khrumazi cuisine was quite limited as they had a limited access to foods and spice but with the prosperity that has appeared under the rule of Vaelis I "The Wise" the dwarves have had the ability to import foodstuffs such as meat, rice, etc. they have also discovered many different spices from the far reaches of the world. There is more information on the foods of the dwarves in the Cookbook of Khrumaz by Dagur Grudgebearer.
Dwarven music usually has a choir of deep-voiced singers singing in a reverberating, often somber tone. The dwarves native to the lands of Khrumaz practice a form of throat singing. This technique involves producing multiple tones at the same time by manipulating airflow through the throat, mouth, and chest, resulting in a layered sound, with a deep, droning base note along with one or more resonant, higher-pitched notes.
== Religion ==
Freedom of religion is present in Khrumaz, though the majority of people believe in Ankora, while a small minority believe in Tokora. Both are Dwarven faiths, with Tokora being a remnant from Rathnir and Eldham. The Tokoran believers are significantly fewer in number than their Ankoran Kin, and cling to the ways of the Old World tighter than the Ankoran believers. There is no animosity between the two groups, as all Dwarves see each other as Kin. Ankora is a branch-off religion from Tokora, with similar beliefs, making the two groups have a brotherly relationship. Ankoran traditions are extremely prevalent throughout Khrumaz, with the Ankoran star being a common feature throughout the cities of the Dwarves. 
== Clans ==
Clan Runehammer - A result of a union between a Dwarf from Clan Ironhammer (descendants of Sueyuet Dokam, who was one of the first of Clan Ironhammer) and a Dwarf from Clan Runehand (descendants of the royal line of Ondahstal, known as House Ondas-Cyrii) six generations from the current day. Clan Runehammer is a clan of artisans, writers, smiths, and builders, laboring away at great works and many weapons in their hold East of Urd-Azhâr. They seek to preserve their ancient past, as well as the histories, relics, and works of the Dwarven people that survived the destruction of the Old World for many generations to come. They are the home clan of High King Vaelis I Runehammer, and their hold manages the national archives in Durag'Aban. 
Clan Harad
Clan Hammerhood - Once united as a single force, Clan Hammerhood is now fractured like shards from the heart of the mountain. One faction, the Wayfarers, ventured far and wide, seeking companionship in foreign lands. Unlike their other kin, whom were tethered to stone and flame, we embraced the wanderlust that flows within us. Antyle Furin, son of Brummor Hammerhood, stumbled upon an ancient stronghold Furin called HammerDeep, sparking conflict among the entirety of Clan Hammerhood. This strife tore the clan apart. As the shadow of doom cast its pall over their halls, Clan Hammerhood were compelled to abandon our home. Yet, amidst their trials, this main faction of Clan Hammerhood found solace amongst their distant kin in Khrumaz, where the fires of the forge burn bright and the bonds of fellowship endure stronger than ever before. After the Founding of Dorn Khazrak, they settled into their new hold of Dorn Khazrak, where lord Furin Hammerhood reigns in his halls of stone.
Clan Goldfield 
Clan Blackhammer
WIP
Ord-Khaz
Clan Steamhammer - Clan Steamhammer traces its roots back to the early days of the dwarven kingdom, founded by the blacksmith and engineer, Bavor Hammerfist. The Steamhammers were a group of visionaries who saw the potential of combining traditional dwarven metallurgy with emerging steam-powered technology. Their innovative spirit and unwavering dedication laid the foundation for what would become one of the most influential clans in Dwarven history.  Under the leadership of Bavor and his descendants, Clan Steamhammer was instrumental in the construction of the magnificent capital city, Urd-Azhâr. Carved deep into the heart of the mountain and fortified with the strongest metals known to Dwarfkind, Urd-Azhâr stands as a testament to the clan's unparalleled craftsmanship and engineering prowess. Residing in the grand halls of Urd-Azhâr, Clan Steamhammer serves the reigning monarch with unwavering loyalty. Their clan-hall, an awe-inspiring structure of iron and stone, is the epicenter of technological advancement within the kingdom. Here, amidst the hum of steam engines and the clang of hammers, the clan's brightest minds and most skilled hands work tirelessly to develop new technologies that ensure the kingdom's prosperity and security.rom steam-powered machinery that revolutionizes mining and agriculture to sophisticated weaponry that bolsters the kingdom's defenses, every technological marvel that emerges from their clan hall enhances the lives of their fellow dwarves. Despite their forward-thinking nature, Clan Steamhammer holds a deep respect for dwarven traditions. Their motto, "Where Steel meets Steam" encapsulates their philosophy. They believe that progress should not come at the expense of heritage and that true innovation is achieved by building.
Category:Dwarves
Category:Norvinia