Ku'boran Tunnel

The Ku'boran Tunnel, also known as the "Dwarven Artery," is a monumental engineering feat that spans 180 kilometres beneath the northern reaches of the Confederation of Haystan. This remarkable underground passage connects the frigid North Burn with the more temperate regions of the Confederation's core. It serves as a crucial trade route and a vital link for both commerce and communication between the two vastly different environments.
== Description ==
The Ku'boran Tunnel is a colossal underground passage, characterized by its vast, stone archways and well-maintained infrastructure. The tunnel's walls, ceilings, and floors have been meticulously carved and smoothed, ensuring the safety of travellers and the efficient movement of goods.
Throughout the tunnel, softly glowing crystals are embedded in the walls, providing a natural and soothing source of illumination. These crystals have become a symbol of the local dwarves' craftsmanship and their mastery of subterranean environments.
At the eastern and western entrances, formidable iron gates and defensive towers guard the tunnel's access points, ensuring the safety and security of those who pass through. Siege equipment, ingeniously designed by the dwarves, is strategically positioned to deter potential threats.
Within the tunnel, three settlements have developed:
====== Ostborgang ======
Located at the eastern entrance, Ostborgang serves as a bustling trade hub where merchants and travelers from both the North Burn and the Confederation converge. The settlement is known for its thriving marketplaces, offering a wide variety of goods from both regions.
====== Fernborgang ======
Positioned at the western entrance, Fernborgang is a defensive stronghold overlooking the tunnel's exit. It is the first line of defense against any potential threats from the Confederation's side and is equipped with advanced fortifications and military garrisons.
====== Ku'boran ======
Nestled roughly in the middle of the tunnel, Ku'boran is a thriving dwarven hold that serves as the heart of the tunnel's operations. It houses the skilled miners, engineers, and artisans responsible for maintaining and expanding the tunnel. Ku'boran is famous for its grand underground halls adorned with magnificent dwarven craftsmanship, showcasing intricate stone carvings, sturdy ironwork, and stunning crystal formations.
The Ku'boran Tunnel stands as a testament to dwarven ingenuity and resilience, fostering unity and prosperity between the Confederation of Haystan's diverse regions. It has become an essential lifeline for trade, culture, and cooperation between the frigid North Burn and the temperate lands of the south and east.
== History ==
The Ku'boran Tunnel's construction began around 300 AtS, a time when the Confederation was experiencing rapid expansion into the northern territories. The need for a secure and reliable passage to the treacherous North Burn became apparent as the trade routes over the hills and mountains were frequently disrupted by harsh weather and dangerous creatures. A group of determined and skilled dwarven miners, led by the legendary tunnel master Borin Stonebeard, took on the daunting task of excavating the tunnel.
Over several generations, the dwarves toiled tirelessly, overcoming countless obstacles in the process. They had to contend with freezing temperatures, shifting tectonic plates, and formidable rock formations. The tunnel's construction was slowed by these challenges, but the dwarves' unwavering determination drove them forward.
The dwarves also discovered a network of underground rivers and caves, which they incorporated into the tunnel's design, allowing for easy access to fresh water and additional potential trade routes.