Kretum

**Kretum** is the largest city and capital of the Kingdom of Vatinia. It was first settled by the dwarves in X ad after the beginning of the conquest of the Te’persus peninsula. Its located on the eastern side of the Dardia, a large basin flowing into the Sinus Trumeve Bay. Unlike many dwarven cities which are located underground Kretum is largely build above ground, for Kretum also houses elves of different kind.

## Geography

When first approaching the city from the south the two most notable futures are the city wall made with fine dwarven architecture and the castle named Arguenteus Palatinium on top of the largest hill

### Districts

#### Aurum Palatinium

The Aurum Palatinium or Golden Palace lies on top the largest hill overlooking the Dardia and the harbour. The palace is not made out of gold, but instead out of ordinary bricks. A spectacular sight nonetheless, when first settled it was just a simple fort ontop the hill, but Julianius Vatinius renamed it to the Golden Palace after Aurum Invicta. With this move he used the legacy of the Dwarven Imperium to gain status. The local elves sometimes mockingly call it little Aurum Invicta, for it has none of the glory of the old city not even when the giants plundered Aurum Invicta. Under the hill a great tunnel network can be found, function as an escape route but also as a place where the dwarves feel most comfortable.

#### Undercity

The Undercity is a large series of tunnels spanning under most of the city. Once dug out by the dwarves to silently move patrols and prisoners. Nowadays most of the tunnels are abandoned by the dwarves and now house the criminal enterprises of the city. Some tunnels have been strategically collapsed to prevent criminals and other low life to enter the Aurum Palatinium from below. While other tunnels have collapsed on their one accord, creating informal entrances to the tunnel network.

#### Livia Docks

When continuing sailing north past the Aurum Palatinium, one will see the Livia Docks emerging named after Julianus Vatinius wife. Surrounded by a wall, to make sure no invader will be able to sail in straight into the city. When setting foot on the land someone would think they are in elven land, for many moon elves walk around the docks moving goods. The only hint that any dwarves are settled here is the occasional dwarven patrol.

#### North Town

Ironically it does not lie in the north, but instead is nestled in between the Aurum Palatinium and the Livia Docks. Again surrounded by a thick wall, in this part of town many of the richer dwarven families life. Ones many of their ancestors were officers in the army, now they occupy this part of town. Still granting soldiers for the cities garrison. A few privileged elves life in this neighbourhood too, for some have been convinced by the glory of the dwarven legions and joined as auxiliary forces.

#### Smokegrounds

A poorer neighbourhood which is characterized by the many smokestacks for the many smokehouses. Different kinds of meat but mostly fish are smoked here. Just located north-west of the Livia Docks. Apart from the meat this area is home to the *Hole* a large gap in the corner of the district which was created after a part of the tunnels under the city collapsed on itself. Now the *Hole* functions as the primary way for many to enter the Undercity.