Kharaz-Surgoz

The dwarf hold of Surgoz is not the largest, or the wealthiest, but it holds an important place in dwarf culture for its connections and location, acting as a route through an otherwise�treacherous mountain range and as access to Kharaz-Surgoz, The Singing Mountain (named for the rock formations which create otherworldly music in the howling winds), sacred to the little-worshiped dwarf god of music.

In days gone by, the dwarves here were a secretive people, more than happy to deal only with their own kind, and the traditionalists amongst the nobility would much rather it had stayed that way. As it transpired, a young and rebellious heir (for a conservative dwarven hold at least) inherited the throne, and opened Surgoz to the wider world. King Mjothi had nothing but the people’s interests and prosperity in mind - a goal he still places above all others. Indeed, he was willing to sell off his mansion to fund exploratory expeditions into the city’s underlying tunnels to potentially improve infrastructure - the entrenched nobility, however, did all in their power to prevent this, suggesting it would be entirely improper for a king to relinquish his ancestral hall and that he would lose the people’s respect (though their tone implied it was theirs on the line). Outnumbered by his nominal advisors, the king was forced to relent, as he was on many of his proposed edicts. The old guard hold particular sway on Surgoz’s production and business, and there are therefore strict rules on who can trade within the city proper. Until that is no longer the case, it will never be the most welcoming place to outsiders, yet outsiders come nonetheless, and in great numbers.

Surgoz also harbours deeply entrenched suspicions of neighbouring dwarf holds, and rivalries have been bubbling for centuries. Historically, these have been mercantile affairs, for the most part, wars fought with levies and tariffs rather than soldiers. Indeed, representatives from rival cities are positively encouraged to attend the markets which take place outside the city gates (where they can get a good impression of the immaculate and impressive architecture on the other side of the walls, leaving little doubt who is and is not welcome in the nicer, main city). The inner market is reserved for residents alone, and, even then, strict rules dictate who can trade there - any would-be merchant must gain sponsorship, thus lining the pockets of the nobility and spreading their influence further.