Minthal is the capital of the Minthari civilization, a sprawling underground metropolis carved into the heart of the Minthal Range. Hidden deep within ancient stone, Minthal is a city of vast chambers, interconnected tunnels, and towering subterranean forges. As the political, economic, and spiritual center of the Minthari, it serves as both a fortress and a sanctuary, sheltering its inhabitants from the surface world while housing some of the finest metallurgical and engineering wonders in Adaris.
Geography
Minthal is a vast, multi-layered network of tunnels, chambers, and carved-out spaces, forming a labyrinthine metropolis deep within the Minthal Range. The Minthari have sculpted their home directly from the rock, shaping every passageway, cavern, and forge.
Because Minthal is entirely underground, the city's layout is three-dimensional, with tunnels extending upward and downward in complex layers.
History
Minthal’s origins date back to the earliest Minthari settlements. Over time, the city evolved from a series of primitive tunnels into a highly structured metropolis, shaped by centuries of excavation and refinement.
Key historical periods:
The Founding of Minthal – Ancient Minthari first carved the city from existing natural caverns thought to be left behind by the Orasians, creating a sanctuary from surface dangers.
The Era of Expansion – Massive tunnel networks were constructed, connecting Minthal to other settlements and forging routes for trade and mining.
The Age of Industry – The discovery of geothermal energy and refined metallurgy allowed the Minthari to become one of the foremost underground civilizations in Adaris.
Notable Locations
Minthal is divided into multiple districts, each serving a specialized function within the city.
The Grand TunnelsThe Grand Tunnels – Massive arterial tunnels that serve as the city's primary thoroughfares, linking major districts together. These passages are wide enough for entire caravans of goods and workers to travel through.
The Deep Halls – Built from the natural caverns where the first Minthari built their homes. These halls are a densley packed urban district.
The Forge Caverns – Gigantic underground smelting chambers harnessing geothermal vents to produce weapons, tools, and armor. These caverns are lined with natural lava tubes, providing an endless source of heat.
The Flowing Market – A sprawling subterranean bazaar carved into a network of interwoven chambers, where traders exchange goods in winding, tunnel-like stalls.
The Minthal Vaults – A series of deep vaults, where the Minthari store their most valuable resources.
The Council Chamber – A vast, highly secure chamber, where the ruling Minthari leaders gather to govern and settle disputes.
Culture and Society
Minthal is a society built around mining and the acculmation of wealth. As a subterranean species, the Minthari have developed unique customs and a deep connection to their environment.
Communal Work & Craftsmanship – Every Minthari contributes to the city's maintenance, with skilled artisans, miners, and engineers holding high social status.
Isolationist Yet Pragmatic – While Minthari prefer to remain underground, they maintain selective trade relations with surface dwellers.
Economy
Minthal thrives on mining, metallurgy, and subterranean resource management.
Ore & Metal Trade – The city exports high-quality iron, copper, silver, and rare minerals, sought after by weapon forgers and artisans across Adaris.
Geothermal Energy Use – Unlike many surface societies, Minthal relies on lava vents and steam energy, making it a self-sufficient power hub.
Tunnel-Based Agriculture – Specialized mushroom farms, fungus-based livestock, and underground water filtration systems sustain the Minthari.
