Fermin

Category	Cities
Continent	Brucrumus
Region	Faeglor
Owner	independent city-state
Population	5,000+
Races	Svirfneblin 70% Mîmêk 5% Drow 5% Khazarkar 5% Gradorian 5% other 10%
Founded	25 Hollow 771
Map	Greroch

Fermin was constructed as a fortified outpost to defend the Laughing Hairfoot mines from Underdark raiders and monsters. In the deeper recesses, the halfling owners discovered that Underdark denizens were better suited for mining operations. This was due to the vast expanse of the Laughing Hairfoot mines, with the surface some fifteen miles from Fermin. Many surface miners refused to toil at such remote depths, distant from the open sky. Consequently, Underdark races from Mulun-Dûna and other subterranean settlements were hired to work the lower sections of the mines. Over time, Fermin evolved into a formidable citadel. When the Khazarkar Empire annexed Gholompotl, they began policing and securing the trade routes through Erochel. As a result of this enhanced security and commerce with the surface, Fermin expanded beyond the boundaries of the old fortress, transforming into a more town-like settlement.

The current proprietors of Fermin are the esteemed Shinszelmoggits. This prosperous Svirfneblin clan acquired the settlement when they obtained Laughing Hairfoot from the Urkuzîrs.

Fermin's primary Underdark trade partner is Mulun-Dûna. Goods from Fermin also traverse the passages through the mines and subsequently reach the surface. On the surface, Fermin engages in trade with Barun-Mitân, a city of the Khazarkar Empire, and Nirzanâth, another city of the Khazarkar Empire. Rather than taking the overland route, some trade flows northward to Gholompotl and then ascends into the streets of Nirzanâth.