The United Quarry, also known as The Quarry or UQ, is a system of connected quarries originally occupied by dwarves. The United Quarry consists of 17 cities (each of which is a quarry), the seven largest of which handle most trade for the UQ. There are also a number of pods, or small underground townships that are around the tunnels that connect the cities. Due to the widespread nature of the UQ, many quarry cities closely border other regions. The collective population is estimated to be upwards of 750,000 (as of 810SR) and is comprised of creatures of all folds. Dwarves are the most prominent in most cities, and make up 60% of the total population.
In the early days of Onfractus, the first dwarves settled in the quarries with the intention to mine precious metals. However, as the Nobles of the Sky initiated the first common currency around 350SR, the primary trade of the various dwarf populations dwindled. When the various leaders of the dwarves gathered, they decided that banding together would be the most efficient way to bargain against the other means of trade. Establishing a council of each of the leaders of the largest quarries, the United Quarry was formed.
Over the next 100 years, the power of the UQ grew as their shared bargaining brought in a significant income. This allowed for further imports of enhanced tools, and began the process of digging tunnels between the quarries large and small alike. During this process, the first pods were formed as a means of housing workers that were constructing the tunnels, but later were looked fondly upon and used for housing. The tunnel and rail system was completed in 412SR, and the United Tunnels are still seen to this day as the fastest system of travel.
Following the completion of the United Tunnels, the Council of Seven agreed to a system of shared resources. As per the agreement, citizens of the United Quarry would turn their Coin of the Noble Mint over to the Council, and in exchange the Council would make all resources available freely to the people. The Council would also serve as the intermediary of trade with external organizations, and established a strong relationship with the early traders of Wynpeiros - provided of course that airships would never enter the Quarry, nor ever require the dwarves enter an airship.
Around 730SR, the dwarven scientist Bromdamli Anvilbelt discovered the stunning power of electricity and developed the first battery and electric motor. Using a system of lightning rods, he designed and began the implementation of an electric rail system in the United Tunnels. During this process, he trained many others in the ways of electricity and the knowledge became widespread within the UQ. Many other inventors studied his work and began to revolutionize the creation of electric devices in the United Quarry. Other governments have sought after the various electric technologies developed in the UQ, and it has become a major export.
The primary imports and exports of the United Quarry are as follows:
Imports
Water, Fowl, Linens, Books and study tools, Wood and lumber, Exotic trade
Exports
Weapons, Ore, Electric technology, Artisan craftsmanship, Tourism
Trade with the UQ is conducted entirely by the Council of Seven. They established trade relations primarily with the Realm of Wynpeiros and the Meritocracy of the Grand Fountain, and refuses to trade with the Nobles of the Sky directly.