The lower sections of Torgaro Mine #12 had just begun to be explored at the time of the Cataclysm[/history]. These lower levels were phenomenally rich in raw gems and ore, with veins and pockets that were each enough to fund a kingdom. After the 30-Year-Winter[/history], the upper sections of the mine were closed off as a memorial to all who had died. But the new Kingdom of Orsholon needed funds to be able to grow. They already had begun work on Torgaro Mine #17 (now known as Orsholon Mine #3) before the Cataclysm. Work began to connect Mine #17 with the lower levels of Mine #12 and build up the wealth of the Kingdom of Orsholon.
Rumors over the centuries since the Cataclysm is that there was a passage from one of the lower levels to Urshalin City. The passage was believed to have connected the mines to massive vaults beneath the city. But these rumors have been unconfirmed to date. Very few have been allowed to go into the lesser explored area of the mines, and in some areas, cave-ins block passage. The cave-ins were likely from seismic activity that occurred in the hours and days after the Cataclysm.
Due to the nature of the cave-ins and location in the mine, access is limited.
Otherwise, alterations include a new entrance to Mine #12 from Orsholon Mine #3. In addition, because the giant mining machinery available before the Cataclysm is no longer operational, ramps and tunnels have been flattened to make hauling ore easier. If the ore comes from above Level 20, it is primarily a downhill run to the mine entrance. Sections below Level 20 are few, and require more effort to bring the mine carts up. This required the addition of beast powered winches which pull the carts up the ramps.
The lower levels (10 and below) of the original Torgaro Mine #12 were being systematically explored by the Torgaro Industries mining operations. A level would be excavated in a straight line into the mountain until a vein or pocket was intersected. At that time, side tunnels would be dug to further excavate the deposits and expanded into rooms if necessary. Levels above 10 had mostly been mined out and rooms had been converted to storage and workshops.
After the Cataclysm, the upper levels became a place of survival for those miners and mine workers who were able to survive the initial blast. Approximately 300 miners escaped harm from the initial aftermath. But with the loss of a power source, ventilation systems ceased operation, there was no lighting beyond torches and candles, and the storage rooms and workshops became living spaces. Levels 3 and 4 were deemed a burial ground, with those storage areas becoming tombs.
When they were finally able to emerge from the mine, it was deemed a memorial site and all the levels above 10 were sealed off to prevent anyone from disturbing the dead. But the levels below were still viable mining targets. The original Orsholon Mine #3 (then known as Torgaro #17) had originally been planned to intersect the lower levels of Mine #12. But miscalculations in the excavation put the mine in the wrong place before the Cataclysm. King Rens Torgaro of Orsholon, was able to work with his team of engineers to determine the error, and find a new way to get to the lower levels of Mine #12 through Mine #17. But without the massive mining equipment of the pre-Cataclysm era, it would take much longer to complete. Nevertheless, once they reached Level 20 of the original mine, they found ways to get back up to Level 10, and sealed it off with massive iron doors. Entry is only available by dispensation from the Royal Family, which has never been granted.
They resumed mining in the lower levels, now known as The Warren, laying new rails for mine cars. The levels below 20 are named The Warren for the way they branch off and follow veins. They resemble a rabbit’s warren that meanders through the rock looking for the next vein or pocket of valuable material.
One particular set of rails leads directly into a cave-in. Buried under massive blocks of the mountain rock, the rails disappear. It is apparent there was a tunnel here. But there is no record of where it led. It does seem to head in the general direction of Orsholon City. If the rumors of a connection that led to the cities vaults are true, then this cave-in is the likely location.
Mined ore now is taken to the mine entrance, and to Orsholon City for processing and extraction under heavy guard. How gemstones are processed is still a mystery, as the raw materials never leave the mine. They are placed in guarded storage rooms within the mine itself.
