Grimhold

The Heart of Stone

Grimhold is more than a city; it is a testament to dwarven ingenuity and endurance. Carved into the living rock of the Iron Mountains, it is a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. The city's layout follows the natural contours of the mountain, with levels cascading down the precipice. At its heart lies the Great Hall, a cavernous chamber where the High King holds court.

A City of Stone and Steel

The architecture of Grimhold is a blend of function and beauty. Buildings are hewn directly from the mountain, their exteriors often adorned with intricate carvings and dwarven runes. Interiors are warm and inviting, filled with the glow of forge fires and the rich hues of dwarven craftsmanship.

• The Upper City: This is where the High King's palace and the most important governmental buildings are located. It's a place of great ceremony and power.
• The Middle City: A bustling hub of trade and commerce, filled with markets, smithies, and taverns.
• The Lower City: Here, the city delves deep into the mountain, housing the mines, foundries, and workshops that are the lifeblood of dwarven society.

Beware the depths of Grimhold. They say ancient horrors lurk in the darkness, and the dwarves know more than they let on.

Life in Grimhold

Life in Grimhold is harsh but rewarding. Dwarves are a hardy people, accustomed to the rigors of mountain life. The city is a close-knit community, where tradition and honor are paramount. Despite the city's imposing exterior, there is a warmth and camaraderie among its inhabitants.

• The Watch: Grimhold is protected by a vigilant watch, a force of experienced warriors dedicated to the city's safety.
• The Guilds: Dwarven society is organized into guilds, each representing a specific craft or trade. These guilds provide a sense of belonging and support for their members.
• The Church of Grimnir: Dwarven religion centers around the view of the Creator as the master smith, Grimnir. His temples are prominent features of the city.

The Heart of the Mountain

Beyond the city's visible structures lies a vast network of tunnels and caverns. These subterranean depths are home to the city's infrastructure, from water supply to waste management. They also serve as a labyrinthine defense system, protecting the city from invaders.

The Guilds

The backbone of dwarven society, guilds represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and expertise. Each guild is dedicated to a specific trade or profession, ensuring the highest quality of goods and services. Membership in a guild is a source of great pride and prestige.

The dwarves of Grimhold are not as united as they seem. There's a power struggle brewing beneath the mountain, and it could erupt at any moment.

• The Miner's Guild: The lifeblood of dwarven civilization, miners delve deep into the earth to extract precious metals and stones. They are a hardy and resilient people, accustomed to the dangers of the underworld.
• The Smith's Guild: Renowned for their skill in crafting weapons, armor, and tools, smiths are essential to dwarven society. Their forges are the heart of the city, and their creations are coveted throughout the world.
• The Engineer's Guild: These dwarves possess a deep understanding of mechanics and machinery. They design and build everything from simple tools to complex siege engines.
• The Runemasters Guild: Masters of arcane knowledge, runemasters inscribe magical symbols onto weapons, armor, and objects. Their work is highly prized and often shrouded in mystery.
• The Brewer's Guild: Dwarves are known for their love of ale, and the Brewer's Guild ensures a steady supply of this beloved beverage.
• The Warrior's Guild: Dedicated to the defense of the city, the Warrior's Guild is composed of skilled fighters and tacticians.

Dwarfhold: Seekers of the Deep

Not quite a guild, but rather a local chapter of the Seekers of the Sundered Sun, Dwarfhold is a secretive organization dedicated to exploring the depths of the earth in search of pre-Sundering technology. These intrepid dwarves possess a deep fascination with the ancient world and believe that the secrets of the past hold the key to the future.

Equipped with the latest dwarven engineering, Dwarfhold expeditions venture into the most treacherous parts of the underworld. Their discoveries have led to advancements in technology and magic, but their work is also fraught with danger. The organization maintains a strict code of secrecy, as their findings could be coveted by powerful forces.

The beer brewed in Grimhold is the best in the world. It's said to have magical properties that grant strength and courage.