The Lost Forge of Mor Dalan

Heat blazed out of the forge where metals ran pure in their molten forms before being masterfully crafted into great weapons, armor, or anything that could have been thought of. This type of intensity drew people, called out to them, compelling them down into the earth where it lay. Stone and metal combined to create a fortress to house the forge and its people, defenses were built as many peoples tried to claim the forge for their own. The warmth was a place many called home but it would not last forever, no one can knows how the incident began or how if it was an accident but the fatal day came; the fortress that protected became the key instrument in the people demise. The explorers that came out alive whisper tales that tug away their sanity, shadows encased in metal and obsidian. While the forge is now believed to lie dormant with none willing to tempt its halls, some know better. The forge's heart beats on beneath the Fields of Mor Dalan.

Purpose / Function

The forge was created in its location under the Fields of Mor Dalan due to the prominence of metals, rare stones, and natural heat source which helped light the forge and keep it at a good heat. Soon master smiths flocked to the location to practice their art and the forge became the supplier for most of the needs in the country. After it became popular the connected fortress became the home for many.

Alterations

Expansions around the forge for rooming, cooking, bathing, and defenses.

Architecture

Vesicular Basalt, which is a dark stone that only combines in large chunks. Basalt is also a very porous stone because it cannot naturally connect allowing water to seep through easily. Many rooms have wooden features to warm the area and make it more livable. Glimmering metal veins trace through the fort.

History

During the Age of Demons the forge was first discovered as the races tried to hide/run away from their aggressors. A naturally hot cavern, surrounded by obsidian and ore, underneath The Fields of Mor Dalan provided shelter and respite from the demons wreaking havoc above. The interior was first smoothed out and crafted by its original asylum seekers, Goliaths and Humans. They crafted many hidden entrances and exits so to decrease their chances of being found when they had to emerge for food. A water collector was built into the ceiling to filter the rain water that dropped through the ground. As resistance rose against the demons The Forge became a serious supplier of weapons and armor. Other kin arrived seeking shelter or to help in the smithing and soon various rooms and attachments were dug out. Defenses had to be installed to ward of the enemies and perhaps a little bit of cave madness infested some of the architects as the Forge began to take on new shapes, dead ends placed in, secret rooms, and perilous traps.

After The Banishing the forge slowed down in production, adding no new rooms or corridors neither. Many kin traveled to The Forge having heard tales of its amazing furnace and properties. Goliaths and Humans were still the majority of inhabitants and would be until its ruin. Everything was going smoothly, blacksmiths brought their families to live in The Forge with them, people were fed, bathed, sheltered, orders for smithed goods were worked on and shipped out. The constant pounding of The Forge beat everyday, not out of the ordinary. Then came the fateful day.

No one truly knows what happened some theorize that one kingdom wanted to gain power over another and sent a spy in to destroy The Forge and something went catastrophically wrong. Others speculate that underworld beasts came back to reclaim what was theirs. Perhaps what had driven many architects to build in madness had infected all the inhabitants. What is known is that one night, under the Starving moon, the land began to shake ferociously, the heat rising over the mouth of the hearth, evaporating all water it met. The inhabitants panicked to escape and either no one did or no survivor ever came forward to tell of what happened. The walls, floors, ceilings, and people were all encased in a flash of black icy obsidian glass, leaving nothing but haunting shadow forms throughout. The fields above fractured and erupted with jagged pillars of obsidian cutting the stark yellow grasses apart.All that is left is whispers.

RUINED STRUCTURE
239 AOC

Alternative Names

The Forge, Mor Dalan, The Obsidian Crypt

Type

Fortress

Parent Location

Fields of Mor Dalan