Charwell Fortress

Charwell Fortress is an ancient building that sits upon a small isle on the northeastern side of the Black Loch. It is currently occupied by a tribe of kobold vipers who worship a behir living in a cave nearby as they plan their vengeance against the duergar who destroyed their previous home.

Early History

The fortress' original name is unknown, though some are aware that it was originally built by surface dwarves over 2,000 years ago. The dwarves eventually abandoned the fortress roughly 1,000 years later and it sat empty for several centuries. Then, 250 years ago, it was occupied by the duergar to use as a staging point for their attack on the Tideborne Tribe. When the attack was called off due to the presence of the Sword Dancers as allies of the Tideborne, the duergar ships returned home to Brazenthrone after having already exhausted much of Charwell Fortress' provisions.
This did not escape the attention of the red dragon Yolheimsu'um, who had been watching these events with the intention of either attacking the weakened winning side or scavenging what treasure could from the battlefield (depending on how good of shape the victor was in). When the battle didn't happen, Yolheimsu'um saw a new opportunity in Charwell Fortress and attacked the underdefended fort instead. He burned out what duergar remained there, feasting on their flesh while sorting through the arms and armor to find additions worthy of his horde. To his surprise, the group of duergar came offering tribute and a message rather than the sharp ends of swords.
The group identified themselves as worshippers of Tiamat, Queen of Evil Dragons, who viewed Yolheimsu'um as a holy vessel of her will. They had negotiated with the duergar leader, Deepking Oghren Orzammar II, and came to offer an arrangement. If Yolheimsu'um would relocate to Brazenthrone and allow the duergar to forge weapons and armor in his mighty dragonfire, they would provide him with a constant stream of food and treasure. Intrigued and amused by the proposition, Yolheimsu'um agreed to meet with the king to discuss details; the deal between the dragon and the king was struck soon afterwards and Charwell Fortress sat abandoned once again.
It was a mere 15 years ago that the fort became inhabited once again when it was discovered by a wandering tribe of kobold vipers. They had sought a safe refuge in the dangerous Underdark after their previous home was destroyed by the duergar of Brazenthrone and found it here. And more importantly (to them), there was a behir nearby happy to accept the worship and treasure they wished to shower it with.

Type

Fortress