Greymalkin Forge
An Ancestral Forge and Home
Perched atop Valiant Hill, with its commanding view of the surrounding landscape, lies an abode that has witnessed generations of skilled craftsmanship—the ancestral property of the Narrox family. For ages, they have honed their skills as blacksmiths, producing an array of high-quality wares that range from the most mundane hardware to the finest armaments.
The forge on Valiant Hill was once a humble smithy, crafting horseshoes, hinges, and household tools for the local community. But under the guidance of the ambitious Narrox, it underwent a transformation. Narrox expanded the structure, adding living spaces, a kitchen, and even a toilet and bath. A mezzanine upper story was built to accommodate family members, effectively turning the forge into a cozy home.
As time passed, Narrox's family grew, and they eventually built a more suitable home in Swamburgh. The forge on Valiant Hill was temporarily closed, awaiting the next generation to carry on the family trade. And that next generation arrived in the form of Sord, a young man who had endured the hardships of war and sought solace in the familiar surroundings of his childhood home.
Sord's decision to take over the forge was driven, in part, by a bitter experience during one of his campaigns. The loss of his comrades weighed heavily on his heart, and he found it difficult to face the grief-stricken loved ones left behind. Fueled by a sense of responsibility, Sord retreated to Valiant Hill, where he felt a sense of ease and purpose.
The forge became Sord's sanctuary, a place where he could immerse himself in the rhythmic pounding of the anvil and lose himself in the creation of exceptional weapons and armor. With the support of Narrox's wife, Xerranna, they made Valiant Hill their home, reviving the fires of the forge that had been temporarily extinguished.
Though Sord spends time away on missions and quests, the forge remains a bustling hub of activity. Skilled apprentices, mentored by Sord, keep the flames burning and the hammers ringing when he's not present. But it is only when Sord is at the helm that the forge produces its premium items—weapons of unparalleled craftsmanship and armor forged with skill and care.
The forge of Valiant Hill is more than just a place of craftsmanship—it is a symbol of strength, resilience, and family heritage. It holds a special place in the hearts of those who have known its warmth and echoes with the memories of a childhood filled with fondness.
Unbeknownst to the world, this unassuming forge plays a pivotal role in the destiny of the empire. It is a place of secrets and hidden potential, and its legacy will continue to shape the lives of those who cross its path. Valiant Hill stands tall, as a beacon of tradition and purpose, silently influencing the course of history in ways yet to be unveiled.
Purpose / Function
Beneath the unassuming structure of Valiant Hill Forge lies a secret of immense significance—the vast underground maze-like cave system that houses the tomb of Narrox's ancestor, Zor, Lord of Blades. This concealed cavern, known only to a select few, holds not the mortal remains of the great hero, but rather an extraordinary and powerful legacy left behind for his descendants.
The entrance to the underground labyrinth is shrouded in mystery and secrecy, hidden from prying eyes. The first known access point is a well-guarded secret entrance on the western side of the forge, facing the tranquil well. From here, a short yet winding drop leads into a maze-like tunnel system that winds its way deep into the earth. The tunnel eventually emerges into the main antechamber of the underground complex, where the tomb of Zor, Lord of Blades, is enshrined.
The tomb itself is not just a resting place for the fallen hero, but a vault of unparalleled treasure and mystic wonders. Within lies Zor's most prized possession—a magical item of immense power, a weapon that bears the legacy of the Lord of Blades. This weapon, passed down through generations, holds the hope and strength of Zor's lineage, waiting for the day when one of his worthy descendants shall take up the mantle and wield his might in battle.
Yet the caverns beneath Valiant Hill Forge are not solely a tomb or a vault. It holds another crucial purpose—a secret escape route. The underground maze serves as a hidden passage for the owners of the forge in times of dire need or attack. With its intricate and labyrinthine nature, the escape route can lead them deep into the forest, safely away from any danger, through a massive sinkhole exit concealed in the woods.
However, the story of the underground complex does not end with the legacy of Zor and his escape route. In a twist of fate, the caverns now harbor a young red dragon named Inferninia. Following the defeat of an evil ancient red dragon by Sord and Inferninia's combined efforts, the two unlikely allies discovered a vast dragon hoard, cursed and in need of purification.
Inferninia, fascinated by the history and power residing within the hidden tomb, volunteered to guard the hoard while the curse is lifted. Bound by honor and a newfound friendship, she embraced her role as the guardian of the treasure trove and the legacy of Zor. The alliance between Sord and Inferninia led to a profound understanding that transcended their differences, and together, they protect the legacy and power within the hidden depths of Valiant Hill Forge.
As the echoes of history resonate within the labyrinthine caverns, the significance of Valiant Hill Forge stretches beyond the realm of a simple smithy. It becomes a place where ancient legacies, powerful treasures, and even the unlikeliest of friendships find their sanctuary, waiting to shape the destiny of the empire in ways yet to be unveiled.
Alterations
Some major renovations were done to crate more living space, essentially doubling it's floor area.
Architecture
The lower half of the forge is made out of stone, including the floors but the upper half is made out of wood and plaster. Some parts of the roof is thatched and most is topped with clay tile roofing.
Defenses
None
History
History of Valiant Hill Forge:
In the year 2380 AGR, more than two and a half centuries in the past, the history of Valiant Hill Forge began with an enigmatic order known as Aniraz. This ancient order revered their champion, a legendary warrior known for his unmatched valor and skill in battle. To honor his memory and preserve his legacy, the order constructed a grand tomb beneath the hill's surface, where the champion's remains were laid to rest.
Above the hidden tomb, a simple thatched-roofed house was built. This humble dwelling served as a sanctuary for the champion's descendants, who became the rightful heirs of the property. These descendants inherited not only the property but also the mantle of the blacksmith, a tradition that was passed down from one generation to the next.
Over the years, the descendants of the legendary warrior continued to uphold the family trade and the sacred duty of the blacksmith. They honed their skills and crafted remarkable works of artistry and craftsmanship. Valiant Hill Forge earned a reputation for producing the finest goods, and their high-quality wares found their way into the hands of nobles, warriors, and common folk alike.
As time went on, the humble thatched-roofed house atop Valiant Hill was expanded and transformed into a proper dwelling. The living quarters grew to accommodate the growing family and the needs of a flourishing forge. Generations of skilled blacksmiths emerged from the family, each passing on their knowledge and expertise to the next in line.
The forge saw its fair share of history unfold around it. Wars were waged, kingdoms rose and fell, but Valiant Hill Forge stood steadfast, continuing to shape the destiny of the empire, albeit in the quieter realms of craftsmanship and trade.
The forge's reputation extended far beyond the borders of Ananiad. As news of their exceptional works spread, the demand for their wares increased, drawing in visitors from far and wide. The ancestral forge became a place of admiration and inspiration, where young apprentices sought to learn from the skilled masters and where weary travelers found respite in the warmth of the blacksmith's hearth.
Through the years, the legacy of the Aniraz champion lived on in the hearts of his descendants, who carried the weight of his valor and spirit with each swing of the hammer. They took pride in their ancestry, honoring the memory of their forebear with every work of art they forged.
And so, Valiant Hill Forge became more than just a place of industry—it became a symbol of strength, unity, and tradition. The forge's history intertwined with the history of the land, and its influence subtly shaped the empire's course.
Today, as Sord stands at the helm of Valiant Hill Forge, he carries with him the legacy of his ancestors and the weight of history upon his shoulders. He continues the proud tradition of the Narrox family, preserving the honor and craftsmanship that have echoed through the ages from the hidden tomb beneath the hill.
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