Halmarr
Sometimes, nature accomplishes more than the grandest schemes of humankind. Halmarr may be the greatest example of this principle. Instead of constructing massive walls and imposing fortifications, the dwarves of Clan Duhnbeyl built their capital city within the emptied magma chamber of an extinct caldera. The dead volcano’s 8,673-foot-high steep slopes and unstable surfaces make it nearly impossible for a lone individual to scale. Any potential invader would be hard pressed to penetrate Halmarr’s impressive defenses. Meanwhile, lava tubes and tunnels carved into the mountain’s belly grant its residents access to the outside world beyond the mountain’s exterior.
Since its last eruption expelled its fiery guts more than 8,000 years ago, Halmarr has remained stoic and silent. Although its magma chamber sits empty, fissures in the earth surrounding the city burrow several miles down into the rock where magma and steam still reside. These natural heat sources function as forges for the city’s metalworkers and engineers who travel on primitive rail cars from their comfortable abodes on the surface into the sweltering caverns beneath the mountain. Halmarr’s architects incorporate the metals forged in these volcanic furnaces into their building designs. Worked iron gates, trusses, and arches adorn homes, civic buildings, and temples.
The dwarves of Clan Duhnbeyl fled into the Spine of Fire in the immediate aftermath of the Great Betrayal. They settled in small, isolated villages along the slopes of the numerous stratovolcanoes bisecting the region. These first settlers farmed the fertile soil in the shadow of these smoldering behemoths while residing in caves carved into the sides of these stony behemoths. For much of its formative history, Clan Duhnbeyl remained scattered and leaderless until the first great Mountain Hammer Basal Duhnbeyl united the divided villages in 2045 I.R. Seven years later, he founded the city of Halmarr inside the lifeless crater. The first test of Halmarr’s defenses came three centuries later in 2389 I.R. when an army of 1,000 orcs and ogre allies attempted to attack what they believed to be a defenseless city. The dwarves, armed with sophisticated siege equipment and explosive lava bombs, easily repelled their overmatched enemies. Clan Duhnbeyl experienced little difficulty crushing an external foe yet its internal adversaries proved more daunting. For the next 1,500 years, intrigues, scheming, and bitter family rivalries tore the city and clan apart in a series of brutal civil wars known as the Eruptions. The infighting finally died down one century ago, but the damage was already done. Near-constant warfare and strife relegated Clan Duhnbeyl to bit player status until Mountain Hammer Talcum Duhnbeyl rose to power six years ago.
Under his leadership, the clan experienced a rapid resurgence. Its industrial output tripled practically overnight, political infighting ceased, and its borders expanded into previously unclaimed territory. The previously downtrodden dwarves of Clan Duhnbeyl display a swagger not seen for centuries. Their newfound confidence comes with a price. Despite being blessed with boundless energy, a sharp tongue, and a keen mind, Talcum’s amorality tempers some enthusiasm within the dwarven camp. The irreligious Talcum show no deference to Dwerfater’s clergy who wielded tremendous influence over Felspar, his predecessor and inept older brother. The clan’s former leader spent most of his days praying in Dwerfater’s temple, solidifying the priesthood’s control over the clan’s temporal leader. Indeed, many dwarves viewed Halmarr’s High Priest Garn Tousanem as their spiritual and secular leader. Not surprisingly, Garn and his subordinates suspect the ambitious Talcum played a role in his older sibling’s sudden and unexpected demise.
In the current climate, even Garn fears to challenge Talcum’s authority. The previously fickle military is now re-energized and fanatically loyal to their benefactor, who showers them with increased pay and improved equipment. His metalworkers secretly toil on a massive iron “firestick” in the fires deep below Halmarr. With this weapon, the ambitious dwarf allegedly sets his sights on expanding his kingdom into neighboring realms, most notably Clan Craenog’s dominion over the Feirgotha Plateau. Sensing his growing bravado, rival clans and even the hobgoblins keep a wary eye on the smoldering furnace in the heart of the Stoneheart Mountains.
Capital
Halmarr (The Caldera)
Alternative Names
The Caldera
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