Rothkelin

On the slopes of Mount Kiradel, of the Rekarak Mountains, sits the dwarven village of Rothkelin. The inhabitants are predominantly farmers and goatherders, which surprises most travellers when they consider how close they reside to a community of dragons. It is for this reason the population of the village is so small compared to many other mountain villages. However, the presence of the dragons keeps other major predators away, leaving the goatherders an easier time and flourishing flocks. Thus, the pair maintain a respectful distance which occasionally would advance into friendship given the right circumstances.
Rothkelin stretches across the foothills of the mountain, but its village hall is nestled partly within the mountain itself. Built of stone quarried from Mount Kiradel, it almost appears a natural extension of it. Known as the Great Hall, it stretches back into a natural cave system which is used as emergency storage rooms and living quarters to house the villagers during the harshest of winters. It has been suggested it was once used by the first settlers as a shelter from the dragons during their turbulent years, which is well-believed due to the deep scars found in the rocks by the entrance and the heavily fortified inner doors. The scars have been weathered by time, and are less noticeable these days, but they are still there and act as a reminder of what their ancestors endured. Due to the frequent risk of stonefalls and avalanches, the hall is rarely used, with the central hub of Rothkelin situated lower down and further from risk around a Minor Hall. Both Hall's have large bell towers to alert villagers of emergencies and call them to important gatherings. These have not been sounded for many years, but to use one would incur a high penalty as they are incredibly disruptive and loud to ensure the warning is heard for miles around.

Agriculture and Trade

Farming around Rothkelin is hard work, the ground is tough and stony, but beneath that there is a layer of richly fertile soil that makes the toil worthwhile. The crops they grow are predominantly potatoes, onions, leeks, carrots and kale. Lower down the slopes are small plots for growing berry bushes and tending to beehives. Aside from the goats most villagers herd, they also keep chickens and a small herd of Druxen to help work the fields, but their primary source of meat is from their sister village, Talsend, lower in the valley.
Alongside meat, trade with Talsend provides Rothkelin with grains, fruit and whatever goods have come in from travelling merchants. These merchants are rare visitors, but there are one or two who have become loyal to the folks of Talsend and are more willing to make the journey on something of a regular basis. These visits often coincide with festivals, where they bring more exotic goods as well as news from afar.

Quick Facts

Population: 46 (30 adults, 16 young adults and children)

Village Elders: Sunyra and Bralden Grendill

Sister Village: Talsend

Dragons of Rekarak

Dragons can be unpredictable, and despite the respect and peace they now hold with the dwarves of Rothkelin, it was not always so amicable between them. There are older dragons who still remember those days from many generations ago, and hold themselves at a distance from associating with the "little creatures". This distance is often quite literal, as they prefer the higher and more remote caves to call their home, far from the risk of pesky disturbances. These are also the dragons who would not think twice about taking a goat or five from the herds if they were to choose to do so, after all, who could dare stop them? Fortunately for the dwarves, this happens rarely, as it is only the laziest or most bored (or even the most spiteful) of elder dragons who would bother to hunt so close to home. The younger dragons are a lot more welcoming of their neighbours and are more likely to extend a claw in friendship.