Mithral Hall

Mithral Hall (sometimes spelled Mithril Hall) is a dwarven stronghold beneath Fourthpeak Mountain in the Frost Hills, part of the Spine of the World. It is one of the best known dwarven strongholds in Faerûn and a member of the Lords' Alliance in The Steadfast.
Originally a mithral mine belonging to Clan Battlehammer, this underground town became a safe haven for various dwarf families and even some persons of other races. Mithral Hall has a long history of tragedy and triumph, and is a near legendary settlement among dwarves.
Geography Set amongst the longest mountain range in Faerûn, Mithral Hall is one of the northernmost settlements on the continent. It is part of The Steadfast, and is geographically farther north than Luskan, but not as far north as Ten Towns.
Settlestone An ancient village south of Mithral Hall, Settlestone is one of the few dwarven settlements built entirely above ground. Originally known as Dwarvendarrow, the settlement was built with huge slabs of rock laid against one another. These sturdy structures withstood the elements for years and even survived after the village was abandoned for decades following the Blighting, a series of tragic events that nearly led to Mithral Hall itself being abandoned. Settlestone has been revitalized, and is now used by the occupants of Mithral Hall as a public front and forward base. Settlestone has a standing army of guards that regulates traffic around Mithral Hall and keeps the surrounding area free from monsters.
Keeper's Dale Keeper's Dale is a rocky valley that surrounds the northwestern entrance to Mithral Hall. To navigate it is treacherous and arduous, due to the craggy outcrops and unstable edges. The steps on Keeper's Dale that lead to the entrance of the hall are carefully carved where two different types of rock meet. This provides camouflage and means the steps can only be seen from the correct angle, or by those in the know.
Structure The interior of the town is a web of tunnels and numerous caves and rooms. Visitors often find that they need a local guide to navigate the various tunnels. Mithral Hall is an ever-expanding settlement as the residents are constantly mining for more mithral. It is a self-contained city complete with taverns, forges, workshops, homes, and underground agriculture to supplement the farmland around Settlestone.
Entrances There are two primary ways into Mithral Hall, along with a number of hidden, thin chimneys used for ventilation. Additionally, the lowest levels of the mine open up into the Underdark.
Main entrance (west):
Sunken into Keeper's Dale, the main entrance to Mithral Hall is highlighted by a formation of ancient monoliths that pre-date the settlement. Originally the entrance was accessed via a hidden door that only revealed itself on hearing a command word, but has long since been refurbished as two huge, well guarded granite portals. The entry hall is a wide, high roofed room carved out of the mountains, lit by enchanted torches.
Secondary entrance/exit (east):
On the east side of Fourthpeak is a small, hidden door that overlooks the river Surbrin. Known as Surbrin Gate, this door is not marked from the outside and for this reason is rarely used as an entrance.
Underdark connections:
The lowest levels of the mine are gated off by heavy doors from the Underdark.
Notable Locations
The Maze
After entering Mithral Hall from the western entrance in Keeper's Dale, there is a short corridor and then a complex network of twisting tunnels and side rooms. This section on the upper level is known as the Maze. It is a knotted web of tunnels filled with traps and dead ends. Its purpose is to slow down or stop any invaders. Invited guests and travelers are given instructions on how to bypass the Maze.
The Undercity
In the center of the mountain is the Undercity, the main living quarters for the miners and permanent residents. What was already a large natural cave has been carved out further by the town founders. The walls have ledges carved into them like a colosseum, with several small homes carved into each of the giant steps. In the middle of the chamber, at the lowest level, are the workshops and furnaces where the majority of the forging and labor takes place. The glow of the forge lights and warms the entire Undercity. There are hanging bridges allowing miners to navigate through the city arrayed throughout the cavern.
Garumn's Gorge
Garumn's Gorge is a massive natural cavern within the east side of the mountain. Although unconfirmed, it was almost undoubtedly named after the Sixth King of Mithral Hall, Garumn Battlehammer. The 330m (1000ft) deep cave can only be crossed via a small bridge. This bridge leads to the east entrance, and could be used as a great defensive tool. Down one side of the gorge, there is a waterfall known as Bruenor Falls. Bruenor Falls leads to a small basin of water at the bottom of the gorge, which in turn trickles out through caves in the mountain into the River Surbrin. During Shimmergloom's reign, the gorge was known as Shimmergloom's Run. A cave at the bottom of the gorge leads to the deep mines east of the Undercity.
Halls of Gathering
On the upper levels, on the east side of the complex, are the Halls of Gathering. These huge rooms are used as a meeting and greeting place for visitors and guests. Here the majority of Mithral Hall's occupants can meet (depending on the current population) and share pleasantries with any newcomers.
Hall of Dumathoin
Named after the patron of shield dwarves and Keeper of Secrets under the Mountain, Dumathoin, this room is used as storage for the vast wealth and treasures belonging to Mithral Hall. New visitors are shown this room on arrival after being seen through the Hall of Gathering.
Burial places
The cairn of King Bruenor Battlehammer includes a statue of King Bruenor in battle stance.

Aliases Mithril Hall The Frozen Keep
Region Fourthpeak, Frost Hills, The Steadfast, North Faerun
Major Exports Mithral, mithral items, iron
Major Imports Produce, meat, cotton
Politics Monarchy
Ruler: Queen Dagnabbet Waybeard