Agruk

A land of tall mountains, deep chasms, and steep cliffs, Agruk is a pair of mountain ranges primarily inhabited by dwarves, though the treacherous terrain creates numerous nooks and crannies for other creatures to build their homes. The land is scattered with dwarven fortresses carved into the faces and tunnels of the mountains, each fortress a minor kingdom in its own right.
Between the fortresses, Agruk is a land rife with danger. Orc raiders from Graffenbach to the north. Goblin war bands from Chedonc in the east. And strange, unknown horrors that lurk deep, deep beneath the surface, occasionally set loose to wreak havoc when the dwarves dig too deep.

Politics

There is little centralized leadership among the fortresses of the dwarves. Each fortress's worth is measured by the value of its exports to the other fortresses. Every so often, the rulers of the dwarven fortresses gather in the heart of Agruk to discuss large-scale plans, negotiate deals, and set punishments for particularly grevious or large-scale crimes.
The hierarchy that ties the fortresses together is that of the Emberhearth. It is not uncommon for high ranking priests of the Emberhearth to travel from fortress to fortress, ensuring that each Hearth remains faithful and has what it needs to flourish. High Hammerers also travel between fortresses, hammering out justice wherever it is needed.
In times of existential threats, such as the Great Orc Wave of 337, the fortress have been known to appoint a High General to lead their armies against the threat. The powers of a High General are decided by the council of fortress leaders and can range from minimal to essentially creating a king. High Generals often try to keep their authority after the warfare ends, but the stubborn selfishness of the dwarves does not lend well to unification. Such coups rarely last more than a couple of months.

Neighboring Nations

• Chedonc