Hammerscar Hold

Hammerscar Hold is the ancestral home of the Goliath people, nestled deep within the Stronghold Mountains, the towering range that also houses the ancient giants. The Hold was established after the events of the Realmshatter, when the first Goliaths were born from unions between humans and giants. These children, imbued with the latent magic of the giants, became the Goliath race, inheriting a deep connection to stone, the earth, and the ancient runic magic. For centuries, the Goliaths lived in seclusion, harmonizing with the mountains and their giant kin, but now they are emerging from their isolation to seek recognition and a seat on Astrium's Council, contributing their strength and wisdom to the world's growing political landscape.
Hammerscar Hold was founded in the year 723 by Grimgar Stonemantle, the first Goliath chieftain, who led his people into the Stronghold Mountains after tensions with other civilizations grew. Grimgar's leadership cemented their place within the mountains and built alliances with the giants.

Demographics

Goliaths: 9,500 Giants: 300 (Ancient Elders who live further in the mountains) Other Races: 200 (Dwarves, a few humans, and stone carvers who settled among the Goliaths)
Goliaths: The dominant race, towering figures with stone-like skin and incredible strength. Giants: Rare but deeply respected, they serve as spiritual guides and keepers of runic secrets. Others: A small but essential population of dwarves and a few humans who work alongside the Goliaths in stonecraft and rune magic research.

Government

Hammerscar Hold is ruled by a Council of Stones, composed of five Goliath chieftains and one elder giant who serves as an advisor. Decisions are made through ritualistic challenges, debates, and ancestral guidance, with a focus on communal well-being and survival. The current Chieftain of Hammerscar is Rhoan Stonefist, a fierce warrior and diplomat who is leading the push for a seat on Astrium's Council.

Defences

• Natural Defenses: The Stronghold Mountains themselves are a formidable barrier. The only accessible paths to Hammerscar Hold are through narrow, treacherous passes or hidden tunnels.
• Runic Wards: Giant-crafted runes are carved into the mountainside, protecting the Hold from both physical and magical threats.
• Stone Guard: The elite warriors of the Hold, known for their massive strength and skill in combat. They are led by Borrek Stonefist, the brother of the chieftain.
• Mountain Sentinels: Giant-sized statues, enchanted with runic magic, serve as both watchmen and guardians. They can come to life if the Hold is threatened.

Industry & Trade

• Stonecraft and Mining: The primary industry of Hammerscar, the Goliaths are master stonemasons and miners, exporting precious gems, rare metals, and rune-carved stone throughout Astrium.
• Runic Enchantments: The Goliaths are skilled in runic magic, crafting enchanted items and weapons that are sought after by adventurers and warriors.
• Beast Herding: The Goliaths also raise mountain beasts, such as rockhorn rams and tundra wolves, both for food and for labor.

Infrastructure

Hammerscar Hold is built into the mountainside, its halls carved directly from stone, blending seamlessly into the landscape. The Hold’s infrastructure reflects the Goliaths' connection to the land and their giant kin, featuring massive stone structures, ancient runic pillars, and underground chambers that reach deep into the mountain. The city itself is divided into two main sections:

• Upper Hold: Where most of the Goliath population resides, with towering stone homes, communal spaces, and training grounds.
• Deep Hold: Where the most sacred places of the Goliaths are located, including the Runeforge and Ancestor’s Hall, where important rituals are held.

Districts

• Stonehearth Quarter: The residential district where families of Goliaths live. It features communal kitchens, stone-carved homes, and training areas.
• Runeforge District: A sacred district where Goliath smiths and rune-carvers work. The Runeforge, a massive anvil enchanted with ancient giant magic, sits here.
• Skystone Plaza: The central square, where markets and gatherings are held. It’s also where visiting diplomats and traders are welcomed.

Assets

• Runeforge: A colossal forge where Goliaths craft weapons and armor, utilizing both traditional methods and runic magic passed down from the giants.
• The Stonecarver’s Hall: A gathering place for artisans, where they create everything from simple tools to intricate stone sculptures and enchantments.
• The Pillar of Stones: A monumental tower imbued with runic power, said to connect the Hold to the earth’s ancient magic, allowing Goliaths to commune with the mountain.
• Greyhorn Armory: A blacksmith shop famous for producing heavy, enchanted armor and weapons suitable for Goliaths and giants alike.
• Tundra Apothecary: Specializing in herbal remedies, potions, and salves made from rare plants that grow within the cold climates of the mountain range.

Guilds and Factions

• The Stonecarvers’ Guild: A collective of artisans and builders responsible for the Hold’s architecture, sculptures, and runic engravings.
• Runesmiths of the Forge: The keepers of runic magic, this group maintains the sacred Runeforge and trains new smiths in the art of combining magic and metal.
• The Mountain Wardens: A warrior faction tasked with patrolling the mountain passes and ensuring the safety of the Hold from both external and internal threats.

Points of interest

• The Runeforge: The heart of Goliath craftsmanship, where magical weapons and armor are forged using ancient giant methods.
• Ancestor’s Hall: A sacred chamber deep within the Hold where Goliaths honor their ancestors and commune with the spirits of their forebears.
• Skystone Plaza: The central marketplace, where traders from across Astrium come to exchange goods and stories with the Goliaths.
• The Pillar of Stones: A towering monument covered in ancient runes, said to have been crafted by the first giants who dwelled in the Stronghold Mountains.

Tourism

Though Hammerscar Hold is not a typical tourist destination, scholars, runecasters, and giant historians often seek permission to visit and study the ancient magic and history of the Goliaths. The Runeforge and Ancestor’s Hall are considered sacred sites.
Celebration Stoneward Day - 1st Verdantia
Stoneward Day is the most significant holiday in Hammerscar Hold, It commemorates the founding of Hammerscar Hold by Grimgar Stonemantle and celebrates the Goliaths' bond with the mountains, the giants, and their mastery of runic magic. The holiday is a time of unity, reflection, and strength, honoring the resilience of the Goliath people and their deep connection to their ancestral roots. History:
Stoneward Day began as a solemn gathering soon after the founding of Hammerscar Hold in 723, when the Goliaths faced one of their harshest winters. It was said that the Runeforge flared to life unexpectedly, providing warmth and magic to the settlement. In honor of that miracle and the unity it inspired among the Goliaths, the holiday was established to symbolize their enduring strength and the protective magic of the mountains.
Traditions and Rituals:

• Runestone Ritual: The day begins with the Runestone Ritual, where Goliaths gather in the Ancestor’s Hall and etch new runes of protection, strength, and wisdom onto stone tablets. These tablets are placed around the city as part of the settlement's magical defenses, symbolizing the Goliaths' ongoing bond with their giant ancestors and the mountains.

• The Stoneward March: In the afternoon, the Stoneward March takes place. Led by the chieftain and the warriors of the Mountain Wardens, this ceremonial march traverses the mountain passes surrounding the Hold. This symbolic journey through the mountain reflects the Goliaths’ vigilance and their role as the guardians of their people and their heritage.

• Feast of Strength: After the march, the Feast of Strength is held in Skystone Plaza. Tables laden with mountain meats, root vegetables, and hearty ales are set up, and Goliaths from every family gather to share in the bounty. Wrestling competitions and games of strength take place, allowing warriors to test their mettle in friendly contests. It’s a day for the entire community to come together in celebration.

• Runeforge Blessing: As night falls, the Runeforge is blessed in a grand ceremony. Goliath smiths and runesmiths forge a ceremonial item, often a weapon or piece of armor, inscribed with runes of protection and strength. This item is offered to the Hold, symbolizing the enduring power and resilience of the Goliath people.

• Ancestor Vigil: The day concludes with the Ancestor Vigil, where families gather around stone cairns built in honor of their ancestors. They light rune-torches, reflecting on the wisdom passed down to them and renewing their vows to honor the strength and legacy of their forebears.

Symbolism:

• Runestones: A key symbol of the day, representing the Goliaths' bond with the giants and their mastery of runic magic. The placing of new runestones strengthens the Hold’s protection and honors the ancient traditions.
• The Mountain: The towering Stronghold Mountains are a symbol of endurance and unity, and the Stoneward March celebrates the Goliaths’ role as guardians of these peaks.
• The Forge: The Runeforge Blessing signifies the ongoing power of creation, magic, and the strength of the Goliaths as both warriors and artisans.
• Modern Significance:

In recent years, Stoneward Day has taken on an additional meaning as the Goliaths push for a seat on the Astrium Council. The holiday has become a reminder of their contributions to the rebuilding of Astrium, their mastery of stonework, runic magic, and their growing political influence. Visitors from other regions are sometimes invited to witness the festivities, gaining insight into Goliath culture and their aspirations for the future.
Tourism:
While Hammerscar Hold remains reclusive, Stoneward Day has become a minor tourist attraction for scholars, historians, and diplomats eager to witness the Runeforge Blessing and participate in the Feast of Strength. Visitors are welcomed into the Hold’s outer plazas, though most of the sacred rituals are kept within the Goliath community.
Stoneward Day serves as a powerful reminder of the Goliaths’ past and their resolve to shape their own future, standing strong like the mountains they call home.

Architecture

Hammerscar’s architecture is a blend of giant craftsmanship and Goliath practicality. Buildings are carved from the stone of the mountain, featuring thick walls, towering pillars, and intricate runes etched into almost every surface. The settlement is designed to blend into the natural landscape, with homes, halls, and forges all appearing as extensions of the mountains themselves.

Geography

Hammerscar Hold is located deep within the Stronghold Mountains, a region known for its sheer cliffs, high altitudes, and rocky terrain. The Hold is hidden within a natural valley, surrounded by towering peaks and ancient giant ruins.

Climate

The climate of Hammerscar Hold is cold and harsh, with snow covering the peaks year-round. The temperatures rarely rise above freezing, but the Goliaths thrive in this environment, having adapted to the cold and rugged conditions.

Natural Resources

• Runestone: A rare stone imbued with magical properties, used in the crafting of enchanted items.
• Iron and Silver: Mined from deep within the mountains and used for crafting armor and weapons.
• Tundra Herbs: Rare plants that grow in the cold climate, used in herbal remedies and potions.

Founding Date

723

Founders

• Grimgar Stonemantle

Type

Outpost / Base

Population

~10,000

Location under

Stronghold Mountains

Characters in Location

• Mountainspeaker Grak Granitebrow