Sorrudim

Description

As travelers arrive at Stone Island they are met by the commanding sight of over one hundred large dwarven statues carved out the stony mountain range that makes up a majority of the island. Following the path up the mountain flanked by these large statues raising around 40 feet in height leads to the grand entrance to the city of dwarves, Sorrudim. The top levels of the city are only areas accessible to those without proper permit to go below. However, if you find yourself fortunate enough to have a permit you'll be privy to the oldest standing city in the Empire. Thought damage was sustained after the cataclysm, the brass walls that incase this portion of the underground city held together enough to withstand the worst of the quakes. It took several centuries for the dwarves to dig their way out of the collapsed portions of the city. The statues that flank the path to the harbor were built to resemble all the dwarves who died before being able to break through to the surface.

Brief History

The construction of Sorrudim was made possible by Purphoros, a powerful dwarven mage who many called "The God of the Forge". A member of the Adeptus Archonium, tt is believed he taught the dwarves how to replicate the architecture from the city of brass located in the elemental plane of fire. It took over two centuries for dwarves to dig their way out after The Last Spell. Portions of the stone above had become superheated and imbued with a supernatural force impenetrable by regular tools. It was only after the return of magic that the dwarves were able to imbue their tools with the knowledge preserved in their libraries from the Arcanum Age and break through to the surface world above. By the time they reached the surface and built their harbors, the great crusade of the Veshaan Empire had brought welcomed allies to their shores.

Surrounding Areas

Stone Island is not home to much wildlife as it was vastly wiped out at the casting of the last spell. The sheep and cattle that roam the lands are largely brought over from the mainland. This has caused a large migration of large avian creatures to hunt throughout the mountain peaks of the island. It is very common for griffon to attack wild horses that roam freely. Deep underground the dwarves excavated a network of tunnels that connect to the mainland under Ak'Anon Keep. However, in the process they uncovered many dangers from deep below. One such area is was named The Hole, a massive underground crevasse with cracks high above giving way to a series of waterfalls that fall endlessly into the fiery depths below. Many brave adventures venture into here in search for lost ancient artifacts of power.

Traveling To and From Sorrudim

There aren't many options to travel in and out of the city. The shores along the mainland are littered with massive jagged stones making Novuport the nearest safe port to dock. Alternatively, those brave enough can go via the underground tracks. Crossing the hole can be a risky attempt but a massive brass bridge has been built over the decades to help make the trek faster. City guards are stationed at both ends and are allowed to seal the gates that give access to the hole at any given time. Plan on being stuck for several days if you find yourself unfortunate enough.

Taverns & Inns

The Mudtoes is located near the docks and has a very welcoming environment with live music from traveling bands from the mainland. It is a great place mingle with folks from all walks of life, as you can find several merchants and adventurers that prefer the fresh air over the the claustrophobic inn of the city below.
Trumpy Irontoe is located in the upper city of Sorrudim home to a mix crowd of travelers and locals alike. Miners from the main city will often come here looking for mercenaries to hire for travel to Ak'Anon Keep.
Bedrock Inn is located in the entrance to the lower city of Sorrudim and likes to advertise that it is the deepest inn from across the Empire. The rooms have balconies that overlook the forges below, though somehow the city seems to stay relatively cool. You may order food and beverage from the crusty ale located across the street and have it delivered to your room.
The Crusty Beard offers by far the best ale in all the land. Also located near the gates to the lower city it attracts many of the locals who aren't afraid to speak their mind if they drink enough. Drinking competitions are a common sight in this bar.

Shops

The Rusty Axe - Don't let the name fool you, this establishment sell many powerful items and weapons though. It not hard to find, just look for the giant rusty axe that hangs over the entrance near the upper city bank.
Redbeard's Tonics - Located near the main entrance to the upper city, Redbeard offers several of the local ales in addition to a few magical drinks to aid you in your adventures.

Entertainment

The Bronze Forge - Want to learn how to make your own weapons? then look no further. Located near the gates to the lower city, the bronze forge will teach you how to make basic equipment if you are intelligent and gritty enough to learn from the best.
Just Say Gnome - Interested in getting a good laugh? visit the latest opening in town, this improv comedy show host a new jokester every week.

People

The people in the upper city tend to be more welcoming of outsiders than those of the lower city. It is a common sight to see scholars and arcane practitioners visiting the city to study from the vast knowledge dating back to the Arcanum Age. If you plan to gain access to the bronze library yourself make sure to have proper documentation for you'll need access to the lower city. Folks from Sorrudim are proud and stubborn but will do anything to aid the Empires efforts to close the rift. They are of the mindset that magic should be respected and no longer experimented with. It is with much reluctance that those in the lower city allow anyone to from the outside to visit and study their great library.

Conflicts

Sorrudim locals do not support the continued research of new magic. They also do not trust the Empire of Reidrekh lead by the Drow. Alkalar and Melvura have a soft spot for Elanee and have agreed to let the citizens of the Empire decide what should be the course of action for the Empire. Some in the city do not agree on a vote and are more stubborn, set in their ideals.

Underfoot Cathedral

A massive bronze structure deep in the lower city of Sorrudim. According to the dwarves it serves as a bunker capable of withstanding an ancient red dragon's breath attack. This is the home to the mighty leaders of the dwarven city, where mighty warriors are trained to help aid in the defense over the great divide. Alkalar Goldbeard along with his wife Melvura Goldbeard rule over the Council of Sorrudim.

City Information

Population
9,000
Common Races
Dwarves, Gnomes, Halflings, Humans
NPC's
Alkalar Goldbeard - King of Sorridum
Melvura Goldbeard - Queen of Sorrudim
Rallen the Berserker - Champion of Sorrudim
Nalla Stoutguard - Sergeant of the Guard
Thodar Halfgrip - Master of the Forge

Climate

Stone Island
The proximity to the Ruins of Netheril negates most of the natural climate changes on the Stone Island. Year round winds that push south can be felt with occasional rainstorms that form over the island. The temperature can fluctuate from warm to cool throughout the seasons by only a few degrees.
Underground
The lower city of Sorrudim and imbued with magical properties that allow for the temperatures to stay comfortable in spite of the large forges at the bedrock of the city. The upper city does not benefit from the same level or architecture and the temperatures can be a bit warmer but not too unpleasant.

Type

City

Points of Interest

Pubs
The Mudtoes, Trumpy Irontoes, The Crusty Beard
Inn
Bedrock Inn, The Mudtoes
Entertainment
The Bronze Forge, Just Say Gnome
Shops
The Rusty Axe, Redbeard's Tonics

Dangerous Areas
The Hole
Ruins of Netheril
Northeast Stone Island

Common Threats
Griffons, Goblins, Ogres, Drakes