Tolak
The northern mansion, its gates facing the Great Hall of Hrothgar, its vaults deep under Dwemmermount, contains some of the richest history of the dwarves.
History
In the past, when men were more savage, they would look to Tolak and see its wealth and lust after it. In the Age of Legends, it was said that one great overlord after another sat outside its walls, searching for a way to plunder them. The siege was broken by an enterprising young Nord by the name of Sigmund Gråbløff. He challenged his overlord in single combat and won, winning his position. Unlike his prior contemporaries, he decided on a different approach. In what was initially called the folly of Sigmund, the young overlord strode out to the gates of Tolak alone, shedding his armour, his weapons and ultimately his clothing as well. With ballista trained upon his naked form, he declared the glories of the dwarves and their craft, speaking of the truest treasure; the mastery of self and dedication of will. He then knelt in front of their great gate and declared himself vassal to their superior design. While the men looked on smirking, the young overlord remained prostrate for an hour. Then, to the humans’ surprise, the gates opened and Magnar, paragon of his house, strode forward. In his hands was a great helm wrought of gold, silver and steel, set with pearls and garnets. Upon Sigmund’s brow, the helm was rested. Magnars retinue followed and gilded Sigmund in the finest armour the North had ever seen. Then Magnar bid Sigmund rise and greet him as an equal. But Sigmund knew humility and said ‘that even if he did, it would not be the truth.’ Magnar smiled and clapped him on the shoulder and bade him ‘make it the truth then.’ Sigmund returned to his people a king and led the forging of the north, a twenty-year campaign to unify all Nords under his banner. By handshake and marriage, axe and shield, Sigmund the Kneeler built the greatest kingdom on the Wosterhiem Continent. At the age of 52 he returned to Tolak with his daughter, and there they knelt. The gates opened wide this time and Magnar greeted his friend with an embrace. Sigmund had built an Empire, but Magnar had built the man. Together, they heralded the beginning of the Golden Age.
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