Ironhold Mines

History

The oldest city in Belkar, Ironhold mines dates back to the early 300s. By the early 700s Ironhold mines was one of the largest cities in Belkar. In 706, The Miner King, O’Conner Emberforge, rose from a humble miner to be crowned king of Ironhold. From there the soldiers of Ironhold swept to neighbouring areas and through diplomacy and threats, Ironhold unified the continent for the first time, bringing an end to the Age of Petty Kings and the beginning of the age of Emberforge. This moment in Ironhold history is the formation of the current House Emberforge - the oldest in Belkar.

Ironhold continued to grow in splendour and size for nearly 200 years, until an invasion from the east broke the power of House Emberforge. Since then, with power moving to House Aquilar, Ironhold has declined is size and splendour, but is still a middling power in the continent.

Population

Just under 9000 people call Ironhold mines home today, about 50% less than at its peak in 930s. Ironhold is reliably isolated today, with 65% of these are dwarves, 20% humans, and 15% everything else.

Economy

Despite its location in the high peaks of the Western Boars Back Mountains , the dwarves of these cities have invented a genius method of vertical growing crops, hanging off ropes to harvest a variety of fruits and vegetables in the. Hanging Gardens of O’Conner

Deep below the city are the O’Brian Caves, rich deposits of gemstones drive much of the local economy.