Appachian Strongholds
In the freezing north of Bysia, the Dwarves of the Appachian Strongholds perpetually expand the subterranean cities in their namesake mountains. A collection of dwarf clans, the Strongholds are an ancient name in the annals of Bysian history.
Public Agenda
The Appachian Strongholds have a complicated relationship with the rest of the world. The Strongholds' isolationism can be traced back to the Great War, where Appachian troops focused on holding their fortress lines against Eclipse operations and buying time for the Alliance. This attitude persisted into the Fourth Age, however, with Appachia rarely going beyond delivering war materiel to proxy fighters such as Orc mercenaries or the freedom fighters that founded the Vulkan Republic. Despite being part of the North-West Bloc, dwarven war participation is limited to technology-sharing and fire support roles, a stark contrast to the interventionist doctrine of the Vulkans.
It is true that the dwarves have stepped back from the center stage of Bysian politics. It would be a mistake, however, to assume that the Appachian Strongholds have become complacent. While the Vulkans may be the star of the show with controversial policies and an overbearing military arm, the inhabitants of these freezing mountains serve as an anchor in the North-West.
History
The unification of the dwarven mountain clans were a significant part of the reason for the elves' formation of the Realms. Their relationship has been uneasy ever since, but has led to teeth-gritting cooperation when necessary. It was the dwarves who forged some of the finest arms and armor wielded by the champions of the Great War. Unsurprisingly, many revolutionary technologies were invented in the Appachian Strongholds.
The dwarves never, however, shied away from their old flames, grand architecture and precious metals, and visiting Appachia's great halls shows a very healthy appreciation for material goods. With most Dwarves having little affinity for magic, it is uncommon, though not exceedingly rare, to find items bearing magical attributes marked by the forges of the Strongholds. After the end of the Great War, it was Appachian heavy equipment that somewhat literally moved heaven and earth to make the East Hampshire Canal possible, and it was dwarven engineers who built the first self-propelled Carriages and Airships.
Military
While Mages are rare among the dwarves, the Appachian Strongholds have compensated for such shortcomings. A massive industrial base, access to refined metals, and hardy people have proved the static defense of the Appachias near impenetrable, while its foot soldiers, though small in number, are particularly well-suited for fighting in cramped confines and freezing weather. The Appachians struggle not with ammunition or spare parts, but goods such as lumber, food, and rubber. This is believed to be the main reason the Appachians have been so invested in the North-West's trade deals, and why they were willing to sign similar trade agreements with a former enemy, the Utar Confederacy.
Although the prop-driven airships of the Savoi Nations may be the sleekest in the world, the Appachians have shown the power of jet-powered craft in their war against the Kurans. Landships are a core component of Appachian doctrine, and their influence can be seen even in Vulkan designs. Mechanized to a degree impossible for the rest of the world to achieve, it is telling that repeating cannons are a common sight not only in the airfleet, but the navy and infantry as well. It is truly fortunate for the rest of Bysia that enchantments on gunpowder weapons are worthless, as otherwise the Appachian military would not only be an immovable object, but an unstoppable force as well.
Type
Geopolitical, Clan
Alternative Names
Dwarf Fortress
Demonym
Dwarves, Appachians
Government System
Technocracy
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Market economy
Parent Organization
Location
Neighboring Nations
