Vin Lodar

The Dwarven Under-Keep

The Dhufae Mountains spread along the western coast of Bloodshed Island, beginning just south of Shadawall and travelling nearly half the length of the northern half of the island, almost reaching Mt. Grukag—the massive mountain looming in the distance like the baleful heart of Orc territory.

Deep beneath these western mountains lies Vin Lodar, a sprawling Dwarven under-keep that stands as a marvel of engineering and perseverance. Carved into the heart of the stone, Vin Lodar is a bastion of Dwarven culture, craftsmanship, and ingenuity. Though its origins are steeped in secrecy and controversy, few today know the true circumstances of its creation. Instead, the modern Vin Lodar is renowned as a vital trade partner and a proud, industrious settlement.

A Fortress of Stone and Industry

Vin Lodar is a masterpiece of Dwarven architecture. Massive stone halls stretch deep into the mountains, supported by towering pillars carved with intricate designs and illuminated by glowing veins of crystal mined from the rock. Bridges of stone span across underground chasms, connecting districts of the under-keep. The lower levels house the forges, where the fires burn hot and the clang of hammers never ceases, producing weapons, tools, ingots, and fine goods that are traded throughout Cruentum.

The upper levels serve as living quarters, marketplaces, and grand halls, where Dwarves gather to feast, trade, and celebrate their traditions. The air hums with the sounds of industry and life—echoes of a people who have made the mountains their own.

Trade and Connection

In modern times, Vin Lodar has established itself as a crucial trade partner for Cruentum. Dwarven craftsmanship—from weapons and tools to finely worked metals and stone—fetches high prices in Arastmith and beyond. In return, Vin Lodar imports goods that cannot be easily produced underground, such as grains, textiles, and delicacies like Blood Honey and smoked Shlorg from the Folly Folk.

Origins and Traditions

The Dweorgs of Vin Lodar trace their roots to an extraordinary journey. During his pirating days, Arastmith Lurk forged a pact with the Grimstone Clan, a discontented faction from the Vircunean Continent. Seeking autonomy and the promise of a mountain kingdom, Orim Grimstone led his people across the skies and seas to settle beneath the Dhufae Mountains. Their arrival was no accident; these skilled Dwarves were commissioned to build Quintis' Wall, earning them their place in Cruentum.

Modern Vin Lodar is a place where tradition and progress coexist. The Dweorgs here cling to ancestral practices—crafting, mining, and metallurgy—while embracing their role in the Cruentian trade network. Great halls echo with Dwarven songs, their deep voices recounting tales of history, craftsmanship, and battles fought in the depths. Despite their insular nature, the pragmatic ethos of Cruentum has influenced the Dweorgs, fostering mutual respect and cooperation with their neighbours.

The Spirit of Vin Lodar

To outsiders, Vin Lodar is a place of mystery and wonder—a subterranean city of endless halls, glowing crystals, and masterful forges. To the Dwarves, it is home: a stronghold carved by their own hands and a sanctuary where their traditions thrive.

Though the sordid history of its creation remains buried beneath layers of stone and time, Vin Lodar’s modern role as a centre of trade, craftsmanship, and Dwarven pride stands tall, a shining example of what can be built even in the darkest of places.

Government

Autonomous Dwarven Monarchy

Hereditary Monarchy:

• The leader of Vin Lodar is the head of the Grimstone Clan, holding the hereditary title of King.
• Within Vin Lodar, this King has supreme authority over governance, law, and the administration of the under-keep.
• This title emphasizes the internal sovereignty of the Grimstone Clan over their domain.

King Under the Mountain:

• Outside of Vin Lodar, the title King Under the Mountain signifies their role as a cultural and traditional leader, respected for their Dwarven heritage.
• This external reference acknowledges their distinct identity within the broader context of Cruentum.

Autonomous Province:

• While Vin Lodar operates as a kingdom internally, it functions as an autonomous subset within the nation of Cruentum.
• Its integration into Cruentum ties it to the nation's legal and trade systems while allowing it to maintain significant self-governance, particularly in matters of Dwarven culture, law, and tradition.

Dual Allegiances:

• The King Under the Mountain honours obligations to Cruentum, such as trade agreements, military alliances, and national unity.
• However, their primary allegiance is to their own people, emphasizing the preservation of Dwarven autonomy and tradition.

Location under

Bloodshed Island

Owning Organization

The Nation of Cruentum