Greysmere

This brooding dwarven stronghold marks the point where the Cairn Hills briefly rise into mountains at their juncture with the Abbor-Alz .

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Its entrance lies at the head of a rockbound mountain lake, which lends its name to the fortress. Towering peaks encircle the area, leaving only a single overland approach—either shore of the long, winding lake. At the lake’s end, a steep series of switchbacks ascends toward the Stonegate, the formidable entrance to Greysmere. Travelers following this path are clearly visible to the ever-watchful sentinels at the gate.

The Stonegate itself is a massive granite slab, rolled into place along smooth wooden logs. A pair of dwarven warriors stands guard outside, while a score of their kin waits within. It takes at least 15 to 20 dwarves just to open the gate. Though Greysmere is well defended, its unusual leader has standing orders to admit most non-threatening visitors.

Fionor, the Surly Host

The fortress’s headman, Fionor, earned his name well—he is one of the gruffest and most ill-tempered hosts a traveler could ever hope to sup with. Yet despite his demeanor, he ensures that weary wayfarers find rest, sustenance, and shelter—even in the face of the sudden blizzards that sometimes sweep through the high country.

A battle-hardened veteran, Fionor has fought alongside dwarves, humans, halflings, and even elves. Perhaps his diverse past explains his uncharacteristic generosity toward guests. Whenever Greysmere houses travelers, he insists they dine at his table, where he regales them with off-color tales, bawdy jokes, and world-class belches—until he inevitably passes out from drink.

The Fortress of Greysmere

Though not large, Greysmere stands as a masterwork of dwarven stonecraft and fortification. Ancient yet sturdy, it remains a backwater outpost in dwarven commerce and has never outgrown its current location.

The Stonegate is the only surface entrance, and its sheer, narrow approach makes it nearly impossible to assault. Even if attackers breached the gate, they would be forced onto a ten-foot-wide ledge, funneled into a narrow corridor packed with defiant dwarven defenders.

Greysmere shelters nearly 400 dwarves, all part of a vast clan structure. Grand underground halls house up to 50 dwarves each, though elders and family leaders enjoy private chambers. Several great feasting halls serve as gathering places for celebration, debate, and argument. A massive cavern serves as a training ground, where young warriors hone their skills and seasoned veterans keep their edges sharp. Should the need arise, Greysmere can muster a force of 200 doughty warriors.

Life Beneath the Mountain

The lower reaches of Greysmere are a self-sustaining network of fungus-farm caverns and an expansive fish-breeding pool, where thousands of blind trout thrive, supplementing the dwarven diet. Below this level, mine tunnels delve into a rich iron vein, with an entire underground smelting operation refining the ore for weapons, armor, and tools—Greysmere’s primary trade commodities.

Though the surface world is carefully restricted, the stronghold connects to numerous tunnels leading to the Underdark. The dwarves have also tunneled to a prime limestone source, where they quarry massive blocks and roll them back for construction and sculpture.

Yet beyond these structured tunnels, deeper caverns lead to realms of shadow and terror—a labyrinthine maze of natural caves fraught with danger. Legends whisper of a vast underground ocean, and of entire cities ruled by races that never see the sun...