Stoneheart

The great dwarven citadel of Stoneheart is the largest of its kind on Continental Malatoria. The dwarves here live a very strict and well ordered life. Society within the citadel is steeped in tradition, rigid and unchanging - just how Dwarven King Dolgan Grimaxe likes it.
The army that King Grimaxe commands is one of the most formidable in all of Malatoria. Some of the most tenacious warriors in the known world, their battle songs can strike fear into the hearts of even the mightiest of foes. Of particular note are the “Dwarven Defenders”, a group whose sole purpose is to protect their ancient mountain homeland. It is said that once the Defenders have locked their shields and set their feet, even an army of giants could not reach the hallowed walls of Stoneheart.
Despite this lust for battle and glorymongering, the dwarves of Stoneheart can also show incredible kindness in their daily lives. All of the citizens are taken care of by the state, from the crippled to the homeless. Held in particular reverence are those who have become permanently maimed in combat, their scars and wounds being seen as badges of honor.
Stoneheart is located on a fairly central point on the Malatorian continent, making it a prime location for trading of all sorts. Although the main parts of the citadel are contained within the mountain itself, a medium sized city and trading post have been built outside the entrance to the central halls. This walled city serves as the main point of exchange between the dwarves and the other races of Malatoria. From this plaza area, a traveler can take a road north to the free city of Calorn, east to the Great Forest and Gnollspur Forest, or take a boat down the southern river towards Lake Estel and Laketown.  Stoneheart also lies on the eastern edge of the Plains of Despair, a wild and untamed land that attracts adventurers of all sorts. This makes the dwarven citadel a popular mustering point for those who wish to tread the dangerous road to fortune and glory.
Most of the other races that choose to make their living in Stoneheart live in this outer city, except for the gnomes. Like their cousins at the dwarven citadel of Earthhome to the west, the dwarves and gnomes have cultivated a mutually beneficial relationship – with the dwarves provided the workspace and capital for the gnomes tinkering, while the gnomes create innovations to help the dwarves harvest the riches of their mines more efficiently.
Stoneheart is one of (perhaps the) most mineral rich places in the known world, with a variety of mines that provide fuel, precious metals, and precious and semi-precious stones.
Stoneheart is also the home of Stoneheart Golden Crest, one of the most popular ales in all of Malatoria.
Places of Note in Stoneheart include:
The Outer Plaza Although the Dwarves have profited greatly from dealing with the other races of Malatoria, they tend to keep such folk outside of the main halls of the Mountain. Built of sturdy dwarven stonework, the walled outer plaza contains most services that a traveler or tradesman might need. Around the perimeter are a number of stone buildings, while the more central area contains tents and wagons that have been set up by merchants for temporary trade. Two main gates lead into the plaza, and are always heavily guarded by the Dwarves. One gate in the southeast leads to the main road out of Stoneheart, while the western gate leads to the harbor area, where the river runs south to Lake Estel and Laketown.
The Wet Stone Tavern The Wet Stone is the only tavern located in the outer plaza and because of this, does a tremendous amount of business with the various folk who find themselves outside the dwarven citadel. Due to its three story structure, the Wet Stone is capable of housing large numbers of guests. One of the more unique features of the Wet Stone Tavern are the mechanical, walking beer kegs. These kegs, a combination of gnomish engineering and dwarvish magic – roam freely around the bar, keeping mugs full and patrons happy. The main proprietor of the Wet Stone is Good Mike.
The Jailhouse When people get out of line in the Outer Plaza, sheriff Greenie Stormhandle locks them up here. It is a squat building, with uncomfortable, nearly escape proof cells.
The Wayfarer’s Inn This large building is the only permanent inn in the Outer Plaza. Run by the almost completely feaf Gert, the Wayfarer’s Inn is known to charge fairly high rates for its particularly Spartan accommodations.
Silverpeak Brothers This two story building is owned by dwarven brothers Gregor and Pregor Silverpeak, each taking their own floor. The first floor is run by Pregor, a barber, dentist, and chirurgeon. The second floor is run by his brother Gregor, a successful jeweler who does business in many of the Free Cities in Malatoria.
Plaza General Merchant Another of the permanent stone structures houses the Plaza General Merchant, a store that holds all basic equipment and some specialty items. The Plaza General Merchant does frequent business with the L.E.P. in Laketown, and the main proprietor, Erwane, is on good terms with the Stonetackles.
Temple of Slagemon Due to the Dwarves worship of their own Gods, they expressly forbid the construction of a Pantheonic Temple inside the walls of the Outer Plaza. Because of this, a temple was constructed just outside of the Plaza Walls. The Temple is run by Father Terran a priest of Slagemon. Although looked upon initially with suspicion by the dwarves, Father Terran’s jolly demeanor and teachings about the Divinity of Stone, soon won over his neighbors.

Demography and Population

Population: 55,000 – 90% Dwarf, 5% Gnome, 5%Other (Human, Half-elf)

Neighboring Nations

• Laketown