Duervale
The Gray Hold
Nestled in the valley between the mountains of eastern Daeruin, Duervale is a grim city of imposing stature. Surrounded by thick stone walls, cracked by time and siege, its very exterior echoes what it once was—an impregnable fortress. Over a century ago, the city stood as the northernmost center of dwarven culture on the continent. Today, it is a dark elf city with a population of dwarves so negligible that they are at risk of losing all presence in the historic city. Despite its crumbling walls and ruined towers, Duervale remains a formidable, large city. In political circles, it is sometimes referred to as the "key to the south," referring to its significance for any regional power in securing authority in the lands of Daeruin's lucrative southern reaches. Rivers and tributaries from the nearby mountains pass through Duervale, giving it strategic importance along the Vale Road, connecting Neirath to the rest of the empire, including the all-important trade goods travelling north from the colonial lands.Demographics
The Jewel of the North
The demographics of this ancient city remain perhaps its most controversial subject. Originally founded by clans of dwarves who trekked north, far beyond the reaches of Vurturum, the great fortress city stood as the epicenter of dwarven culture in the north of Sol. While the elves and humans had their own wonders, this was the northernmost place one could marvel at dwarven architecture, stonework, and machines. For most of its history, Duervale was a primarily dwarven city, made up of the descendants of the first clans who first ventured north to lay roots in the valley. There were also humans, orcs, and even goliaths who settled within its walls as well. Elves were a rarity in the city as the dwarves did not trust their presence, fearing it would lead to rivalry concerning authority, as dwarven tradition regards elves as arrogant and unable to accept the authority of any other. Their mistrust would soon be justified.A Shell of the Past
Due to the siege of Duervale a little over a century ago, the city's traditional dwarven majority has been nearly eradicated, supplanted, and overtaken by a new dark elven population. Homes built by the dwarves are now occupied by the dark elves of Daeruin, who sought their destruction. A number of dwarves still remain in Duervale and call it home, descendants and survivors of the genocidal campaign that rooted them out, but their numbers dwindle each handful of years. Many of their traditions and crafts have slipped away, and the city suffers for it. Its machines, structures, and upkeep remain a mystery to the dark elves, and unable to maintain them, Duervale remains a bizarre echo of its former self. Still standing, but unable to claim its ancient glory. Today, the majority of the city is its dark elves, followed by humans, orcs, goblinoids, dragonborn, and newly migrating minotaurs. Meanwhile, the dwarves are mostly to be found toiling in the mines and quarries or farming the land as slaves.Defences
While the ancient walls crumble and lack the impregnable quality of when they were built due to siege and neglect by their conquerors, they were once mighty and a true fortress, repelling all invaders. They stand well enough to fend off attacks by weak and savage tribes who occupy the hills nearby, but any true siege would shatter them. As Duervale rests in the very heartland of the empire, the dark elves neglect its upkeep. Technically speaking, a natural defense permeates the city through its toxic water supply. Cleaning efforts have been slow and spotty, fraught with neglect and setbacks. As such, a besieging army would have a difficult time with water reserves, not knowing which sources are clean or deadly.
Industry & Trade
In ancient times, Duervale was a hub of economic activity. Trade was dominated by gems, stonework, jewelry, and brewing, with many other trades being present as well. With a population rivaling modern day Almavira, its people effectively managed a wide variety of lucrative industries with ease, owing to the dwarven spirit of hard work and toil. Today, its mines have been depleted of the ores used to strengthen the city and earn its wealth. Rock slides and overmining have created a work environment that remains dangerous due to rocky hazards and mercury. Due to this, as well as the depletion of ore, Duervale's mines are a shadow of their former self. A small number of dwarven slaves toil in its wake, surrounded by ghosts of their ancestors.
While the mining industry remains nearly dormant, the city earns modest revenues as a center of the pilgrimage business. Being an essential stop on the road to the Red Temple for many a pilgrim, merchants have set up shop here, providing devotees with all kinds of products from travel essentials to mountain climbing gear to spiritual implements, including incense, scourges, and talismans. There is also mild trade to supply the nearby Wyrmguards with ample supplies. Aside from that, a modest stonework industry remains, though it is often considered to be a tacky imitation of the true dwarven art form from ages past.
Infrastructure
Duervale was once an economic and production hub or the northeast. Today, it struggles to capture its former glory, as many of its key infrastructure points have fallen into disrepair or cannot be harnessed by the dark elves. Blast furnaces, automated machines, and the apparent communication system able to ferry messages long distances through the careful stonework of the city's cavernous paths have been aged by ruin and neglect. Nonetheless, the city still maintains a complex and effective network of paved roads, bridges, and pulleys to navigate its ascending and descending districts.
Architecture
Traditional dwarven architecture reigns supreme in Duervale. Its palaces, forts, walls, and monuments are carved of intricate stonework and carry unmistakably dwarven motifs. However, time, siege, and the elements have tainted many of these works and dulled their beauty. Dark Elves have attempted to fill the void by adding their own accoutrement, though foreign dwarves often remark it looks unfitting and even eerie, regarding the strange blend of cultural styles as forced and disrespectful. In general, the works tend to prioritize stability and defense over opulence.