New Bergatt - city
A dwarven fortress-city nestled in the Ironspine Mountains where the Ironvein River flows through the pass. Built by survivors of Bergatt destruction under the leadership of Thorgrim Stoneshield , this settlement represents the perfect fusion of defensive mountain stronghold and riverine fishing traditions.
Demographics
New Bergatt maintains a strictly duergar population within its walls. The only non-duergar allowed to remain overnight are carefully vetted svirfneblin traders and occasional diplomatic envoys. The population consists primarily of craftsmen, soldiers, fishermen, and miners, with every citizen receiving basic military training regardless of their primary occupation.
Defences
Defense permeates every aspect of New Bergatt's design. Multiple layers of thick stone walls protect both river banks, while watchtowers positioned along the walls and bridge maintain constant vigilance. The fortress gates feature complex mechanisms allowing them to be sealed quickly, while murder holes and arrow slits cover all approach routes. Underground escape tunnels provide emergency evacuation routes, their entrances carefully hidden and guarded. The bridge itself can be quickly blocked or even partially demolished if necessary, while underwater barriers can be raised to control river traffic.
Industry & Trade
The city's economy balances fishing traditions with typical duergar industries. Fishing and fish processing form a significant portion of daily commerce, with specialized facilities for smoking, salting, and preserving catches. Mining operations extract valuable ores from the mountain, while forges and workshops transform raw materials into finished goods. Trade is carefully controlled, with most merchants required to conduct business in designated areas of the South Bank District.
Infrastructure
New Bergatt's infrastructure showcases the finest of duergar engineering. The city's core systems include an extensive underground water management network that harvests mountain springs and river water, ensuring a secure supply even during potential sieges. A sophisticated rail system connects various city levels and extends to nearby outposts, allowing rapid movement of goods and troops. Stone-carved lifts and staircases link different levels of the mountain fortress, while a complex ventilation system, designed with both comfort and security in mind, circulates air throughout the underground portions.
Districts
The city is divided into distinct areas serving specific purposes.
The Mountain Heart encompasses the deepest parts of the fortress, housing government chambers and secure storage vaults.
The Upper Halls, carved into the mountain face, contain residential areas and craftsmen's workshops.
The River Quarter along the northern bank hosts fishing operations and initial processing facilities.
The South Bank District, across the bridge, focuses on trade operations and secondary processing facilities.
The Bridge District itself serves as both transportation hub and security checkpoint, controlling all river traffic.
Guilds and Factions
Despite their unified appearance to outsiders, New Bergatt's internal politics features several influential groups. The River Wardens oversee fishing rights and river traffic, while the Mountain Crafters Guild regulates mining and smithing. The Bridgewatch maintains bridge security and collects tolls, and the Deepstore Merchants manage trade relations. These groups all answer to the city leadership but maintain considerable influence in their respective domains.
Points of interest
- The Stoneshield Hall - leadership chambers and central governance
- The Great Bridge - fortified crossing and checkpoint
- The Deep Markets - underground trading halls
- The Fisherman's Rest - prestigious tavern and gathering place
- The Laduguer's Vault - main temple complex
- The Iron Shield Academy - military training grounds
- The River Watch - primary defensive fortification
- The Mountain Heart - secure storage and emergency shelter
Architecture
The city's design reflects both its defensive priorities and its dual nature as a mountain and river settlement. The northern bank hosts the main fortress, carved deep into the Ironspine Mountains, with multiple levels of halls and chambers extending into the rock. Massive stone walls extend from the mountain face to embrace the riverbank settlements, their foundations reaching deep into the bedrock. The southern bank is similarly fortified, though its structures focus more on fishing operations and trade facilities.
The central bridge linking the two halves of the city is a marvel of duergar engineering. Built from solid stone with reinforced gates at both ends, it serves as both transportation link and defensive chokepoint. Watch posts positioned along its length maintain constant vigilance over river traffic below, while covered positions protect crossing citizens from potential attacks.
Geography
The city is strategically positioned where the Ironvein Pass cuts through the Ironspine Mountains, with the Ironvein River flowing below. The main fortress is carved directly into the mountain face, while fishing docks and processing facilities line the protected river banks. Multiple levels of the city extend both into the mountain and along its face, creating a naturally defensible position with access to vital water resources.
Natural Resources
The city's position provides access to diverse resources. The mountain yields iron, silver, and other valuable ores, while the river provides abundant fish. Natural mountain springs ensure fresh water supply, while caves offer spaces for mushroom cultivation. The surrounding territory includes quarries for building stone and limited arable land for essential crops.
Founding Date
321
Alternative Name(s)
The Iron Gate
Type
City
Population
Approximately 5.000
Location under
Owning Organization