New Bergatt
Structure
New Bergatt operates under the firm leadership of Thorgrim Stoneshield, who led the survivors from the old settlement to establish this new stronghold. Unlike the overseer system of old Bergatt, the governance here evolved into a more defensive and communal structure. Thorgrim leads a council of experienced duergar, each responsible for critical aspects of the city-state: defense, mining, fishing, and trade. This structure emerged from the harsh lessons of their past, emphasizing collective survival over individual power. Military commanders hold significant influence, given the city-state's focus on security and defense.
Culture
The culture of New Bergatt is deeply shaped by their traumatic exodus and determination to survive. The duergar here maintain a strict code of loyalty and vigilance, with every citizen trained in basic defense from young age. Their society values self-sufficiency, craftsmanship, and military preparedness above all. While they maintain their traditional duergar practices, they've developed unique customs around their fishing heritage, blending mountain dwelling with rivercraft. Community events often center around collective defense drills, fishing festivals, and ceremonies honoring their escape from old Bergatt. There's a strong emphasis on teaching young duergar about their history and the importance of maintaining their independence and security.
Public Agenda
The primary goal of New Bergatt is to establish an impregnable duergar haven while controlling the strategic Ironvein Pass. They actively work to strengthen their defenses, develop their fishing and mining industries, and maintain vigilant watch against potential threats, particularly from drow. While isolationist, they recognize the necessity of limited trade and maintain careful diplomatic relations with other duergar settlements and svirfneblin communities. They present themselves as a stable, defensive power in the region, aimed at securing their territory rather than expansion.
Assets
New Bergatt's primary strength lies in its strategic location and defensive capabilities. The city-state controls critical sections of the Ironvein Pass and Ironspine Mountains, maintaining a network of watchtowers and fortified positions. Their infrastructure includes sophisticated rail systems connecting various settlements and defensive positions, fishing fleets adapted for river defense, and mountain fortifications incorporating both duergar and svirfneblin engineering. They maintain strong fishing operations along the Ironvein River, mining operations in the mountains, and have developed effective systems for storing and preserving resources in case of siege.
History
New Bergatt's history begins in the tragedy of 320, when the original settlement of Bergatt fell during the war of duergar races. Led by Thorgrim Stoneshield, roughly 1,000 survivors made the arduous journey to their new home. The first year was spent carefully selecting their new location and establishing basic fortifications.
Founded officially in 321, the settlement quickly grew as additional duergar from Ramadûn joined them. The first five years focused on establishing essential defenses and infrastructure, with the rail system and river defenses being primary projects. Over time, they expanded their control over the surrounding territory, establishing fishing villages and defensive outposts. The city-state's growth has been careful and measured, always prioritizing security and self-sufficiency over rapid expansion.
Demography and Population
New Bergatt maintains a strictly duergar population of 8,000 across its territory. The capital city houses the majority with 5,000 residents, while the fishing villages collectively support 1,500 people. The mining outposts maintain a permanent population of 800 workers and their families, with the remaining 700 distributed among military outposts and watchtowers. Population growth occurs primarily through immigration as other duergar seek the security and stability of New Bergatt, though natural growth remains steady if modest, typical of duergar populations. The city-state maintains detailed records of all residents and carefully screens newcomers, ensuring the community's security and cultural integrity.
Religion
Worship of Laduguer permeates every aspect of New Bergatt society. The main temple, an architectural marvel carved deep within the Ironspine Mountains, serves as both a spiritual center and a symbol of duergar resilience. Within its halls, priests maintain ancient traditions while adapting them to their new circumstances. Religious ceremonies emphasize the values that enabled their survival: self-reliance, defensive preparation, community strength, and excellence in craftsmanship. The temple complex includes meditation chambers where duergar connect with their deity, and training areas where warrior-priests maintain their combat skills. Religious festivals often coincide with military exercises, blending spiritual devotion with practical defense of their new home.
Agriculture & Industry
New Bergatt's agriculture represents a careful adaptation to their mountainous environment. Extensive mushroom farms flourish in the natural and expanded caverns beneath the Ironspine Mountains, while terraced gardens carved into the mountain slopes make efficient use of limited arable land. The Ironvein River provides not just fish but supports several protected coves where fish farming operations thrive. The industrial heart of New Bergatt beats strongest in its mining operations, where duergar expertise extracts iron, silver, and other precious minerals from the mountains' depths. Stone crafting and metalworking form the backbone of their manufacturing, with numerous forges and workshops producing everything from daily tools to advanced weaponry. Their fishing industry has evolved from their heritage, developing new techniques for mountain river fishing while maintaining traditional preservation methods.
Trade & Transport
Transportation in New Bergatt demonstrates duergar engineering at its finest. A sophisticated rail system connects the capital with fishing settlements and mining outposts, enabling rapid movement of goods and, if necessary, troops. River vessels, specially designed for the mountain waters of the Ironvein, serve both fishing fleets and transport needs. A network of mountain paths and underground tunnels provides redundant transportation options, ensuring movement even during emergencies. The entire system prioritizes security while maintaining efficient trade flows with trusted partners.
Infrastructure
- Network of watchtowers
- Underground bunkers
- Training facilities
- Weapon stockpiles
- Emergency shelters
- Rail transport system
- Water management systems
- Food storage facilities
- Communication network ( signal towers )
- Public shelters
- Fishing docks and processing facilities
- Mining operations
- Forges and workshops
- Storage warehouses
- Trading posts ( heavily guarded )
From Ashes, Harder than Stone
Area:
250 square miles
Population:
8.000
250 square miles
Population:
8.000
Founding Date
321
Type
Geopolitical, City-state
Capital
Alternative Names
The Mountain Gateway
Demonym
Bergattians
Government System
Monarchy, Elective
Power Structure
Autonomous area
Economic System
Mixed economy
Gazetteer
- Capital is carved into the Ironspine Mountains
- Three fishing settlements are built along Ironvein River.
- Seven watchtowers are built around Ironvein Pass
- Two mining outposts are in the Ironspine Mountains.
- Underground granaries and storage facilities.
- Military training grounds in the mountain valleys.
Major Exports
- Fish and preserved fish products
- Minerals and ores
- Crafted stone products
- Metal goods
- Weapons and armor
- Mountain herbs and fungi
Major Imports
- Specialized tools
- Rare metals
- Some food supplies
- Svirfneblin engrinnering expertise
- Military equipment components
Deities
Location
Controlled Territories