Blackpeak

A primarily dwarven and halfling population, the kingdom of Blackpeak contains most of the Blackpeak mountains and caverns, and supplies most of Kyneshelm’s Raethílian allies with obsidian. The City of Glass is protected by the Deepguards, who, as well as protecting the city, are responsible for the safety and secrecy of the Imperial Vault. Many of Blackpeaks towns and smaller cities lie underground, some as gateways to the underdark, others in vast mining veins.

While some towns lie in valleys or on mountainsides, most of Blackpeak’s population does in fact live underground. King Thuldur Ironhammer, a stout, 130-year-old dwarf, worked his way into the royal family by way of hard work and valiant defenses of the city during his time as both a miner and Deepguard. Many consider him rather intimidating, and he prioritizes efficiency over kindness. King Thuldur rules with his wife, the dwarven smith, Queen Lysora.

Industrial and Mining Hub

Major Exports: Obsidian, precious metals, gemstones, weapons, tools.

Industries: Mining, metallurgy, jewel crafting, and industrial engineering.

Economic Connections:

• Supplies raw and refined materials to Southreach for military use and Wildacre for trade and crafting.
• Exports obsidian and gemstones to Westrun for art and ceremonial use.

Strengths:

• Access to vast mineral wealth and expertise in refining them into high-value goods.
• Well-protected trade routes to avoid disruption by bandits or Abyssal remnants.

Weaknesses:

• Highly dependent on food imports, particularly from Wildacre.
• The high productivity demands occasionally lead to worker unrest or environmental strain.

Tensions:

• Disagreements with Westrun over gemstone pricing for luxury versus industrial use.
• Pressure from Southreach to prioritise military orders over commercial exports.

Defensive and Industrial Power

Forces: The Deepguards (24,000)

• A specialised force dedicated to defending mining operations, the Imperial Vault, and Blackpeak's underground cities.
• Tasked with repelling threats from the Underdark and safeguarding trade caravans.

Recruitment:

• Recruited locally, with dwarves and halflings dominating the ranks due to their familiarity with mining and underground combat.
• Many miners transition into the Deepguards after gaining experience in Blackpeak’s caverns.

Roles:

• Secures the empire’s mining resources.
• Maintains vigilance against Underdark incursions.

Strengths:

• Specialised in subterranean combat and defence.
• Deep familiarity with the terrain ensures effective operations in the region.

Weaknesses:

• Limited to local defence; not well-suited for open-field combat.
• Smaller force size compared to other regions.

Ruler: King Thuldur Ironhammer

Population: 880,000

Capital: The City of Glass (pop. 200,000)

Primary Function: Seat of the Imperial Vault and home of the Kyneshelm Mining Guild

Major Cities: The Black Tower (military population, 3,000), Bronzekeep (45,000)

Disposition: The people of Blackpeak are well known for an almost militaristic standard of productivity. Interruptions to their carefully perfected workforce is considered a criminal offense.

Military: The Deepguards (24,000)

The Deepguard