Cragfloor
The Edge of the Peaks
Mining Town, Southreach’s Source of Practical Metals
Settlement Summary
- Population: 2,000 (mostly humans and dwarves, with some halflings)
- Government: Overseen by an appointed Imperial Steward under Southreach’s military governance
- Alignment: Lawful Neutral
- Languages: Common, Dwarven, and regional dialects of Southreach
- Notable Locations: The Miners’ Guildhall, The Iron Pits, The Overseer’s Post, The Forge Quarter, The Ravine Wall
Notable Features
- The Miners’ Guildhall: The administrative heart of Cragfloor, where mining permits are issued, disputes are resolved, and trade agreements are negotiated.
- The Iron Pits: A series of low-grade iron ore mines spread across the southern foothills of Blackpeak. These mines provide a steady supply of metal for tools, farming implements, and other non-military goods.
- The Overseer’s Post: A central watchtower and administrative building where the appointed Imperial Steward oversees mining operations and ensures security.
- The Forge Quarter: A modest collection of smithies where raw ore is processed into basic tools and goods for local use and export.
- The Ravine Wall: A steep natural barrier marking the southern edge of the Blackpeak mountains. This impenetrable wall of rock provides natural protection but also limits expansion into Blackpeak proper.
Special Qualities
- Ore Supply Hub: Cragfloor serves as Southreach’s primary source of iron and other practical metals, reducing reliance on Blackpeak for non-military tools.
- Natural Defense: The steep Ravine Wall and surrounding terrain make the town difficult to approach from the north, serving as a natural barrier against threats.
- Close Community: With its small population and shared dependence on mining, Cragfloor has a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support.
Defenses
- Small Garrison: A detachment of 100 soldiers is stationed at Cragfloor to protect the town and its mines.
- Natural Barriers: The rugged terrain and the Ravine Wall provide significant protection from external threats.
- Local Militia: A volunteer militia, primarily miners and smiths, is trained to defend the town in emergencies.
Notable NPCs
- Steward Caelin Ironbrand: A no-nonsense dwarf who manages the mining operations and trade agreements, ensuring efficiency and fairness.
- Master Miner Lyn Farrow: A human leader of the Miners’ Guild, Lyn is an expert in geology and mining techniques, respected by workers and officials alike.
- Forge-Master Galen Blackspur: A grizzled human blacksmith who oversees the Forge Quarter and ensures the quality of Cragfloor’s iron goods.
- Captain Jory Hearthsteel: The commander of the garrison, a half-elf soldier with a keen understanding of the terrain and local defenses.
- Elena “Shards” Morthal: A halfling trader and smuggler who deals in raw ore and other goods, often skirting imperial oversight.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Mining Hazards: The Iron Pits occasionally face cave-ins, gas pockets, and other natural dangers, posing risks to miners.
- Smuggling: Despite strict oversight, some ore is illegally sold to Blackpeak or outside parties, creating tension with Southreach officials.
- Expansion Issues: The Ravine Wall and mountainous terrain limit the expansion of mining operations, forcing Cragfloor to focus on efficiency.
- Banditry: Bandits occasionally raid shipments of ore and tools, targeting caravans heading to other parts of Southreach.
The Iron Pits
"Heart of the Town"
The Iron Pits are Cragfloor’s lifeblood, providing a steady supply of low-grade ore used for tools and farming implements. The pits are maintained by skilled miners and supported by imperial investments. The Iron Pits supply nearly the entirety of Southreach with tools, but the quality is too low for any military use.
The Ravine Wall
"The Edge of the World"
The Ravine Wall is an imposing natural barrier marking the southern edge of Blackpeak. It is said to be unscalable, and its shadow looms over Cragfloor.
The Forge Quarter
"Tools of the Trade"
The Forge Quarter produces high-quality iron tools and farming implements. While not as refined as Blackpeak steel, these goods are affordable and reliable. Many of Southreach's best smiths trained in Cragfloor, where the value of the iron and steel is lower, and they can be more experimental, and get more practice. Cragfloor has some of the oldest and most experiences smiths taking on dozens of apprentices at a time.
Smuggling in the Shadows
"Ore for the Highest Bidder"
The smuggling of iron ore is an ongoing problem in Cragfloor, with some traders seeking to bypass imperial taxes or sell to outside buyers.
Bandits of the Foothills
"A Persistent Threat"
Bandits operating in the foothills of Blackpeak frequently target caravans leaving Cragfloor. The garrison has had difficulty rooting them out due to their knowledge of the terrain.