The Dwarfholds

The Dwarfholds are the surviving fortress-cities of the dwarfs of the Giantshield Mountains. There are dozens of them, organized by clan, and ruled by Elders. Each Dwarfhold is dedicated to just one clan (e.g. Clan Horn, Clan Stone, etc.), and all of the families of that Clan live together (e.g. the Stonehammer, Stonebrow, Stonechild families all live in the same Clanhold).

Demographics

• Dwarfs are the only people allowed to inhabit the Dwarfholds on a permanent basis, and even then, they are only allowed to stay in the fortress that belongs to their family's ancestral clan.

• Outsiders, including "foreign" dwarfs are relegated to staying at inns or among friends. They normally can't be forcibly removed, but the dwarfs are loathe to let someone stay for long.

Government

• The Dwarfholds are organized into a caste system: craftsmen are at the top, followed by clergy and soldiers, while miners and other laborers make up the lower caste. The lowest possible caste consists of "surface-dwarfs", who are merchants, herders, and exiles.

• Clanholds are ruled by the Clan Elder, a craftsmen (occasionally a priest of the Ironbender or sometimes a warrior) of great wisdom and leadership ability.

Defences

• The Dwarfholds are always extremely defensible; they are usually at least partially underground, with heavily guarded entrances sporting stone walls and iron doors. Likewise, networks of winding caverns and tunnels allow emergency exits and choke-points to fall back on.

• Dwarven warriors are renowned for their courage and combat ability; a single Dwarfhold can dedicate a considerable portion of its population to the art of war (proportionally, almost twice as many as a human settlement).

Industry & Trade

• The Giantshield Mountains are rich with workable stone, metal ore, and precious gemstones.

• Underground lakes and streams provide water and occasionally cave-fish for sustenance, and underground fungi is a staple of the dwarven diet (essentially replacing vegetables, which most dwarfs are unfamiliar with on a conceptual level). The dwarfs must often trade with the men of Ironwall or the North for salted meats and grains. Food-rationing is a common practice in the Dwarfholds.

• Dwarven alcohol, fermented and treated with unique ingredients (such as underground fungi) is another ready export. They make meads, ales, and occasionally wines.

Alternative Name(s)

The Clanholds (only among dwarfs)

Type

Citadel

Population

100,000 (between multiple Clanholds)

Location under

The Giantshield Mountains