Erod Flan
The dwarven citadel of Erod Flan functions as a military installation and the seat of power for Clan Craenog, the dominant political force in the region. The stronghold’s first construction phase consisted of a fortified keep and a reinforced perimeter wall. The city rapidly expanded over the next several decades in response to the escalating threats from the neighboring Kingdom of Arcady to the west and the hobgoblins to the east. Fortunately for the dwarves, the two rivals turned against each other, ultimately resulting in their annihilation. Nonetheless, Erod Flan has successfully repulsed six hobgoblin assaults during its long, illustrious history, the most recent taking place shortly after King Kroma’s disappearance at the Battle of Tsar.
Under the rulership of High Thane Kaelan, the clan’s influence stretches across much of the central Stoneheart Mountains. The citadel sits atop an elongated mesa roughly 7,500 feet above sea level that grants its defenders an ideal vantage point for observing the area surrounding the secure fortress. In addition to its elevation and panoramic view, Erod Flan’s defenses are impressive. Sheer rock walls and cliffs make up much of the slope surrounding the elevated structure. Two mountain passes grant access to the dwarven citadel through the rugged terrain, though these routes are intentionally winding with numerous tight turns, twists, and narrow stretches designed to prevent an enemy from lugging siege equipment close to its gates and walls.
To enforce his rule, the thane has an army of 2,500 disciplined professional soldiers at his disposal as well as an auxiliary force of 1,000 crossbowmen and swordsmen. In addition to asserting their authority over other mountain dwarf clans, Erod Flan’s military also safeguards the region against the hobgoblins from Exor, Bonehollow, and Smashed Skull. While Kaelan’s mind is up to the challenges, his frail body is in no condition to lead a campaign against the dwarves’ many enemies. These tasks fall upon his older son Thron, who is also his likely successor, and Minchain Redash, the captain of Erod Flan’s guards. Both men realize not all of the dwarves’ threats are external. Matters of succession can be dodgy within the clan, as Kaelan’s two brothers and Thron’s younger sibling could lay claim to the throne when Kaelan passes into the next world. Kaelan’s father Om experienced the same intrigue when he ascended to the throne following the death of his father Kroma two centuries earlier. Om’s boorish cousin Garnock vigorously protested being passed over for his more capable younger cousin. Despite his brooding, the clan almost unanimously accepted Om as its leader. Still, the passage of time has failed to quell rumors of discontent simmering in some circles regarding Garnock’s claims.
More recently, tales are swirling about clandestine activities in the sealed quartz mines beneath the city. Sixty years earlier, Kaelan himself led an expedition into the tunnels to root out the dark folk some say may be making a resurgence along with their grimlock servants. The inherently xenophobic dwarves also cast a wary eye upon the small community of gnomes living within their capital. The dwarves respect their smaller humanoid counterparts for the remarkable ingenuity and technological prowess, though they never fully trust them.
In addition to its status as a military complex, Erod Flan also features many of the amenities found in a typical metropolis. Within its protective walls, farmers grow crops and raise livestock. Granaries store vast quantities of food in preparation for a protracted war or siege. Merchants, craftsmen, and professionals sell their wares and services in a bustling marketplace, while the soldiers sworn to defend Erod Flan reside in two massive barracks complexes on its grounds. Twelve taverns serve the needs of the city’s population and provide accommodations for its infrequent visitors. Erod Flan’s small gnomish quarter also produces and sells alchemical substances and a host of other curious odds and ends to various customers. The high thane and his family occupy a keep in the city’s southeastern corner. Although primarily a residence, the keep also functions as an administrative and religious center. High Thane Kaelan also doubles as a cleric of Dwerfater, though his infirmity severely limits his ecclesiastical duties.
The dwarves inhabiting the small villages and settlements scattered throughout the region surrounding Erod Flan almost universally share some lineage with Clan Craenog. Although many of these common ancestors date back several generations, even the tiniest drop of blood from a distant, common relative cements the bonds of fraternity among members of Clan Craenog. These dwarves sometimes skirmish against the other dwarven clans surrounding them and the hobgoblin or orc marauders.
Stronghold
Erod Flan, Citadel of
Type
Fortress
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