Stoneforge
Outside of the city is a large bridge, about 160 feet (49 meters) wide and at least three times as long. The massive bridge is supported by numerous arched pillars descending into the rock below. Every 50 or so feet on either side of the road are large braziers, providing both light and warmth for those crossing. On either side of the bridge, and two rows down the center, are numerous small shops and kiosks, Dwarves peddling their wares, a few non-Dwarven merchants as well. The majority of the wares being sold are nick-knacks, such as small stone statuettes of various Dwarven paragons, and general traveling supplies, like rope, preserved foods, tents, and blankets, each with Dwarven-style flare to them. At the city end of the bridge are two colossal statues on each side of the bridge. The statues are of very regal looking Dwarves, clad in heavy armor. A massive shield in one hand, raised in front of their chest, and a huge hammer in the other. Between the statues are a pair of large stone doors, each about twenty feet wide, thirty feet tall, and fifteen feet thick. Numerous guards, clad in heavy platemail, are in position at the gates. Other Dwarves, in less robust armor, scurry about, checking with each group entering and exiting the city.
Beyond the gates is a large, rounded, chamber. Four massive pillars supporting the arched ceiling. Lining the outside walls are polished dwarven statues. Each statue with a placard at it's base, stating the name, house, and title of the Dwarf the statue represents. The majority of the statues are of those who have had a great impact on the city, or have been elevated to the status of Paragon.
Beyond the round chamber is the top of a massive set of stairs descending down into the mountain base. The stairs diverge, one set going to the right and the other left, reaching a corner, going forwards, another corner, then rejoining the opposite stairwell to form a plateau which stretches out, circling the walls, while the stairwells continue to descend over a thousand feet below. A large square gap plunges down the center of the stairwell, a simple metal fence blocking people from falling in at each level. A guard is stationed at each corner of this gap. On the interior of this gap, in each corner, are notches carved into the stone and reinforced with metal. A stone platform, with gears on each corner, rises up and down through the stairwell cavity, stopping at each plateau.
Looking down from the top of the stairs, one could see the whole of the city of Stoneforge sprawling out before them. Along the outside of the city on each plateau, thousands of small buildings are carved directly into the mountain wall. At the far end of the uppermost plateau, large mansion-like estates stand out.
The city core is primarily comprised of businesses and markets though the most notable structure is the Grand Council Hall. It is a grandiose structure standing in the center of the city, towering over the surrounding buildings. A bridge leading to the front gate crosses a river that flows around both sides of the grand hall and weaves throughout the center of town.
Demographics
RACES:
- Dwarves make up about 90-92% of the population
- The remaining population is a mix of races, mostly human, half-orc, and goliath
- Mining, smithing, and stone-masonry are the most dominant professions.
- Merchants and military/guards come in not far behind.
Government
The City of Stoneforge, much like in Ironstoke, is governed by a Dwarven council which meets in the Grand Central Hall. The Dwarven council consists of 31 members. Each member represents one of the major Dwarven clans within the city. Which clans are selected to be part of the council is based on the financial/property holdings of the clan. Each eligible clan then selects a member to represent them. While a seat on the council is a paid position, laws were put in place when the Dwarves changed from having a king to a council to prevent the inflation of the council wages.
The council handles the internal affairs of the city, allocation of funds to various programs and infrastructure and the creation, modification, and removal of policies and laws. Topics are placed to a vote, and 21 or more members must agree in order for the decision to be approved.
All who own property in Stoneforge are taxed, based on the amount of land they own. Dwarves are all taxed at one rate, where as any non-Dwarven people who wish to purchase land pay a significantly higher tax rate. Non-Dwarven individuals must also apply to purchase any land and must present their application to, and have it approved by, the Dwarven Council.
Defences
- Stoneforge itself resides inside Mount Kadrivalk, creating a natural defense.
- A long bridge over a deep chasm leads to the only external entryway into the city, a pair of massive metal doors.
- A large guard force, primarily composed of the warrior clans, keeps the peace within the city
- A subset of this guard force is specifically trained for war, should one arise.
- The creation of self aware Stone Golems, known as the Groshail, has also provided a defensive force
Industry & Trade
Stoneforge has an underground farming structure which is used to grow a wheat-like plant called Whiproot. This is then milled into a coarse flower and baked into a tough, dense bread.
The ore-rich mines beneath Stoneforge provide large quantities of stone and ore used in their crafting and blacksmithing.
- The primary exports are stone, stonework, ore, and metal-work (tools, weapons, armor, etc).
- Their primary imports are meats and vegetables, mostly imported from the Ikanave Grasslands
Infrastructure
- A large, mechanical elevator is constructed near the entrance to the city, moving down and stopping on each plateau to allow people on and off. A second, smaller elevator is present to move people and materials from the mine surface into the tunnels.
- A series of tubes are bored through the mountain walls at key points to provide a continual fresh air flow through the city.
- The Stoneforge Mines spread out from a long tunnel moving away from Stoneforge. The main mine tunnel is being carved towards Amanodel to provide a quicker and more direct route for goods to be traded.
History
Stoneforge is the second oldest Dwarven city in the Anterak Mountains, settled in 273 PC.
During the Knelik Wars Stoneforge was nearly overrun. Elves had breached the old city gates, managing to reach the city core. The large flood of reinforcements coming all but guaranteed that StoneForge would fall. While much of the army was tied up in combat in the core, a small demolitions team stealthed through to the main gate and entry chamber, managing to rig enough explosives to collapse much of the entrance, staving off the flow of reinforcements from the outside, and trapping those already inside. This gave the Dwarves the time needed to retake the city, push back to the gates, and bolster their front line defense.
Architecture
Most of the free-standing buildings are built from stone. Cobblestone and brick are very commonly used. Buildings along the outer rim of the city are carved directly into the mountain wall. Most of these structures are utilized as low-cost housing as they are often quite small, only containing 3-4 rooms each. Doors for general structures are usually wood, though the more iconic structures, such as the Grand Central Hall, still have large stone doors, Dwarven artwork carved into their surface.
The buildings are usually angular in shape, mimicking Dwarven art which is also very blocky and rigid.
Geography
Stoneforge is built within Mount Kadrivalk in the Anterak Mountains. The tunnel leads into the mountain where it then expands into the massive cavern where the main city is housed.
Underground rivers, brought to surface, flow through the city. Several wells were also dug to tap into deeper water sources.
Natural Resources
- Stone, ore, and jewels carved out from the mines beneath the city are the most bountiful resources in Stoneforge.
- Water from the underground rivers are redirected into surface water flows through the city.
- Gidrakkia, a bio-luminescent fungi grows on the inner walls of the mountain, providing both fresh air and light within the city.
- Outside the city, in the mountains, there are various forms of wildlife which can be hunted.
Type
Large city
Population
87529
Location under
Included Locations
Characters in Location
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