Fastenbard

Democracy thrives in the mountain's embrace. The Council of Elders, with representatives from the seven forge houses, formulates and enforces the city's laws. Their decisions, while autonomous, are overseen by the venerable Highshield Bearer, Lord Boren Steelgrasp.

Glorious Hearthgate: Crafted from the strongest metals found in the Far'thak Mountains, this massive gate is further enchanted to resist any battering or magical penetration.   Stonewhisper Passage: Discreet and cunningly hidden, the passage is a secretive defense in itself. Accessible only to those who know its whereabouts, and even then, protected by concealed traps.   Guardian Walls: Surrounding the above-ground portions of Fastenbard, these walls are made from reinforced stone, and the top is lined with parapets and battlements for archers and lookouts.   Deep Trenches: Before reaching the main walls, invaders have to cross a series of trenches, often filled with sharp stakes or concealed to serve as pit traps.   Stone Sentinels: Massive statues located at strategic points, these are not just decorative. They can be animated through ancient rituals to defend the city.   Watchtowers: Dotting the landscape around Fastenbard, these towers serve as early warning systems, equipped with massive bells and signal fires.   The Labyrinthine Underways: A complex network of tunnels and chambers designed to confuse and disorient any invaders who might penetrate the city’s upper layers.   Defensive Methods:   Mountain Protectors Training:   All dwarves undergo basic defense training, ensuring that in times of need, every citizen can defend their home. Signal Fires and Bells:   In the event of an impending invasion, a network of fires and bells alert every corner of the city, allowing for rapid mobilization. Avalanche Control:   Skilled geomancers and engineers can, if needed, cause controlled avalanches to block passes and routes to the city. Booby Traps:   Hidden throughout the entrances and surrounding areas, traps such as collapsing tunnels, swinging blades, and pit traps serve to thwart invaders. Guard Beasts:   Trained cave bears and other native mountain creatures serve alongside the dwarven militia, unleashed in dire circumstances. Rapid Response Squads:   Elite groups of warriors who train specifically to respond to breaches or infiltrations. They move quickly through hidden passages to counter threats. Divine Rituals:   Clerics of Thardrum can invoke the god’s blessings, creating barriers, healing the wounded, or empowering the city's defenders. Alchemical Defenses:   Alchemists of Fastenbard have developed a range of concoctions – from flammable oils poured from walls to noxious gases released in tunnels. Diplomatic Safeguards:   Fastenbard maintains a network of spies and diplomats across Dorn, ensuring they have foreknowledge of potential threats and can often defuse them before they become military concerns. Fastenbard’s defenses, both physical and methodological, are a blend of traditional dwarven sturdiness and innovative strategies, ensuring the city remains an impregnable bastion in the heart of the Far'thak Mountains.

Beyond its fame as a mining marvel, the city's pulsing economic heart lies in its forges. The rhythmic clangs of hammers and the fiery glow of molten metal are omnipresent. Artifacts and weapons crafted here fetch high prices across Dorn, making Fastenbard a bustling trade hub despite its isolated location.

Mithrilcore: Description: The very heart of Fastenbard, this district is where the most significant decisions are made. The Council of Elders holds its meetings here. Architecturally, the district is grand, showcasing the finest of Dwarven craftsmanship. Notable Locations: Council Chambers, Monument of Founders, and the Ancestral Library.   Forge's Embrace: Description: This district is alive with the pulsing heat of the forges. It's here that the metals from the mines are brought to be transformed into tools, weapons, and artifacts. Notable Locations: The Grand Forge, Blackanvil Alloys, and Bronzehelm Armory.   Miner's Reach: Description: Situated deep and extending further into the mountain's roots, it’s where the majority of the mining activity occurs. Notable Locations: Deepvein Mithril Mine, Adamantium Cavern, and Miner’s Rest Tavern, Darksteel Brewery and Distillery.   Trade's Respite: Description: Even in such an isolated city, trade thrives. This district houses marketplaces and trading posts where goods from within and outside Fastenbard are exchanged. Notable Locations: Silverbind Jewel Market, Trade Council, and Far'thak Goods Emporium.   Guardian's Watch: Description: Home to the city’s militia and defenses. From training grounds to armories, everything related to the defense of Fastenbard is situated here. Notable Locations: Sentinel's Peak Barracks, High Sentinel’s Tower, and Shieldbearer’s Hall.   Ancestor's Rest: Description: A solemn and revered district, it is where the deceased are laid to rest and where their memories are honored. Notable Locations: Hall of the Fallen, Pillars of Memory, and Thardrum’s Sacred Altar.   Stonehome Residences: Description: The living quarters for the majority of Fastenbard’s populace. A maze of interconnected homes, halls, and plazas built with the warmth of Dwarven community in mind. Notable Locations: Losthammer Hall, Blackanvil Residences, and Stoneforge Square.     Gates:   Glorious Hearthgate: Description: The main and grand entrance to Fastenbard. Crafted with intricate designs, it stands as a testament to the resilience and grandeur of the Dwarves of Fastenbard. Guarded day and night, it serves as the main thoroughfare for trade and official delegations.   Stonewhisper Passage: Description: A smaller, less grand gate than the Hearthgate, but by no means less important. Often used for secretive departures and arrivals or for quick access to specific mountain paths. It's guarded discreetly, ensuring security without drawing unnecessary attention.

The Forge Houses:

    These are not mere families but pillars upon which Fastenbard stands:   Losthammer: Ancient and wise, they safeguard secrets and legends, including the elusive Lost Forge. Their lineage can be traced back to the early founders of Fastenbard, and they hold many secrets within their vaults.   Blackanvil: Their dark, shimmering alloys are a testament to their innovative metallurgy. Often seen as a bridge between tradition and innovation, their crafts blend ancient techniques with new discoveries.   Stonebrew: Renowned throughout Fastenbard for their masterful brewing and distilling techniques, the Stonebrew lineage is deeply rooted in the tradition of converting the finest barley, hops, and mountain spring water into delectable brews. Their signature Mountain Ale and Far'thak Fire Whiskey are celebrated far and wide.   Stoneforge: When you admire Fastenbard's grand gates, remember the hands of Stoneforge crafted them. Their artisans and architects have a hand in shaping much of the city's structure, from its towering spires to its fortified walls.   Ironbeard: Their iron-forged artifacts are as steadfast as their loyalty to Fastenbard. When it comes to reliable craftsmanship, many turn to the Ironbeards for their dedication and precision.   Silverbind: Craftsmanship meets art in their silver-imbued creations. Intricate designs and impeccable polish are the hallmarks of a Silverbind artifact, often sought after by nobles and aristocrats.   Bronzehelm: Don the bronze armor they forge, and feel invincible. Known for crafting armor and shields that have saved many a dwarf in battle, their bronze creations are both durable and magnificent to behold.   Goldentouch: Beauty meets function in every gilded masterpiece they create. Whether it's jewelry, ceremonial artifacts, or embellishments, the Goldentouch artisans ensure that their works are a blend of aesthetics and utility.

Legend speaks of the city's foundation being laid after a young dwarf named Harald found a single vein of pure mithril shimmering in the moonlight. This discovery transformed a small miners' outpost into the fortress city known today. The tales of its growth, wars, discoveries, and more are etched into the very walls of Fastenbard, a living testament to its storied past.

The Grand Forge: Here, metal meets divinity under Thardrum's watchful gaze. Sentinel's Peak: From this vantage, one can witness the grandeur of Dorn unfolding. Losthammer Hall: A legacy in stone and history, this is the heart of the Losthammer lineage.

Etched into the imposing southern peaks of the Far'thak range, Fastenbard boasts natural defenses that many cities would envy. Its visage, a blend of nature's might and Dwarven engineering, houses both the sprawling stone structures on the surface and the labyrinthine maze of tunnels below.

Mithril and Adamantium