Shatterhelm

Shatterhelm is not welcoming to most other races. So there are not likely any other folk inside the city walls other than Dwarves. Curiously, the Dwarves of the area are fond of the nearby Human settlements such as Xessod and Redveil, and are open to trade with them.

Shatterhelm is governed by the Smokebeard family. In the current day, Shatterhelm hails to their queen, Maerris Smokebeard II.

The entire city is carved directly into the Dara-Banesh Mountains leaving little space needing defense. Naturally the front gate and walls are nearly impenetrable to outsiders. There are three tall scouting towers throughout Shatterhelm's borders. Each placed in a strategic spot, allowing both far sight and quick warnings. However, by far the greatest asset this kingdom has in defenses is its powerful guards. The guards and warriors of Shatterhelm have had enough time to perfect their fighting styles and defensive positions.

Shatterhelm's signature stone is a highly prized commodity among nobility. The stone is a dark jade green with veins of white running through. As if it were a green version of fine marble. This is often given in trade for other items Shatterhelm cannot easily obtain, such as pumpkins, wheat, and magic tomes, to name a few.

The kingdom of Shatterhelm was founded in the time of the Great Expanding. Three of the Dwarven clans decided to move from the land of Ginnungagap to expand and obtain new resources and treasures. As they traveled, one of these clans came across a few local war bands of Green Orcs (exact number lost to time) that attacked the Dwarf pioneers. Through an amalgamation of brilliant battle tactics, cunning outsmarting, and much brute force, the path was cleared of the orcs for the Dwarves to settle. The ancient tactics used were perfected over time and are used to this day. Upon the discovery of the mysterious Jade Marble, the Dwarves there found it to be a perfect location for their new settlement, despite the local feral Owlbears that make the area dangerous.

The layout of the city is particularly masterful by Dwarf standards, having the gate, Deeping Stair, the main castle, and some homes carved directly from the strong green stone of the mountains. The front gate of the city is made from a great wall of normal stone carved out as an entrance to the city. It is made from the signature green stone, great bands of copper to hold it together, many battlements along the top.   Above the gate is a great round window of stained glass green, yellow, and every shade in between. This allows natural light inside the cavernous kingdom. Past the gate there is a platform smooth and polished that leads to a grand staircase. Thirty steps down goes the Deeping Stair into the true depth of the inner city. This is the only known way in or out of the city.   The bases of homes in the ground of Shatterhelm are carved directly from the stone and finished with wood beams and plank roofs. For the Dwarves on the more noble end, their homes are made in the walls. These homes decorate the walls of Shatterhelm and give it the appearance that the residential area is more expansive than it really is. Castle Smokestone where the Smokebeard family resides is directly in the center of the kingdom. It resembles a large longhouse of Human design, but is made of stone. At each corner of the castle is a defensive tower, the same design as the outside scouting towers. Above the door frame to the castle are ornate reliefs fashioned from stone displaying the great and many feats of the warriors of Shatterhelm.

Shatterhelm resides inside the Dara-Banesh mountains. At the foot of the mountain range are rolling empty plains of dried grass known as the Fields of Felsword. The field is rather empty, with nothing of note within other than Phandine Peak. Shatterhelm's borders are sandwiched between the forest of Tenebris Silvam (which is where they get their lumber) and the Forest of Fey.

Being Dwarves, they obviously have no trouble obtaining stone. But they also have some agricultural talents as well. Trade with Shatterhelm is always open.