Melgalar
Carved from the bones of the mountain itself, Melgalar is a subterranean marvel of dwarven engineering; a city of stone, steel, and flame. It serves as the political, cultural, and industrial heart of Ironhold, a dwarven kingdom renowned for its artisanship, military discipline, and unyielding pride in dwarvish tradition going back millennia.
From the outside, little is visible save the massive Ringed Gates: concentric, rune-carved doors that protect the only known surface entrance. Within lies a cathedral of stone. Tiered halls lit by lava channels, fortress-bastions clinging to cavern walls, and the ever-beating heart of the Emberdeep Forge casting golden light into the gloom.
Melagalar is a living monument to dwarven tenacity and unity. Every stone bears the mark of deliberate work. Every chamber echoes with purpose.
From the outside, little is visible save the massive Ringed Gates: concentric, rune-carved doors that protect the only known surface entrance. Within lies a cathedral of stone. Tiered halls lit by lava channels, fortress-bastions clinging to cavern walls, and the ever-beating heart of the Emberdeep Forge casting golden light into the gloom.
Melagalar is a living monument to dwarven tenacity and unity. Every stone bears the mark of deliberate work. Every chamber echoes with purpose.
Industry & Trade
Melagalar’s economy is forge-born. Blacksteel weapons, rune-carved stone, and intricate automaton devices fetch high prices across Iroth. Most dwarves spend their lives perfecting a craft, mastering a weapon, or recording their clan’s history.
Tourism
The city of Melgalar is renowned across the continent for its opulent feasts and ritual celebrations on the nation's high days. Of particular interest to visitors:
Founding Day: A city-wide forge lighting and feast.
The Ember Truce: A day honoring ancient peace between feuding clans.
Trials of Flame: Warrior-smith competitions that blend battle and artistry.
Architecture
Melagalar sprawls vertically more than horizontally, built in ringed layers around the central forge-core. Each layer descends deeper into the earth.
The Forgevault (upper levels) houses the great public forges, artisan halls, and trade markets, as well as a small noble district. Hammerhall (mid levels) consists of government offices, clan estates, and barracks. It is the political and military core. The Emberdeep (lower levels) is the restricted area where the Sacred Forge lies, powered by magma and ancient runes. It is the home of master smiths and the secretive Anvilpriests. The Echodeep (lowest levels) are a grouping of sealed tunnels and ancient ruins of the First Delving. Only select expeditioners dare explore this haunted zone.
The streets of the circular city are wide and rune-lit, built with fireproof basalt and detailed iron inlays. Magma channels double as heating and ceremonial lighting, and though most of the outer edges have been equipped with safety railings, some older parts of the great city go without, and it can be dangerous to be near the edge.
The Forgevault (upper levels) houses the great public forges, artisan halls, and trade markets, as well as a small noble district. Hammerhall (mid levels) consists of government offices, clan estates, and barracks. It is the political and military core. The Emberdeep (lower levels) is the restricted area where the Sacred Forge lies, powered by magma and ancient runes. It is the home of master smiths and the secretive Anvilpriests. The Echodeep (lowest levels) are a grouping of sealed tunnels and ancient ruins of the First Delving. Only select expeditioners dare explore this haunted zone.
The streets of the circular city are wide and rune-lit, built with fireproof basalt and detailed iron inlays. Magma channels double as heating and ceremonial lighting, and though most of the outer edges have been equipped with safety railings, some older parts of the great city go without, and it can be dangerous to be near the edge.
Founding Date
1004
Alternative Name(s)
the city in the deep
Population
72,000
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Owning Organization
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