The Deepforged Halls
The Deepforged Halls are a vast network of ancient underground cities, mines, and fortresses once inhabited by the mighty Dwarves of Anzentochi. Constructed during the Age of Harmony, these halls were the epitome of dwarven ingenuity and craftsmanship. They sprawled beneath the Spine, a towering mountain range that served as both a natural fortress and a source of the rich veins of precious metals and gemstones that fueled dwarven prosperity.
Before Cataclysm (B.C.)
The Deepforged Halls were marvels of engineering, with soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate carvings, and glowing veins of mithral and gold running through the walls. Great forges burned day and night, creating legendary weapons, armor, and artifacts. The Dwarves constructed grand halls for feasting, vast libraries for preserving knowledge, and deep sanctuaries where their Anvilborn gods were venerated. Waterways carved into the rock carried fresh mountain streams, powering mechanisms and providing life to the subterranean cities.
Each hall was connected by a network of labyrinthine tunnels, guarded by automated constructs and formidable dwarven warriors. The Halls were not only places of residence but centers of trade and diplomacy, where the Dwarves welcomed emissaries from the surface and shared their crafts in exchange for rare goods and knowledge.
After Devastation (A.D.)
The Cataclysm brought devastation to the Deepforged Halls. Earthquakes shattered the once-immaculate tunnels, and entire cities were buried under rock and rubble. The Spellscourge rendered many of their magical defenses and constructs inoperable, leaving them vulnerable to the encroaching dangers of the wilds and the rising influence of malevolent forces.
What remains of the Deepforged Halls today is a shadow of their former glory. They are a realm of echoes and shadows, filled with the remnants of dwarven splendor and the haunting memories of a lost age. Many halls are overrun by dangerous creatures, while others are shrouded in mystery, their entrances sealed and their treasures hidden deep within.
Legacy
For modern dwarves, the Deepforged Halls are a symbol of both pride and loss. They serve as a testament to the resilience of their ancestors and a reminder of the costs of hubris and the fragility of even the most enduring achievements. Adventurers and treasure hunters from across Anzentochi seek to uncover the secrets buried within, while the Dwarves dream of one day reclaiming their ancestral homes and restoring their halls to their former glory.