Goorsmead

Goorsmead is an ancient Dwarven city carved into the base of the towering mountains near the center edges of the Living Nexus. It serves as a cultural stronghold for the dwarves of the region, known for its strategic position and resilience in harsh environments like the neighboring badlands and deserts. The dwarves of Goorsmead are master artisans, engineers, and warriors, fiercely protective of their traditions and history, which stretch back thousands of years.   History of Goorsmead Legends tell of how the founders were guided by an ancient dwarven deity, whose name is now forgotten by those on the Living Nexus, who led them to a place rich in ore, gems, and underground rivers. Over the centuries, Goorsmead grew into a prosperous city, known for its skilled blacksmiths, stonecutters, and architects.   During the Age of Giants, Goorsmead resisted many incursions from the towering invaders, using its fortified position and intricate defenses to fend off would-be conquerors. The scars of these battles are still visible in the city's outer walls, engraved with tales of dwarven valor. While the giants were eventually pushed back, the memory of their reign left a lasting impact on the city's culture, leading to a deep-rooted distrust of outsiders, particularly larger races.   Culture of Goorsmead The dwarves of Goorsmead are defined by their strong sense of tradition and community. They value craftsmanship, duty, and loyalty above all else. Honor is at the core of their societal values, with each family maintaining a deep connection to their lineage and ancestral craftsmanship. The city's social structure is built around guilds, with each guild representing a specific trade or craft, from smithing and masonry to gem-cutting and brewing. These guilds also hold political power, with the Council of Hammers governing the city under the leadership of the Stonewarden, a title given to the most respected elder in the city.   Dwarves of Goorsmead are known for their feast days and festivals, which often revolve around forging competitions, military drills, and storytelling. The Festival of Anvils, held once a year, brings in master artisans from across the region to showcase their finest creations. Another notable tradition is the Stonewalk, where young dwarves venture into the lower tunnels of the city to prove their mettle, returning with ore or gems that signify their readiness to contribute to Goorsmead's economy.   Notable Places in Goorsmead The Forge of the Forgotten Goddess: This ancient forge, said to have been blessed by a long forgotten Goddess, is the heart of Goorsmead’s blacksmithing culture. It is operated by the Anvilmasters’ Guild, where the finest weapons and armor in the Nexus are forged. Dwarves believe that the heat of this forge comes directly from the heart of the mountain itself, and only the most skilled smiths are allowed to work here.   Hall of Kings: A massive underground hall carved directly into the mountain's core, the Hall of Kings serves as both a meeting place for the Council of Hammers and a mausoleum for Goorsmead's greatest leaders. Statues of past Stonewardens line the walls, each one crafted with exacting detail to honor their contributions to the city.   The Great Gate: A colossal gate that guards the main entrance to Goorsmead, built from iron, stone, and reinforced with runes of protection. It’s a marvel of dwarven engineering and serves as the first line of defense against invaders. The gate has withstood multiple sieges and remains a symbol of the city's unyielding strength.   The Gem Market: Located deep within the city, this glittering bazaar is where Goorsmead’s renowned gem cutters and traders sell their wares. Precious stones mined from the depths of the Nexus pass through here, with merchants coming from distant cities like Ivadoor and Atlantea to purchase their products.   Rune Emberkin’s Hermitage: On the outskirts of Goorsmead’s farmlands is the hermitage where the mysterious Rune Emberkin once lived. Though abandoned for years, it is still whispered about in the city’s taverns, as many believe Rune continues his reclusive studies from afar. His connection to the giants and the disappearance of his sister, Seraphina, is the stuff of legend among Goorsmead’s citizens.   The Tunnel of Echoes: A natural underground tunnel said to stretch deep into the earth. Many believe the tunnel leads to ancient, forgotten parts of the Nexus, possibly even to places where the giants once ruled. It’s considered a sacred place by some, and adventurers often venture into its depths seeking fortune and glory, though few return.   The Stonefoot Tavern: This lively tavern is a cornerstone of Goorsmead’s social life. Famous for its stonebrew ale and hearty meals, it’s the place where miners, artisans, and travelers gather to share stories, make deals, and unwind after a long day. It also serves as a hub for adventurers looking to hire guides to the surrounding badlands or the nearby Dirdburg River.   Functioning of Goorsmead Goorsmead’s economy is largely self-sustaining, based on mining, metalwork, and trade. The city thrives on its underground mining operations, which extract valuable ores, gems, and stone. Skilled artisans transform these raw materials into weapons, armor, and jewelry, which are then traded with other cities and nations. Their smithing exports are in high demand, with many armies in the Nexus relying on Goorsmead’s durable equipment.   Agriculture in Goorsmead is focused on fungal farming and underground irrigation systems fed by the mountain’s natural springs. However, the city also maintains small outlying farmlands, where crops are grown using inventive methods to combat the harsh desert climate.   While the dwarves are fiercely independent, Goorsmead maintains trade relations with nearby regions like Pendle Harbor and the city of Dirdburg. The Dirdburg River is particularly important as it allows for easy transport of goods to and from Goorsmead’s isolated position.   Though secretive and cautious of outsiders, the dwarves of Goorsmead are known to be honorable allies when trust is earned, and they contribute greatly to the economy and culture of the Living Nexus through their unparalleled craftsmanship.