Great Mountain Road

A major causeway within the Dwarven countries of the Crowning Ranges , and considered synonymous with the flow of trade through them. The road begins at the southwestern coast of Svartalfheim in the capital, H'aderford. From there it passes northeast into Naiall and its capital Moien, then north to Tuatha'Nell and its capital Danu, before continuing to Dwereth and ending in its capital, Dwightholt.   The road began with a proposition from the mason Ignar Steinnrothar to build a "safe road" underground between H'aderford and Moien, allowing expedient movement between them even in harsh conditions of weather or war. The road was completed in 62 years, and immediately heralded in both countries as a landmark of Dwarven achievement, with discussion bubbling up of when an extension would be made to Danu. This was soon contracted and completed. By this time, many roads between Tuatha'nell and Dwereth already existed, and it was simply a matter of choosing one and expanding it.   Presently, the entire Road is underground, but many sections of it are only a few meters below the surface, and in some places sunlight can even be seen from within. Parts of the Road started as overland roads that were deliberately enclosed in stone. The dimensions and architectural style of the Road vary greatly along its length, but on average its cross-section is square, with a width and depth of 32 meters.   Almost all trade routes passing through the Dwarven countries use part of the Great Road, though practically no one follows its entire length. Most routes start at the coast and join up with it at a nearby point. Nevertheless, the fact that it is possible to travel between all the Dwarven countries while remaining underground and with minimal interruption through border crossings is a point of cultural pride for Dwarves, who see it as a sign of the cohesion and brotherhood among them.