Ironroot Citadel

History, Trade, and Description

The Iron Root Citadel was established centuries ago by the Devallian Dwarves as a refuge from the encroaching threats of the outside world. Originally constructed as a hidden stronghold, it was designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment of the Iron Root Forest. Over time, it became a symbol of the dwarves' resilience and ingenuity, utilizing the surrounding wood and rock to create a formidable fortress. The citadel has remained a secretive haven for the Deval, who have diligently maintained and expanded their stronghold through generations of technological advancement.

• The Iron Root Citadel is renowned for its advanced mechanical devices and powerful weaponry. The dwarves’ exceptional craftsmanship extends to creating intricate clockwork mechanisms, powerful defensive constructs, and unique magical items. The citadel is also known for its rare metals and minerals mined from the surrounding mountains, which are used to forge both practical and ornamental items. Their specialized knowledge in engineering and magic makes them sought after for their innovative designs and creations.
• Upon entering the Iron Root Citadel, visitors are greeted by a rugged yet sophisticated blend of natural and mechanical elements. The fortress’s architecture integrates massive wooden beams and natural stone, enhanced by sophisticated mechanical contraptions. The buildings and walls seem to emerge organically from the surrounding forest, with steam-driven devices and mechanical defenses subtly incorporated into the design. The citadel exudes a blend of rustic charm and technological marvel, emphasizing its dwarven heritage and innovation.

Important Characters

The Dvalians are led by a council, comprised of the individuals lsited below   Frogemaster Brondar Ironfist:

• Physical Description:Brondar Ironfist is a towering figure among the Devallian Dwarves, standing at nearly 5 feet 6 inches tall. His muscular build and powerful arms reflect years of forging and mechanical work. His beard is a long, steel-gray mane that he often keeps braided with small mechanical tools and charms. He wears a set of finely crafted armor that features intricate engravings of gears and steam pipes, symbolizing his expertise in engineering. His eyes are a piercing steel blue, always scanning his surroundings with a critical, calculating gaze.
• Personality: Brondar is a determined and innovative leader, known for his relentless pursuit of perfection in engineering and defense. He possesses a no-nonsense attitude and expects the same level of dedication from those around him. Though he can be stern, he is also deeply respected for his wisdom and technical brilliance. He has a strong sense of duty and takes pride in his role as the citadel’s protector and innovator.
• Motivation: Brondar is driven by a desire to safeguard the Iron Root Citadel and ensure its continued success and security. He is motivated by a commitment to technological advancement and the protection of his people. His ultimate goal is to maintain the citadel’s hidden strength and to push the boundaries of mechanical innovation, ensuring that the citadel remains impenetrable and self-sufficient.

Eldara Stoneforge: 

• Physical Description: Eldara Stoneforge is a dignified and elegant dwarf with an air of ancient wisdom. She stands at about 4 feet 8 inches tall with a slightly stooped posture that comes from years of studying and recording history. Her silver hair is worn in a long braid adorned with small wooden and metallic charms. Her robes are a deep forest green, embroidered with symbols of nature and history. She carries a gnarled wooden staff topped with a crystal that radiates a soft, natural glow.
• Personality: Eldara is gentle, thoughtful, and deeply insightful. She possesses a calm demeanor and speaks with a soft but authoritative voice. Her patience and knowledge make her an excellent mentor and advisor. Despite her peaceful nature, she holds a fierce determination to protect the citadel's history and traditions. Eldara is known for her empathy and her ability to provide wise counsel in times of crisis.
• Motivation: Eldara is driven by a passion for preserving the citadel’s history and ensuring that the legacy of the Devallian Dwarves is never forgotten. As one of the few magic users among her people, she is motivated by a desire to harmonize the ancient traditions with the citadel's current technological advancements. Her goal is to keep the citadel's lore and customs alive while subtly incorporating nature magic into their mechanical systems.

Gorrim Hearthfire: 

• Physical Description: Gorrim Hearthfire is a robust and imposing figure, standing around 5 feet 4 inches tall. His broad shoulders and muscular frame are well-suited to his role as a warrior and leader. He wears heavy, practical armor that is both functional and reinforced with mechanical enhancements. His dark brown beard is kept short and neatly trimmed, and his piercing green eyes reflect his readiness for combat. His battleaxe, adorned with intricate engravings and mechanical enhancements, is always at his side.
• Personality: Gorrim is a no-nonsense, disciplined individual with a deep sense of honor and responsibility. He is a natural leader who commands respect through his actions rather than words. His focus is on practical outcomes and the effective training of his forces. He has a strong sense of camaraderie and loyalty to his troops, often leading by example and pushing himself to the limit in training exercises. 
• Motivation: Gorrim is motivated by a strong sense of duty to protect the Iron Root Citadel and its inhabitants. His primary goal is to ensure that the citadel’s defenses are always at their peak, and that his forces are well-prepared for any threat. He is driven by a desire to uphold the citadel's reputation for invincibility and to secure its future through rigorous training and tactical excellence.

Nerik Ironvein: 

• Physical Description: Nerik Ironvein is a lean, wiry dwarf with a keen eye for detail. Standing at 4 feet 10 inches tall, he is often seen wearing a practical, tool-laden apron over his clothes. His dark, tousled hair and beard are streaked with smudges of oil and soot from his work. His hands are skilled and precise, capable of crafting intricate Cold Iron components and mechanical devices. His sharp, amber eyes are always focused on his latest creation, reflecting his passion and meticulous nature. 
• Personality: Nerik is inventive, meticulous, and somewhat reclusive. He has a single-minded focus on his work and can be absorbed in his projects for long periods. He is known for his perfectionism and is highly critical of anything that does not meet his exacting standards. Despite his reserved nature, he is deeply passionate about his craft and takes great pride in his creations.
• Motivation: Nerik is driven by a quest for perfection in his craft and a desire to push the boundaries of what is possible with Cold Iron and mechanical design. His goal is to create devices and armor that not only serve practical purposes but also embody the ingenuity and precision of Devallian engineering. He is motivated by a need to see his creations benefit the citadel and secure its place as a leader in technological advancement.

Local Quests

• The Broken Gear: Investigate and repair malfunctioning mechanical devices crucial to the citadel’s defenses. The party must troubleshoot and fix issues with complex machinery. 
• The Missing Miner: A miner has gone missing in the nearby caves. The party is asked to find the miner and uncover any potential dangers or disturbances in the mines.
• Defend the Citadel: Assist the citadel in repelling a threat from a rival faction or magical beasts. The party must help fortify defenses and address the threat to ensure the safety of the citadel.
• Artifact Recovery: Retrieve a stolen or lost dwarven artifact of great significance. The party must locate the artifact and navigate obstacles both within and outside the citadel.

Districts

The Heart of Iron: 

The city center where High Engineer Brondar’s quarters and the main assembly hall are located. This area features impressive architecture that showcases the citadel’s mechanical prowess and natural integration.   The Forge Hall: 

• The Forge Hall is the central gathering place for the citadel’s leaders and engineers. This grand structure features a massive, open forge in the center, where the cerimonal Pauldrins are forged when a Squire earns his armor and becomes a Knight, as well as funeral services for fallen warriors. 
• The hall is surrounded by high, vaulted ceilings adorned with mechanical gears and steam pipes that constantly hum with activity. Large, enchanted forges and intricate machinery line the walls. The rear wall is adorned with hundreds of shoulder Pauldrins, each one unique, many covred in scares fronm battles long ago. 

The Clockwork Plaza

• The Clockwork Plaza is a wide, open square at the heart of the district, featuring a series of grand, clockwork-driven sculptures and fountains. These mechanical wonders are both functional and decorative, serving as public art and demonstrations of the dwarves' engineering skills. The plaza is a popular gathering place for citizens and other traveling Dvallians, often hosting public events, demonstrations, and festivals. Central to the plaza is a massive clock tower that chimes the hour with a combination of mechanical precision and enchanting harmonics.

Ironheart Creations

• Ironheart Creations is a renowned shop located in the heart of The Heart of Iron, specializing in custom mechanical devices and Cold Iron components. The shop is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and innovative designs. The interior is filled with a variety of mechanical gadgets, intricate clockwork devices, and powerful Cold Iron items. The shop also features a workshop area where customers can consult with skilled artisans and request custom creations.
• The owner Thorin is a skilled inventor and engineer. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, he is a wiry and agile dwarf with a keen eye for detail. His hands are constantly covered in grease and soot from his work, and his bright, inquisitive eyes reflect his passion for invention. Thorin is known for his friendly demeanor and his willingness to take on challenging and complex projects.

Glimmerforge Trade Square: 

A small trade district where dwarven artisans showcase their mechanical creations and Cold Iron components. The area is a hub for commerce, reflecting the citadel’s technological and craftsmanship focus.  

Stonehaven: 

The residential district with homes built into the natural rock and wood of the surrounding area. The design emphasizes durability and practicality, integrating defensive features and mechanical enhancements.  

The Forges: 

Dedicated to the citadel’s forges and workshops, this district is where the dwarves create their renowned mechanical devices and Cold Iron components. The area is filled with the sounds of industry and innovation.  

The Frostbound Outskirts: 

The fortified outer section of the citadel, featuring defensive structures and watchtowers. This district is designed to repel invaders, incorporating mechanical defenses and storage for supplies and weaponry.

Other Notes