Daundry Keep

Daundry Keep was once the capital of the Duchy of Daundry, a fortified city guarding the western shores of Lake Ryrmon. Though small, with a population of around 3,000, it was an important hub on this side of the lake. Now, the city is under dwarven rule. Its former duke is exiled, and the city’s new ruler, Therrí, Lord of the High-Dwelling of Daundry, rules from the keep.   The walls of the city have been reinforced by dwarven stoneworkers. They surround it on the north, west, and south sides, while the eastern side of the city is open to Lake Ryrmon. Here, fishing boats, ferries, and trade ships dock daily. The lake itself is deep and dark. Sailors speak of old shipwrecks from long-forgotten wars, their gold and cargo untouched for centuries. Most people assume that's why the dwarves have come here, but some believe they are building something deep under the lake.   To the southwest, where shops, businesses, and homes line the streets, life continues much as it did before the dwarven conquest—at least on the surface. Dwarves have confiscated buildings from nobles and merchants, and some humans have begun working under them. Places like the Wall Street Tavern serve both humans and dwarves, though tensions often flare into fistfights. The market square, once bustling with goods from across the empire, now trades in new wares: dwarven tools, stoneworks, and mountain herbs.   The towering Basilique of Annaaru, dedicated to the Goddess of Life and Light, dominates the skyline with its domed roofs. Alongside it, the Hospital of Saint Gaelicus looks after both humans and dwarves, while the Church of Dinnerva, Goddess of Civilization, still holds true to Burbric values.   The Basilique is led by High Priest Falegio, who calls for the preservation of human culture and dignity. He does not openly speak of rebellion, but his words have power. Many see him as the true leader of the city’s human population. Therrí watches him carefully, knowing that if rebellion were to spark, it would likely begin in the shadows of the Basilique. Rumors say that ancient catacombs run beneath the religious district, once used as burial crypts and hidden chambers for Burbric priests. Some say they are still used by those who plot against the dwarves.   Daundry Keep, built on an island just off the shore, is a multi-leveled fortress, now the seat of the dwarven lord in the region. Though it was once a symbol of Burbric rule, it is now being expanded and modified by Therrí and his Domar engineers. Bridges, tunnels, and subterranean halls are rumored to be under construction, connecting the keep to something beneath the lake. Humans are no longer allowed in the keep, which has led to all sorts of speculation.   The New and Old City Halls serve as the political battleground of Daundry Keep. The Old City Hall, once home to the duke’s council, is now the center of dwarven administration, with Burbric officials replaced by Domari overseers. In contrast, the New City Hall remains an open space where Guildmasters and dwarven merchants attempt to negotiate power within the new order. Corlann sees opportunity in dwarven rule and is willing to work with Therrí. Many view him as a traitor, though few dare say it to his face.   Daundry Keep is a fragile place. The dwarves control the walls, the keep, and the government, but not the people. The priests stir defiance, the merchants make compromises for power. Meanwhile, the dwarves are not simply conquerors—they have their own plans, their own reasons for coming down from the mountains.