The Dwarven Underground

Deep beneath the surface of the Earth exists an entire other world, shaped by the ever consuming Sea of Magma and bounded by mountain ranges that overshadow any found upon the surface of the Earth. Generally known as the Underworld, this subterranean land is home to the resilient people known as the dwarves, who somehow thrive in the midst of an environment that would overwhelm those who dwell upon the surface. Contact between the dwarves and the surface world is nearly non-existent, each with tales of the other limited to legends and children’s tales. Nonetheless, the dwarves have forged a remarkable civilization, one which rivals even the greatest kingdoms upon the Earth in several ways.

1. The Dwarven Castle

Size: Small Town (1000)

Government: Monarchy

Affiliation: The Dwarven Underworld

Trade & Industries: Agriculture, Armor, Mining, Technology, Weapons

Crime Level: Low

The Dwarven Castle, commonly known by the dwarves as the Stone Fortress, is the permanent residence of the Ironforge clan, whose current patriarch Giott Ironforge serves as the king of the entire dwarven people of the Underworld. Since the disaster that destroyed the nearby settlement and forced the relocation of most of the region's dwarves, the Dwarven Castle is very isolated from the other dwarves. As such, the castle's inhabitants have long labored to achieve self-sufficiency, expanding their underground tunnels to include extensive agriculture, dwellings, and several large workshops capable of handling the dwarves' most famous invention: their steam powered, cannon armed tanks.

History

Without a doubt, the dwarven civilization dates back at least two centuries further than the earliest known human settlements. Although it is unknown whether dwarves and humans had a similar origin, the two races have existed in nearly complete separation from one another for nearly all of their known history. Curiously, despite the fact that most dwarves can recite their clan ancestors back for at least ten generations, few can speak of any significant events in the past other than the seemingly never-endless battles that are the hallmark of the dwarves' subterranean existence.

Nonetheless, from a handful of historical sources it would seem that the Dwarven Castle was constructed sometime around the turn of the fourth century as the personal residence of the reigning dwarven monarch. Twenty years of incessant warfare against the united tribes of the dark goblins had finally ended with a decisive victory on the Plains of Ash by the forces of King Thoridin Ironforge. In celebration, the clans united together to construct a monumental stone fortress for their victorious king.

Stone was mined from the nearby mountains, and construction began not far from Tomra, the largest dwarven settlement. The fortress itself was cleverly constructed into the rocky face of Stone Mountain, making the castle not only virtually impregnable, but also affording it an impressive view of the entire region, especially from the highest towers. It was completed only two years later, a feat unmatched in history. To this day, the Building of the Stone Fortress of King Thoridin is one of the most popular dwarven legends, although few other than a dwarf would find the details of this accomplishment worth hearing. In addition to its massive towers and iron gates, large caverns were hallowed out beneath the fortress for massive workshops, additional dwellings, and special caverns devoted to growing a strange glowing fungus that is a common staple in the dwarven diet.

The dwarven population in the region thrived over the next two hundred years, and with this prosperity their numbers began to multiply rapidly. The dwarves delved deep into the nearby mountains, mining all manner of ore, metal, and precious minerals. Advances were also made in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and metallogeny, which culminated in the discovery of gunpowder and the invention of the steam engine. Sadly, this prosperity was not to last.

Around the middle of the sixth century, unusual seismic activity rocked the Plains of Ash. Several smaller mines collapsed in the quakes, and the danger of further accidents led the dwarves to abandon many of their most abundant mines. Unfortunately, the quakes continued to increase in ferocity and number. Although several theories were proposed as to their cause, none could have predicted the sudden explosion and subsequent eruption of the Great Thane Mountain, just to the south and east of the dwarven settlement of Tomra. As the eruption shook the region, the citizens of Tomra grabbed what they could and fled the torrents of lava that was even then racing across the outskirts of the dwarven settlement.

Great was the death and destruction of that day. Although the Dwarven Castle was protected from most of the damage, few were able to flee to its protective walls. Those few could do little but watch in horror as their surroundings were annihilated by the erupting magma. The lava continued to spew forth from the mountain, and quake after quake eventually reduced the Great Thane Mountain and the surrounding hills to little more than a magma-filled crater. Most of the survivors managed to flee far to the south and to the west across the Plains of Ash, leaving only a small population of dwarves sheltered by the once-magnificent stone fortress.

Thus, for the next four hundred years the dwarves had a separate existence, with the majority of the surviving population dwelling in the south in a newly established dwarven settlement. Much of the Ironforge Clan survived the disaster, and remained firmly in control of the remnant of dwarves living in and beneath the Dwarven Castle. Hardy and resilient, within a single generation much of the damage to the stone fortress had been repaired. The underground caverns and workshops had been left almost completely undamaged, and the food supply provided by the unusual fungus proved more than ample for the remaining population. Eventually, their mining and scientific research was resumed, and once again the dwarves began to thrive.

Perhaps their greatest accomplishment came near the end of the ninth century, when one of the leading dwarven inventors unveiled a large, boxy, steam-powered vehicle armed with projectile weapons propelled by gunpowder. These new inventions were dubbed tanks, and after only a single demonstration orders were given to construct at least a dozen such vehicles. The power and maneuverability of these tanks revolutionized warfare, and made the dwarves the undisputed masters of their subterranean home. Still, even this accomplishment could not compare to the joy that came when explorers from the city of Tomra brought word that so many of the dwarves that had fled south and west had survived and reestablished the city of Tomra. And thus were the two branches of the dwarven race reunited.

Recently, there is growing concern about the sudden activity within the Tower of Babil. The magnificent monolith had long been believed to be simply an abandoned artifact from a long vanished past. But, dwarven scouts now report that the tower has suddenly sprung back to life, as evidenced from the strange sounds and lights that often emanate from the tower. Believed by some to be a harbinger of the doom to come, the king has ordered an extensive exploration of the tower and its surroundings, hoping to solve the mystery of the ancient tower.

Key Landmarks

The Fungus Caverns - The Fungus Caverns are an extensive network of large caverns, accessed through the myriad of tunnels that honeycomb Stone Mountain upon which the castle was constructed. Within these caverns, skilled dwarven workers farm a unique breed of fungus that emits an eerie fluorescent glow and also is remarkably nutritious. This fungus is the main staple of the dwarven diet, supplemented by meats from various Underworld beasts. Although the fungus promotes excellent health, outsiders are quick to point out that the fungus is also tasteless and quite disgusting.

The Infirmary - In one of the few chambers in the castle to emit light is a large room commonly referred to as the Infirmary. This room is staffed day and night with knowledgeable doctors and assistants to care for sickness and injury. As life in the Underworld is fraught with danger, it is not unusual to see half a dozen or more dwarves in the Infirmary, usually under close watch by the staff to ensure they don't sneak away before their injuries are fully treated. This reluctance for extended stays is no doubt the result of the staff's insistence upon serving only the nutritious fungus to promote good health and a quick recovery.

The Throne Room - The Throne Room of the Ironforge Kings is the largest single chamber in the entire fortress complex. The chamber was magnificently crafted by skilled dwarven craftsmen to impress and awe those who enter. Unlike human monarchs, any dwarf may approach the king without invitation or preamble. As such, King Giott spends much of his time within this single chamber, planning with his advisors, dispensing justice, and settling disputes among his people. It is rumored that there are secret passages behind the throne room, which guard the most valuable treasures of the Underworld dwarves.

The truth, however, is known to only a handful of the king's most trusted advisors. Secreted behind the audience chamber is a magnificent crystalline chamber, built by strange human visitors around the middle of the tenth century. These visitors entrusted the king with a dark secret, charging them to protect a rare gem known only as the Crystal of Lightning.

The Warrens - The Warrens are the common name of a series of connected tunnels that run directly beneath the Dwarven Castle and through which the other underground caverns are accessed. Built after the devastating disaster, these winding tunnels provide housing beyond the limited quarters provided by the fortress itself. Although the layout was specifically designed for easy access from both the castle and the deeper caverns, most outsiders would find these winding tunnels hopelessly confusing. It is rumored that the Warrens also access several secret passages that lead to the surface.

The Workshops - Deep beneath the castle, protected from magma and tremors by the layers of hard earth and stone, are large-scale workshops utilized by the dwarves for their ingenious inventions. Each of the workshops can be individually sealed in order to isolate the chamber in the event of a catastrophic accident. Day and night, these workshops are filled with master dwarven craftsmen, inventors, and their apprentices, experimenting, repairing, and constructing the mechanisms and gadgets that have become the hallmark of the dwarven culture. Naturally, the largest workshops are given over to the repair of the dwarves famed steam tanks, which despite their great power tend to be somewhat fragile and in need of constant maintenance.

Important People

King Giott Ironforge

Dwarf male age 76

Job: High level Fighter

Attributes: STR (High), VIT (High), AGI (Avg), SPD (Avg), MAG (Low), SPR (Low)

Skills: Axe (Talented), Command (Trained), Intimidation (Trained), Lore: History (Low), Systems (Trained), Vehicles: Steam Tank (Talented)

Equipment: Very Good

Giott Ironforge is the youngest in a long line of dwarven monarchs from the Ironforge clan, whose prominence can be traced back all the way to the great dwarven victory around the turn of the fourth century. Like most dwarven males of his clan, Giott was born and raised for combat, and before assuming the kingship of his people was the veteran of dozens of battles and skirmishes with the numerous denizens of the Underworld. Wise, yet gruff and strong, Giott is well respected by the dwarves, and especially by his own clan. In addition to his physical prowess, Giott also has a strange love of history, as well as remarkable skill in operating the dwarven steam tanks. He married young for a dwarf, but lost his beloved only a few weeks after the birth of his only child, a beautiful dwarven lass by the name of Luka.

Luka Ironforge

Dwarf female age 15

Job: none

Attributes: STR (Avg), VIT (High), AGI (Avg), SPD (Avg), MAG (Avg), SPR (Low)

Skills: Dancing (Low), Crafting: Toymaking (Low)

Equipment: Poor

Luka is the only child of King Giott and Queen Ryia Ironforge, the latter of whom died of birthing complications not long after Luka's birth. Although quite young by dwarven standards, Luka already shows great maturity for her age, and often speaks and even advises her father concerning his reign. Yet, Luka also possesses a well-known love for toys, especially dolls, which she recently has taken to crafting herself, much to the amusement of her father. Yet, her most treasured possession is a small, elegant necklace that belonged to the late queen and is inscribed with Ryia's last words concerning to the daughter which she never knew.

Theon Blackrock

Dwarf male age 65

Job: Average level Engineer

Attributes: STR (High), VIT (Avg), AGI (Low), SPD (Avg), MAG (High), SPR (Low)

Skills: Axe (Trained), Crafting: Smithing (Talented), Invent (Talented), Repair

(Trained), Systems (Talented), Vehicle: Steam Tank (Trained)

Equipment: Good

Theon Blackrock is perhaps the most skilled dwarven engineer in recent memory. From his early childhood, he delighted in anything mechanical. Although his tendency to disassemble everything got him into no little trouble as a youngster, this knack developed into an amazing skill for invention and mechanical genius. As an apprentice, Theon's work was instrumental in the invention and construction of the first dwarven steam tank, and from that time the inventor devoted himself to refining and perfecting its design. Not surprisingly, this devotion eventually led him to become the chief engineer at the Dwarven Castle, whose primarily responsibility is the maintenance, repair, and enhancement of the tanks. Thus, Theon is perhaps the most influential and respected dwarf in the entire region, second only to King Giott himself.

2. The City of Tomra

Size: Small Town (3500)

Government: Monarchy

Affiliation: The Dwarven Underworld

Trade & Industries: Armor, Medicines, Precious Minerals, Weapons

Crime Level: Low

The city of Tomra is the largest dwarven settlement found with the underworld. Although its citizens acknowledge Giott Ironforge as their monarch, the vast expanse of the Magma Sea which separates these two settlements necessitates a great deal of independent leadership of the city. Thus, although they share common origins with the clans still residing around the Dwarven Castle, the dwarves of Tomra have become for all intents and purposes a separate branch of their race, with little knowledge of the day-to-day activities of their northern brethren. Still, like nearly all dwarven settlements, life in this city revolves around the mining and refining of metals and precious gems, especially a rich vein of diamonds which are found nearby in an abundance unmatched anywhere else in the world.

History

Originally, the dwarven settlement known as Tomra was located only a short distance from Stone Mountain, upon which the Dwarven Castle was built around the beginning of the fourth century. Few records tell of these times, however, as the entire settlement was annihilated by the eruption of the Great Thane Mountain during the mid sixth century. Most of the dwarves that survived the initial conflagration fled southwest, moving just ahead of the seemingly unstoppable magma. For several weeks these hardy souls traveled across the rocky plains, always hoping that at last the magma would begin to recede. Eventually, the survivors reached the foothills of the Shining Mountains, and in their sheltering heights at last found an end to their desperate exile.

Although the disaster exerted a heavy toll upon the dwarves, their resilient nature proved the stronger, and within only a few weeks a new site was chosen upon which to rebuild their lost settlement. Those dwarves who had sought shelter from the disaster within Stone Mountain were presumed dead, thus making their situation all the more desperate. The survivors dedicated themselves to revitalizing their people, and devoted themselves to the task of a new start for the scattered clans.

For the next two hundred years, the settlement of Tomra was reborn and prospered. The city grew dramatically, bolstered by the tenacity of the dwarven clans and their passion to rebuild all that had been lost. Rich deposits of metals and precious gems were discovered in the nearby Shining Mountains, including an amazingly rich vein of diamonds, which the dwarves prized above all other gems. These shining jewels were skillfully incorporated into the city's buildings, giving much of the city a rich and brilliant luster from the reflection of the magma's glow. Some of the smaller dwarven clans began to resettle some distance from the settlement, forming smaller communities devoted either to mining or to subterranean agriculture, which included several varieties of fungus and exotic fauna.

But by far their most important accomplishment was when a small team of dwarven explorers passed through the Shining Mountains, across the Shattered Plains, and over the Eastern Mountains to a small finger of rocky earth that allowed them to cross over to the Plains of Ash and travel south to Stone Mountain. Great was their joy when it was discovered that so many dwarves had survived the disaster in the north, and were thriving in and around the repaired Dwarven Castle. When word finally returned to Tomra, the southern dwarves were quick to renew their allegiance to the Ironforge clan, reuniting the two sundered dwarven branches after four hundred years of separation.

Little has changed since that time. The dwarves of Tomra continue to delve deeper into the Shining Mountains, discovered new veins of their beloved metals and gems. Recently, trade was established between the city and the Dwarven Castle, bringing many of the technological wonders of their northern brethren to the city. Yet, other than the occasional raid by goblins and other denizens of the Underworld, life in the city of Tomra continues much as it has for many years, isolated from the events of the rest of the Underworld by the incredible expanse of magma that dominates the city's landscape.

Key Landmarks

The Smithy - The Smith is one of the larger and more elegant structures within the city of Tomra. The Smithy resounds with the sounds of refining and forging metal all-but continuously, as expert dwarven craftsmen and their assistants convert the raw ores from the nearby mountains into tools, weapons, armor, and other useful items. The Smithy also has a wide variety of precious gems on display for sale or to incorporate into their work, and does a fair amount of business among the locals in the jewelry trade. Among such wares, none are more in demand than the excellent diamonds extracted from the nearby Shining Mountains.

The Apothecary - Like most of the buildings within Tomra, the Apothecary is a magnificent example of dwarven craftsmanship, resplendent with precious stones built into the structure. While it is certainly not a large building, it serves a vital role to the community, providing potions and elixirs of all sorts for healing and the treatment of various illnesses, afflictions, and magical curses. Dwarven advances in the field of medicine provide for a selection and supply of these miraculous medicines beyond anything else found in the known world. The staff of the Apothecary are overseen by Allard Stoneheart, who is renown among the dwarves for his research and skill in the area of herbology and healing.

Important People

Kalamon Glimmerock

Dwarf male age 69

Job: Average level Fighter

Attributes: STR (High), VIT (High), AGI (Avg), SPD (Avg), MAG (Low), SPR (Low)

Skills: Axe (Trained), Crafting: Smithing (Talented) Etiquette (Low), Negotiation (Low),

Teaching (Trained)

Equipment: Good

Most of the time, Kalamon Glimmerock can be found within the Smithy, excitedly overseeing the refining and forging of various metals and cursing the foolishness of the hapless apprentices who are learning his trade. For much of his youth, Kalamon fought to defend Tomra from the ravages of the local monster population, before a particularly fierce combat left him with permanently crippled in his left leg. Since that time, he has devoted himself to perfecting his craft as a smith. He also discovered a particular knack for teaching and diplomacy, and as such is sometimes called upon to settle disputes between the citizens of Tomra and assisting the never-ending task of passing on his skills to the next generation of dwarven craftsmen.

Allard Stoneheart

Dwarf male age 43

Job: Average level Chemist

Attributes: STR (Avg), VIT (Avg), AGI (High), SPD (Avg), MAG (Avg), SPR (Low)

Skills: Alchemy (Talented), Healing (Talented), Knives (Low), Lore: Herbs (Trained)

Equipment: Average

Even from his youth, Allard Stoneheart was considered strange by most of the community for his love of alchemy and healing. Even more unusual, Allard showed little regard for any kind of martial skill or physical activity, preferring to spend his hours in study and reading. Although these unusual qualities earned him no little ridicule from his peers, they also allowed him to develop into a healer without peer among all the dwarves of the Underworld. His research with various underworld substances resulting in previously undiscovered cures for a variety of magical curses and ailments, and today is considered one of the most highly regarded citizens of Tomra.

3. The Tower of Babil

Northwest of the Plains of Ash, nestled within the sheer cliff-wall of the Underground, is a massive monolith that stretches upward as far as the eye can see. It is a mysterious and wholly alien structure, composed of a strangely luminous, metallic stone and refining with such skill that no dwarven craftsman could ever create its like. Whether this tower is an artifact from a long extinct civilization or something more sinister has never been determined, for none have ever been able to enter, through either cunning or force. For the most part, the dwarves have been content to ignore it, for there has never been any sign of activity or inhabitants.

Unbeknownst to any living upon the Earth, this strange monolith was constructed by the ancient race known as the Lunarians from ores mined from the Khalisto Mountains and enhanced with elements refined from the Earth’s moon. Named for an ancient tower of legend, the Tower of Babil is a sprawling complex shielded from the outside world through the Lunarian’s highly advanced technology. Although it served for a time as a Lunarian base of operations, its purpose became much more sinister. For, if a powerful enough energy source was placed within the highest chamber, a weapon of incredible destruction would be unleashed upon the Earth. Fortunately for them, the dwarves were never considered in this plot, and as such have never been tempted to harness such power.

4. The Land of the Summoned Monsters

Deep beneath the surface of the Earth, accessible only through a small passage surrounded by magma, is a large network of caves that lead deeper and deeper into the core of the planet. Further, this network of caverns is home to some of the most dangerous and vicious monsters ever encountered, which feed upon one another in a seemingly never-ending cycle. In addition, the very rocks within the caverns themselves pulse with strange arcane energy, draining the vitality of anyone exposed to the strange energy. However, should a person possess the strength, fortitude, and wisdom to access the small island deep within the Underworld, survive the exposure to the cavern’s sapping energy, and to fight their way past the cavern’s monstrous inhabitants, such a person would find themselves amidst a civilization unlike any other. Although any true name this civilization possesses is not known, those few who guess at its existence have dubbed it the Land of the Summoned Monsters.

These creatures, known by various names and legends across the world, dwell within a strange plane that seems to exist outside of the normal time and space of the Earth. Ruled by a legendary King and Queen whose very names are unknown, this civilization would be absolutely unknown if not for their strange link to the mysterious order known as the Summoners of Mist. Through arcane means not yet understood, this order is able to channel these mysterious creatures from their home plane to anywhere upon the Earth, partnering with them to unleash fantastic arcane energies. What other function these mysterious creatures might serve is unknown, although it is speculated that these creatures possess a vast store of knowledge about the history and lore of the Earth.

5. The Sylph Cave

Far to the north and west of the Dwarven Castle, within the foothills of the Ironfell Mountains, is a small cavern that connects a large network of caves to the surface of the Underworld. Interestingly enough, this cavern shares remarkable similarities to the cavern that leads to the Land of the Summoned Monsters, including the presence of ferocious monsters and strange arcane energies that seem to weaken anyone exposed to the cavern. In their never-ending quest for metals and precious minerals, the dwarves of Stone Mountain briefly explored this cave. Their expedition was short-lived, however, as the caverns were not only largely inhospitable, but also proved to be almost labyrinthine in their layout. However, for one able to navigate the maze-like corridors and overcome the various obstacles, such a person would encounter a small conclave of creatures known as the Sylphs.

The Sylphs are small, fairy-like creatures, who despite their frail appearance possess a powerful affinity for magic. Although relatively peaceful, they dislike strangers, and in general avoid contact with anyone. In addition, these creatures bear a remarkable similarity to the creatures within the Land of the Summoned Monsters, leading to speculating that perhaps they share a similar origin. If so, it is unknown why these creatures dwell apart from them.

6. The Sealed Cave

Northwest from the dwarven town of Tomra is a small valley nestled deep within the western range of the Shining Mountains. Within the center of this valley, a large subterranean cavern can be found, whose origin is clearly not natural. Dwarven explorers were sent to this previously undiscovered valley in the late tenth century. Apparently, a mysterious visitor revealed the existence of this valley to King Giott, who then dispatched a team to explore the area. Although this team quickly realized that the cavern was not entirely natural, their explorations were hampered by an inability to pass through a sealed door within the first chamber. Eventually, the team gave up in frustration, and no further expeditions to the site, which became known as the Sealed Cave, were ever planned.

However, what is generally not known is that this same mysterious visitor to King Giott entrusted the dwarven monarch with a key that would break the seal upon the cavern and allow anyone to access the treasures hidden deep within the cavern. Although the exact contents of the cavern were not disclosed, the mysterious visitor did reveal that its most precious treasure was a mysterious magical gem known as the Crystal of Shadow, which is housed within a crystalline chamber in the deepest chamber of the caverns. The king was also warned that the entire cavern was filled with deadly traps and obstacles to prevent anyone from looting the treasures of the cavern.

7. Kokol's Smithy

Across the Shining Mountains, within the southern reaches of the Shattered Plains, is a small dwarven outpost occupied by Master Kokol Silverhand, a legendary dwarven weaponsmith, and his few apprentices. Renown among the dwarves for his amazing talents, Kokol left the relative comfort of the city of Tomra late in the tenth century to create an outpost far from any dwarven settlement in order to devote himself to the perfection of his craft. His only companions were a small handful of apprentices, chosen from among all the dwarves for their remarkable potential as smiths. Although the outpost was established with great success, recently Kokol has grown discouraged with his own work, believing the traditional metals of the Underworld greatly limit his remarkable talents. Indeed, it is now rumored in Tomra that this once great smith has fallen into a great depression, abandoning all pretenses of his work. Unwilling to return to Tomra, and hostile to any visitors, at the present time there seems little hope for this once master craftsman.

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