Eight bastions of dwarven civilization carved from stone eternal
Durumbar stands as one of the greatest dwarven kingdoms in Morgath, its influence extending far beyond the mountain strongholds where its people dwell. The kingdom comprises eight major settlements, each a testament to dwarven resilience, craftmanship, and cultural pride. From Ironhold’s throne halls to Forgefire’s experimental forges, these cities represent the full spectrum of dwarven civilization—from military strength to artistic mastery, from mercantile pragmatism to industrial innovation.
Together, these settlements house over 75,000 souls and control vast territories of the surrounding mountains. The kingdom’s wealth flows from the depths of the earth itself, drawn forth by generations of master miners and skilled craftspeople. This is the heart of dwarven power in the known world.
The Capital
Population
~25,000
Leadership
King Barim Ironshield
The beating heart of Durumbar, Ironhold stands as the greatest dwarven stronghold in Morgath. Carved from the bedrock of the Ironspine Mountains over millennia, this sprawling metropolis serves as the seat of royal authority and the cultural nexus of dwarven civilization. The capital's magnificent architecture showcases the finest achievements of dwarven stonecraft, with soaring halls decorated with intricate carvings that tell the history of the kingdom.
Ironhold represents the zenith of dwarven tradition, where ancient laws are meticulously upheld and honor runs deeper than the deepest mines. The city hosts the Great Council, where the kingdom's most pressing matters are decided.
The Cosmopolitan Gateway
Population
~12,000
Leadership
Trade Council (Multi-racial representatives)
Where the mighty Riverstone meets the foothills of Stonehelm Peaks, Port Stonehaven stands as the kingdom's most progressive settlement. Unlike the isolationist traditions of other dwarven holds, Stonehaven embraces commerce with all races. Caravans, river barges, and merchant vessels converge here, making it the wealthiest trading hub in the region. The city's lower terraces are built along the river's edge, featuring extensive docks and warehouses carved into the mountainside.
Stonehaven thrives on diversity and pragmatism. While traditional dwarves view this cosmopolitan approach with suspicion, the city's wealth and strategic importance make it indispensable to the kingdom. Stonehaven dwarves are more likely to see non-dwarves as partners rather than outsiders.
The Master Smithy
Population
~8,000
Leadership
Mayor Borin Graniteback
Built around the legendary Great Anvil, a colossal block of meteoric iron blessed by Moradin himself, Stoneforge is the industrial powerhouse of Durumbar. The city exists almost entirely around the craft of metallurgy. Forges line the streets, and the constant rhythm of hammers striking metal creates a symphony that never ceases. The Great Anvil, supposedly struck by the god of the forge in ages past, remains unbroken and radiates faint magical warmth that enhances the quality of all metal worked nearby.
Stoneforge is a city of intense pride in craftsmanship. Every dwarf here views their work as a calling, and the quality of one's work determines social standing. Master smiths are venerated almost as saints, and apprenticeships are fiercely competitive.
The Miner's Stronghold
Population
~6,000
Leadership
Council of Elder Miners
Deepdelve extends further down into the earth than any other settlement in Morgath. The rich mineral deposits around the city have made it the kingdom's primary source of precious metals and ores. The city is organized vertically, with residential areas in the middle levels and increasingly dangerous mining operations descending into darkness. The deepest shafts have reached down into caverns older than recorded history, where strange echoes and unexplained phenomena suggest the presence of something ancient stirring in the profound depths.
Deepdelve miners are tough, weathered, and superstitious. They follow strict rituals before descending into the darkness and maintain traditions designed to appease the spirits of the deep. A miner's reputation is built on courage, resourcefulness, and the size of the ore they've personally extracted.
The Jewel Capital
Population
~5,000
Leadership
Lady Mira Gemcutter
Glimmerhall was founded near a massive geode discovery that revealed some of the most beautiful gemstones in the known world. The city is famous throughout the realm for its gem cutters, jewelers, and artisans who transform raw stone into treasures of breathtaking beauty. The settlement's walls themselves are embedded with thousands of cut crystals that catch torchlight and reflect it throughout the caverns, creating an otherworldly glow that gives the city its name. Every street shimmers with reflected light, making Glimmerhall seem like a city wrought from starlight.
Glimmerhall culture blends artistic sensibility with dwarven precision. Citizens take pride in both the practical quality of their work and its aesthetic beauty. Glimmerhall dwarves are considered more refined than their warrior cousins, yet still possess the strength and skill that defines the dwarven people.
The Fortress Unbreached
Population
~7,000
Leadership
General Tharik Ironshield
Positioned at the kingdom's most critical chokepoint overlooking the primary mountain pass, Shieldpoint is Durumbar's military training ground and has never fallen to siege or assault. The settlement is built as a fortress within the mountain, with defensive positions extending down multiple levels and contingency routes for tactical withdrawal. Every able-bodied dwarf serves time in Shieldpoint's garrison, and the settlement's reputation for producing elite warriors is unmatched. The fortress bristles with siege weapons, arrow slits, and defensive positions designed to turn the narrow pass into a grinding war of attrition against any invader.
Shieldpoint culture centers on duty, discipline, and martial excellence. Citizens are expected to maintain peak physical condition and combat readiness. The settlement honors veterans and those who have fallen in defense of the kingdom with solemn ceremonies and monuments in the Hall of the Honorable.
The Brewing Heart
Population
~4,000
Leadership
Mayor Kelda Strongale
Boulderbrew has earned its reputation as the finest brewing center in all of Morgath through centuries of careful craft and innovation. The city sits atop vast underground hot springs, whose mineral-rich waters provide the perfect base for ale, mead, and spirits of unparalleled quality. The air in Boulderbrew is thick with the scent of fermentation, grains, and spices. Entire caverns are devoted to aging enormous barrels of liquid gold. The city's signature achievement is the annual Brewfest, a week-long celebration that draws visitors from across the continent and showcases the finest beverages the kingdom can produce.
Boulderbrew culture is one of celebration, camaraderie, and honest enjoyment of life's pleasures. Despite the stereotype, Boulderbrew dwarves are not reckless drinkers but rather serious craftspeople who view their work with scientific precision. Social bonds are strengthened here through shared appreciation of fine beverage.
The Innovation Furnace
Population
~3,500
Leadership
Forge Master Ulnar Flamesmith
Forgefire is where the cutting edge of dwarven metallurgical science meets tradition, often with spectacular and sometimes explosive results. Built near a natural coal seam with active volcanic vents, the city provides ideal conditions for experimental work on new alloys and magical metallurgy. The settlement has a younger, more daring culture than other dwarven holds, attracting craftspeople who dream of innovation. The city bears the scars of numerous experimental failures—entire sections rebuilt after catastrophic forge accidents—yet these disasters are worn as badges of progress rather than shame.
Forgefire attracts ambitious dwarves willing to challenge tradition and risk failure in pursuit of progress. The culture here is more egalitarian and entrepreneurial than in traditional holds. Failure is viewed as a learning opportunity, and successful innovations bring tremendous honor and reward.
8
Major Settlements
75,000+
Total Population
Millennia
Age of Kingdom
1
Unbroken Hold
The settlements of Durumbar represent the pinnacle of dwarven civilization in Morgath.