HAMMERFIST HOLDS
In the high foothills of the Wyvernwatch Mountains, these communities of dwarves eek out a living, mining iron and silver. The holds comprise of four major holds and up to a dozen smaller communities.
Everywhere around the holds, there is the sign of dwarven ingenuity; stone bridges, elevated pathways, wells, towers, statues, mine and hold entrances. None of them are simple affairs.
COMMON KNOWLEDGE
The holds are all united under the rule of Clan Hammerfist, whose authority figure, Othrek Hammerfist, goes by the title 'Clanlord'. The dwarves of the holds are rather insular but sometimes trade with the humans of the Vale. They have been more connected with the people of the Vale since helping out during the 'Battle of Brindol'. Strangely, halflings are welcome here as a bond has formed with the short folk. Perhaps it is the wares and stories they bring from The West that the dwarves love.
REGIONAL FEATURES
Unduum ('Hold of the High One')
This hold is the northernmost of the three main hilds. Unduum is primarily built inside a massive natural cavern over three levels. Every surface glitters with mineral and crystal deposits. Everything about it is majestic, from the fabled main River Gate to the level-spanning forges.
Unduum is said to have been the home of the first dwarven king to settle the Wyvernwatch Mountains and is still the seat of government for the collection of Hammerfist Holds. Clanlord Othrek Hammerfist rules from his manor located in the Burrows. (See D&D Races of Stone sample stronghold on page 28).
Unduum is a religious and industrious centre. The massive Temple of Moradin dominates the High Quarter of the hold and the clergy is led by Thaardin Ironhand. Unduum exports all manner of weapons and items created in the middle level, known as The Forge. As well as iron and silver, deposits of green granite crystals (chrysoprase) and precious peridots are mined here.
Whilst other holds are more renowned for their well-supplied armies, Unduum boasts the best trained soldiers. There are none better than the 'Hammer Guard' and the best soldiers from all the holds aspire to be members of this elite order. A unit of Hammer Guards led the forces that helped out in the Battle of Brindol.
The famous stonesinger, Uldrina Flamehair (dwarf bard) also calls Unduum home.
- Scales of War Campaign. Hetgrid & Danore visited and spoke with Clanlord Orthek on behalf of Rocc. They found out that goblinoids and aberrant numbers have also been gathering near the holds. They learnt of another adventuring party that helped with a recent battle. Hetgrid and Danore were also seeking information on Dorshak Krane, a missing dwarf jeweller from Brindol; apparently he has not returned to Unduum. Relations with Orthek and the dwarves of Unduum were very good.
Gimthormek ('Eternally Loyal Outpost')
Gimthormek is to the southeast of Unduum approximately half way to Dorrahig. This hold earned its name for siding with Unduum hundreds of years ago against a goblinoid incursion and the two have remained staunch allies, being the two founding holds of the Hammerfist alliance.
The mines under Gimthormek are rich in silver and iron.
Tharbarhak ('Crushing Black Bulwark')
Tharbarhak is the most westerly of the main holds. It get's its name from the very dark iron mined here and the heavily armed soldiers that spilled forth time and time again throughout dwarven history to protect the holds here. Tharbahak is still well known for its heavily armored warriors. It is also known for maintaining more of an isolationist stance than the other holds. Nonetheless, Guildmaster Derra Copperfist, the wealthiest merchant in the Hammerfist Holds, bases his operations here.
As well as the dark iron mined around Tharbarhak, there are also silver deposits in the eastern portions of the hold.
Dorrahig ('The Red Garrison')
The easternmost of the four holds, Dorrahig was named after the red stone in which it is built. The huge red gated entrance to Dorrahig is something to behold. But the hold is more famous for its Great Hall, built around the giant Heartstone of the hills. Due to its size, many even theorise it is the Heartsone for the whole of the Wyvernwatch Mountains. The dwarves here make no secret they have the stone and it is a prominent feature in their main hall.
The dwarves of Dorrahig pride themselves on their discipline and fighting skills. All young dwarves are required to spend some time in the mines and some time serving in the army.
The red rock in and around Dorrahig is rich in gold, copper and tin. Prospectors and lone mines are common in the hills around the hold, and the hold itself is surrounded by deep mines.
PEOPLE OF REALM
Of course the majority of the residents of the Hammerfist Holds are dwarves. There are no distinct subraces in this setting and dwarves from this realm are equally likely to use the hill or mountain dwarf traits.
A few halfings have settled in several of the holds, but not Tharbarhak. Settlers are likely to use the stout subrace, though lightfoot travellers and merchants are frequent visitors. Settled halflings are generally regarded as an underclass but travelling merchants and story-tellers are highly regarded by the dwarves.
A few human miners also live in the region. They are likely to be prospectors and living among the smaller, surface dwarven holds, mostly around Dorrahig. Humans living this way are typically assimilated into dwarven society.
ADVENTURERS
Most likely adventurers in the realm.
GROUPS & ORGANISATIONS
Hammer Guard
This is an elite military order that all dwarven warriors aspire towards. They serve as the Clanlords elite guard and are therefore based in Unduum. They are easily distinguished by the faces carved onto their shields. Many have the face of Moradin, others have the face of the current Clanlord or past lord, and others go for a previous heroic member of the Hammer Guard, such as Nalfari Honorguard, who fell in the Battle of Brindol trying to stop giants crossing the Elsir River.
GAME MECHANICS
Class & Concept Options
- Fighter - warmain archetype. This is the most suitable subclass to represent Hammer Guards.
- Fighter - Sharp Shooter archetype can also be used for a few members that are experts with their crossbows.
- Weapon training: Axes & Picks, Crossbows, Hammers & Maces, Siege & Heavy Weapons. All wear chainmail or plate armor and carry metal shields (with which they are trained to use as weapons).
Most dwarves of the Holds will have one of these, but the Hammer Guard are the bastions of the realm and all have both of the following fighting styles:
Defense
+1 AC when armor is worn.
Protection
When a creature you can see attacks a target other than you that is within 5 feet of you, you can use your reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll. You must be wielding a shield.
Name
Description
GAME MECHANICS
Class & Concept Options
- List any relevant classes/subclasses/kits/archetypes/feats/etc that suit the organisation.