Borov-Urdak is a Mountain Dwarf stronghold
set in the Emperor's Mountains. It is near the town of Balmondil. The stronghold
is up in the mountains, but below the snow line.
The dwarves of Borov-Urdak have historically been very isolationistic.
However, they have recently opened their gates to hill dwarf refugees from
a nearby stronghold which was overrun by hobgoblins.
History
This mountain dwarf stronghold was built around a highly successful mining
operation, which still continues to this day. Originally, plentiful copper,
iron, and lead veins were found, and therefore the stronghold was constructed
around the mines. The stronghold was built 11 (dwarven) generations ago.
About 100 years ago, the veins of iron played out in the nearby area, but
veins of gold were discovered while the miners were prospecting. This sudden
infusion of wealth has made the stronghold rich, but also very cautious
about revealing and opening itself to outsiders.
About the only violent contact of any note is sporadic raiding by trolls,
who dwell in the area. Fortunately, they are disorganized enough that a
few good extermination efforts keeps them in line. Humanoids have not posed
much threat in recent times, although human settlements in the lands below
had been plagued by goblinoids, who also sacked a small nearby hill-dwarf
colony.
People
Primarily mountain dwarves. A small clan of hill dwarves also lives within
Borov-Urdak, and they occasionally try to get the ruler to open the doors
to others. A small group of gully dwarves live here also, in the refuse
areas that no one else wants.
Refugees from a nearby hill dwarf stronghold have recently arrived at
Borov-Urdak. They have requested aid in rebuilding their stronghold and
helping it to recover. The King has reluctantly agreed, but the work is
proceeding slowly because of frequent hobgoblin raids.
Rulership
Ruled by a King; crafts/clans are run by guildmasters, who act as the second
tier of authority. The High priest of the temple is at an equal level as
the guildmasters.
Armed Forces
Economy
Borov-Urdak now imports iron ore, and exports some gold items (jewelry),
weapons, and materials found only on the surface (wood). It it pretty much
self-sufficient, as there are goat-herders, who let their flocks graze
in nearby valleys, and a few farmers (and fungi harvesters - a technique
learned from the deep dwarves). There is little trade - the dwarves deliberately
try to keep contact with outsiders low-key.
The Temple forges work Iron, Lead, some other base metals. They also
have been working Copper, and forming Brass and Bronze to work with. Actually
in the temple though is mostly iron and steel. The others are elsewhere
in the stronghold (it seems that the two major industries here are mining
and metal-working. Astute observers might notice a fair amount of Gold
jewelry worn by important dwarves, which show similar workmanship as some
of the other metalwork. However, the gold-smithies are kept hidden.
Sections of Town
The front gates are immense stone doors with iron carefully inlaid to form
reinforced banding. Above, there is a guard post, usually manned by four
dwarves, who can unlock the doors or drop reinforcing bars as needed. The
corridor from the outer gates into the center of the stronghold is well-worked
and well-traveled.
The stronghold is predominantly within the mountain. There is a courtyard
open to the sky (just beyond the entrance), but most of Borov-Urdak is
within the mountain. It is mostly stonework.
There is an access to the underdark in Borov-Urdak. It has not been
plagued by invaders from below in the recent past, in part because of the
elaborate defenses constructed (especially once gold was discovered).
Sites around Borov-Urdak
Churches
The Temple of Moradin came to the stronghold upon its founding,
and helped to forge the iron into useful tools and weapons. The priesthood
had also sent emissaries to a nearby deep dwarf stronghold. As the iron
played out, the priesthood set up trade with the deep dwarves (who had
a good iron vein). Borov-Urdak now imports iron ore, and exports some gold
items (jewelry), weapons, and materials found only on the surface (wood).
It it pretty much self-sufficient, as there are goat-herders and a few
farmers (and fungi harvesters - a technique learned from the deep dwarves).
Temple of Dumathoin: Quite popular, since mining is the primary
occupation of the stronghold
Personalities
Clan Heads
Priests
Organizations
Ganae Gazetteer
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