The Stone Mountains
Dalzungund, the city under the mountains, is the dwarven homeland on Xyllomer.
The range under which the city is built is north of the Padorn plains on the continent
of Primordia and although the border between the territories is blurred, the two legal
systems are very similar dues to an ages old relationship between the human and
dwarven nations.
The halls of the underground city are well lit with torches and crafted by the finest
dwarven masons and were it not for the lack of windows you might never know
that you were under the earth. All the amenities one would expect of a city are
presented to the visitor and in addition the mountains are home to the dwarven
guild of the smiths and many of their facilities are open to use by all.
Off the main hall the visitor can find the court of law in order to register themself
and the post office along with an outfitter, weaponsmith and armourer. From
the southeastern corner a weary visitor can visit the XTC with its famous menu;
including the notorious dish 'elven ears'. It is rumoured that the bar is also a front
for the FAE or Federation Against Elves, although this has not been conclusively proven
Further north one enters the mines themselves. For those without night vision a
torch is essential here as anyone without knowledge of the route would surely
find themselves lost in the dark and unable to get out! The mines lead deep into
the mountain, but the risk of attack is quite slight as a patrol is always on call
to deal with attacks within the mountain gates
North of the mountains is Hart's Village, a small township with a few dwellings and
businessplaces along a single road. Over a century ago Hart and Astradyne drove
the evil magicial Toran out of the valley and built a stronghold there
The 'Hart's Inn' is well known for its barkeep's dolour and as the place to go
for a good game of blackjack. At the western end of the road is a sheltered
harbour overlooked by a castle. The castle itself is now occupied by orcs
and entrance should not be attempted by anyone unprepared for combat.
However, there are secrets within its walls that are worth discovering
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Travel reports
| Fields of Stone Mountains |
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Leaving Padorn through the west gate I walk westwards
on a small and dusty road. To the left and right I can see big fields,
a lot of fruits and vegetables are growing there. In the far distance to
the north I can see huge mountains rising there. I continue to walk on
the road and finally reach a branch. There is a sign here pointing south
to Elohim Forest, well, I don't want to go there today so I head north.
On my left hand now the Crystal River runs silently from north to south.
Perhaps I will be able to buy a small boat once and ride a journey on it,
but not today. There are a lot of travellers on the road, one of them,
a dwarf, which carries heavy mining equipment, suddenly stops me: "Hey
foreign, do you want to visit our people?" I nod. "Fine, just continue
to walk on this road, in a few minutes you will reach a branch, a small
path runs up the Mountains there. Take it and you will directly enter our
caves there." So I do.
Eris, male human (Padorn, 3.2.240 AF)
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| Dalzungund |
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In order to visit our homeland, you must climb
up a path from the Padorn road and then continue straight north until you
reach the Great Hall of Stone Mountains. The hall is huge, and like all
Dwarvish construction, well organized. The corridors of the hall are laid
out north south, east west. Visitors tell me that it is easy to find one's
way around. On the walls are many epic paintings showing the story of the
Dwarves of Stone Mountains.
Although sunlight never penetrates our home,
the halls and tunnels are well lit by many torches. As you explore the
hall, you will see many shops trading in the crafts of dwarfish smiths.
No visit to our home is complete unless you stop for a meal at the XTC,
a classic Dwarvan pub. You can purchase a simple meal of dwarvish stew
and strong beer (my favorite) or, you can dine on more exotic fare. The
XTC is always filled with dwarves drinking, singing and telling funny stories.
Following the hall north from the XTC you will pass a mining outfitter.
Further north the tunnels become more complicated and lead to more small
shops and residences.
If you continue north you will reach the mines. Although
the mine appears abandoned , you may notice that any dwarves carrying mining
equipment appear well-fed. Although I prefer the darkness of the mine,
visitors would be well advised not to leave the lighted areas without exercising
caution.
Trag, Miner in Stone Mountains, male dwarf (Stone Mountains, 20.4.241 AF)
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| A small village |
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Today I decided to visit friends in a little
village some miles away from my home in the Stone Mountains, so I leave
our caves and head north on a nearly endless path through the mountains.
The mountains are blocking the way west and east, so I cant get lost here.
As I climbed a very high mountain I can see a valley to the west.
Inmidst that valley lies Harts Village where my friends live. About
hundred years ago Hart and Astradyne have driven the evil magician Toran
out of the valley where now the village has been built. After a short rest
I go on with my travel. The first Building I reach is the most important
one - at least I think so - it's Hart's Inn.
Before I continue my walk I better drink a pint of ale and play some
rounds of blackjack to relax a bit - you know we dwarfs are always very
thirsty and walking long distances with our short legs is quite exhausting.
After some pints I leave the inn and go west. South of the mainroad is
the local trading post, where the owner provides for the need of villagers
and travellers alike. North and south of the road are farmhouses and shops.
My friends live in the middle of the village - ok I have to admit my
friends are only one friend and it's a nice human woman. Since her husband
died I visit her sometimes to repair her house and to help her a bit on
the farm. In exchange she cuts my beard, so that I don't stumble over it
all the time.
Further to the west a dark forest starts, only few people dare to enter
it. The only one who lives there near Harts Castle is a wood cutter. After
helping my friend I visit the local teamster to rent a centaur, cause I
don't want to walk the whole way back, I really get angry as I hear, that
he still only has normal horses to rent.
Gunder, male dwarf (Stone Mountains, 16.14.240 AF)
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