Bristlebeard's Hollow

Summary

Bristlebeard's Hollow - AKA Whurest or the Iron Cavern in the dwarven tongue - is a small dwarven mining settlement found high atop the Spine of the World. Most of those that live and work Britlebeard's Hollow hail from the Mithral Hall. While Whurest operates almost entirely independently, Dwarven oaths are eternal and many still owe allegiance to Clan Battlehammer, the great dwarven clan that resides in Mithral Hall.

The dwarves of Whurest hold a trade alliance with Aquor. They also have found a solid ally in the Blackwood Company and often supply arms and reinforcements to the two factions mutual benefit. Many within Whurest Hold prefer their insular lifestyle, choosing to remain indifferent to the ways of men and the conflicts raging within the valley below.

Origin/History

1306 (Year of Thunder)

Moradin bestows the Thunder Blessing upon his people. Miraculously, the birthrate of the dwarven race begins to soar. Nearly a fifth of dwarven births after the Thunder Blessing result in identical or fraternal twins. This new dwarven generation is commonly referred to as the Thunder Children.

Previously a dying race in slow decline, things start looking up for the dwarves of Faerun.

1164 (Year of Long Shadows)

Mithral Hall falls to the shadow dragon Shimmergloom, aided by a horde of shadow creatures and an entire clan of Duergar, Clan Bukbukken. The young Bruenor Battlehammer is one of only 300 dwarves to survive, from a total population of 10,000. The clan scatters, an older Bruenor later leading 100 dwarves to Kevin’s Cairn in Icewind Dale.

1313 (Year of the Shattered Oak)
In the 185 years that the Battlehammers were displaced from their home of the Mithral Hall (see Miscellaneous Information), Bruenor Battlehammer sent several small expeditions out to explore the caverns along the Spine of the World.

A five-man expedition led by Eriak (Oldaxe) Bristlebeard discovered the cave network that would be referred to as Bristlebeard’s Hollow. The small dwarven group worked for many years to establish an outpost here, only communicating with the clan in Kevin’s Cairn annually during the summer, when the mountains were passable.

1356 (Year of the Worm)
After some forty years of work in Bristlebeard’s Hollow, which was nestled in the western edge of the Spine of the World (approx. 30-40 Miles South West of Tentowns area and positioned west of the Shaengarne River), the complex was nearly completed. It was then that Clan Battlehammer’s namesake, Bruenor Battlehammer led the efforts to reclaim his clans long lost home, the Mithral Hall. The nearly completed complex was abandoned along with the rich deposits of ore when the dwarves assigned to it were called for the march to the Mithral Hall.

1358 (Year of Shadows)
The Battle of Keeper’s Dale: House Baenre leads an army of drow, goblins, and kobolds out of Menzoberranzan to attack the dwarves of Mithral Hall. The dwarves are aided by svirfneblin, local barbarians, troops from Nesme and Silverymoon; even the mysterious Harpells and Lady Alustriel herself. The drow are ultimately defeated and driven back to their homeland.

After the battle, Eriak Bristlebeard, longing to continue his work, led a group of over fifty dwarves to reclaim his find and re-establish trade with Tentowns and Luskan. To delight, the complex had not been discovered or re-inhabited by the yeti that lived there originally.

1365 (Year of Sword)
A sizable group of dwarves from Mithral Hall arrive to join Eriak and his kin’s work, favoring a simpler life. Bristlebeard’s Hollow continues to expand and develop, adding defenses and exploring new cave networks. During this exploration, the ruins of Runedarrhyn are rediscovered. In earnest, the Iron Council of Whurest refocuses their efforts on reclaiming Runedarrhyn.

1366 (Year of the Staff)
Illithid occupiers of Gauntlgrym fall to internal rebellion from experimental half-illithid hybrids, the illithiderro. Most illithid of Gauntlgrym are slain, and the fallen city becomes infested by the intelligent but maddened creatures.

1367 (Year of the Shield)
Citadel Felbarr retaken from Many-Arrow orcs, by dwarves of Clan Warcrown with the aid of Elves of Silverymoon. King Emerus Warcrown crowned.

1369 (Year of the Gauntlet)
Descendents of Xalliordell return to Runedarrhyn, displaced and enraged with their Elder Brain after Gauntlgrym’s fall. Together with what remain of their thralls they take up residency in Runedarrhyn’s lowest halls. The weakened cabal quickly grows in strength, powered by the crystals which have regrown and by their own efforts, ascending to alhoon.

Whurest continues to labor, expanding and rebuilding. Under the direction of the Iron Council and the engineering prowess of clan Greyhammer, much of Runedarrhyn’s upper floors have been retaken and become the prefered hearth of the goodly dwarves. Little resists Whurest’s expansion and many believe the remaining ruins to be completely vacant.

Late in the year, delvers discover the deepest halls of the ruin and Whurest first comes face-to-face with the forces of Xalliordell. The resulting conflict is quick and bloody, lasting only a day. Empowered alhoon decimate a surprised Whurest guard and many of Whurest’s dwarves are captured and taken as thralls. The surface hold is saved by the sacrifices of a small team of engineers who, led by Eldon and Orla Greyhammer, explode support structures caving-in several key tunnels, swiftly halting Xalliordell’s advance onto the surface.

1370 (Year of the Tankard)
The orc hordes of King Obould Many-Arrows lay siege to Mithral Hall. A long war begins, and the other dwarven holds sensibly focus their efforts on assisting Mithral Hall. Whurest is neither able to help or be helped, but holds firm and is unassailed in its fastness.

1372 (Year of Wild Magic)
The siege of Mithral Hall ends.

1379 (Year of the Lost Keep)
The Skullcleaver Brigade swears fealty to Clan Bristlebeard of Whurest, providing welcome reinforcements.

Eriak Bristlebeard opens the ruins of Runedarrhyn to worthy adventurers from Sundren Valley. Combined with Whurest’s own efforts, the forces of Xalliordell are finally matched and a long stand-off begins.

1382 (Year of the Black Blazon)
Freed from the demands of war, and with a slow but steady increase in the total Shield Dwarf population despite recent losses at Mithral Hall, various groups of dwarves start a slow expansion across the north. Eriak Bristlebeard issues a call for free dwarves to march westward to Whurest, and about 50 do so, reinforcing Whurest’s ranks.

Eriak Bristlebeard dies in the Battle of Aquor. After long deliberation in Council, Dryn Stonewhisperer becomes the Second Thane of Whurest.

1383 (Year of the Vindicated Warrior)
Felicia Pendraig returns to Aquor.

Whurest masons and stone, with the aid of Blackwood and Aquorian troops, descend into Aquor and begin rebuilding critical Aquor infrastructure. The Iron Council approves plans to expand the hold, providing the stone needed for construction efforts in Aquor.

1383 (Year of the Vindicated Warrior)

Felicia Pendraig returns to Aquor.

Whurest masons and stone, with the aid of Blackwood and Aquorian troops, descend into Aquor and begin rebuilding critical Aquor infrastructure. The Iron Council approves plans to expand the hold, providing the stone needed for construction efforts in Aquor.

Geimhreadh, led by Lady Deep Winter and Aelfric Herjolfsson, enters into a very shaky trade agreement with Whurest. In exchange for cold iron armaments, Geimhreadh aids Whurest in expanding tradeways through The Great Glacier. In doing so, Whurest hopes to stabilize its communication and trade lines with Mithril Hall.

Auril’s most devout within Geimhreadh defect to Cŵn Annwn in anger believing The Great Glacier to be sacred and should remain intact. In-fighting within Geimhreadh ensues.

1384 (The Year of Three Streams Blooded)

The Great Glacier is opened through concerted effort between Whurest miners and Lady Deeper Winter - expanding territory in the North to include the areas around Icewind Dale. Fighting breaks out with Whurest and Geimhreadh allied against Cŵn Annwn.

Lady Deep Winter is slain in battle. Aelfric Herjolfsson succeeds her as leader of Geimhreadh.

The Kazhunki are founded in response to the open warfare playing out around Whurest. Julia Avirson is named Longbeard. Julia and Urias Deepforge are appointed generals overseeing Whurest’s new elite fighting force, commanding the holds offensive against Cŵn Annwn.

1385 (The Year of Blue Fire)

In fighting between Geimhreadh and Cwyn Annwyn reaches fevered pitch. The slopes of The Spine become increasingly hostile. Trade to Sundren Valley continues only by virtue of Blackwood and Exigo contracts previously established by The Iron Council. Vital trade lines slow with only essential supplies making it to and from Whurest.

Auril tightens her grip on The Spine. A deep winter settles over the entire area. Fueled with Auril’s fury, the seasons become unnaturally cold and dark. Jagged ice and deep snows remain thick even in the Summer months cutting Whurest off from Mithril Hall and trade further North with Icewind Dale.

Unable to sustain combat on multiple fronts, the Skullcleavers are dispatched to demolish access points into and out of Runedarrhyn.

1388 (The Year of the Tanarukka)

Aelfric Herjolfsson is slain. Leif Nine-Trees returns to The Spine bringing with him a large band of Uthgardt. In honor of Eidior, Leif is named Geimhreadh’s next leader.

1389 (The Year of the Forgiven Foes)

Blackwood attempts to honor its contracts to defend Whurest trade into the Valley, but ultimately is forced to recall its mercenaries citing expenditures outweighing the contracts intended value. Exigo, similarly, disengages with Whurest. Unable to maintain its presence at Schild, The Iron Council sells its interest stake to Exigo further bolstering the holds reserves.

In desperation, the hold dispatches its remaining Skullcleavers lead by Kyra Brightmantle on a perilous journey through the snow blasted mountains to request aid from Mithril Hall.

Felicia Pendraig, in exchange for military aid, enters into an exclusive trading relationship with Whurest cementing a long lasting alliance. The infusion of stone, salt, and other precious minerals results in an economic boom for both parties.

1390 (The Year of the Walking Man)

Aquor obtains its independence.

Kyra Brightmantle returns to Whurest with a detachment of volunteers and Hammers of Moradin from Mithril Hall.

1395 (The Year of Silent Death)

The combined / reinforced might of Whurest, Uthgardt, and Zakaharans drive the majority of Cŵn Annwn back out of The Spine and back through The Great Glacier. With them, seemingly, so too Auril’s choke hold over The Spine loosens. Ice and snow recede and trade flows much more freely to and from Aquor. Spring and summer months grow longer. Tradeways to Mithril Hall are once again open during these warmer months.

Uthgardt traditions and teachings become the norm within Geimhreadh. Trade carries on in good faith between Geimreadh and Whurest.

1396 (The Year of the Secret)

Having gained a reprieve from war, Whurest begins a period of recovery. The hold takes on its first major expansion in recent memory. Resulting stone and metals are traded down into Aquor empowering many civic projects there. The hold’s dwarven population is bolstered and swells as kin from Mithril Hall immigrate to the area.

1415 (The Year of Staves Arcane)

Fali Stonetoe passes away peacefully of natural causes and is entombed beside Eriak Bristlebeard. Glyir Belindor is named his successor. Kyra Brightmantle is appointed to the Iron Council.

1425 (The Year of Seven Sisters)

Select entrances into Runedarrhyn are reopened. Whurest once again resumes sending expeditions down into its depths.

1432 (The Year of Silent Thunder)

Auril’s presence suddenly intensifies in the area surrounding Icewind Dale and The Ten Towns. Seasons shorten or lengthen to favor winter and the days are unnaturally short. Trade into this region remains incredibly perilous. Fear of Auril grips those living within the area.

1434 (The Year of Silent Crickets)(Current Year)

Government

Iron Council Members:

• Dryn Stonewhisperer (Thane) (Retired PC)
• Kyra Brightmantle (NPC)
• Glyir Belindorn (PC)
• Urias Deepforge (NPC)
• Dalgal Deepforge (NPC)
• Angus Ironforge (Retired PC)

TODO: Link to page detailing Whurest Law.

Economy

Population: 200

• Shied Dwarf: 98%
• Gold Dwarf: 2%

Physical and Magical Environment

Terrain: Mountains
Appearance: Average
Hygiene: +1 (Healthy environment +1, Population fewer than 500 +1)
Normal Magic (Rare Enchantment)

Culture and Economy

Language: Common, Dwarven
Literacy: Accented
Wealth: Currently Struggling (Due to the infrequent caravans)
Status: 0 to 2 (Citizen to Thane)

Political Environment

Government:Iron Council
Ruling party: Whurest Dwarves
Resident factions: Whurest

Trade

Major Imports: Foodstuffs, Textiles, Lumber, Crafted Goods, Mining Supplies

Major Exports: Metal Ores, Armaments, Metal Ingots, Stone, Salt [1], Pelts

Economic Analysis

The insular Whurest Hold is a wellspring of ore and stone, but the dwarves find themselves faced with the same problem that faces the rest of the valley: transport. While a group of twenty or so dwarves will escort a caravan down to Aquor or Mirakus, the scarcity of protection means that it can't make these trips frequently without overextending themselves. That being said, the Whurest dwarves are incredible craftsmen, able to forge the most sought after armaments in the valley. Their weaponry and armor can be seen in the possession of those who have the coin to, and are the envy of anyone who knows their steel.

However, they have worked out a deal with the Exigo that allows them to transport slightly more often for a considerable price, and are able to get foodstuffs into the Hold through their agreement at a more regular rate. Transport is still a problem, but less so now that Exigo is free to offer its own services to an extent. As such, the Whurest dwarves send out small groups of contractors that work among the valley. Forging, land surveying, instruction, and other projects are the mainstay export of the dwarven hold. A lucky man indeed is one who is able to afford a dwarven smith to forge a weapon, or one to scout the fortifications of a town.

The Whurest mines are rich with adamantine, mithril, gold, and silver. However, they are riddled with enemies, notably thralls held in mental captivity. This makes it extremely difficult to mine in peace, and the dwarves have to frequently devote resources to defensive measures that will allow them to piece apart a fraction of what lies beneath the mountains.

Notes

Military Strength: The Whurest Dwarves have an able bodied force. However, that force is the main body of their population. Most dwarven craftsmen can swing an axe or hammer in the defense of their land, but they're by no means a professional military. However, give them a position to hold and the defenses to do it and a small group of Whurest warriors can hold off an army if need be.

Range of Territory: The Spine is a dangerous place, but the Whurest Hold is safe enough from the creatures that wander the icy plains. Their mines go ever deeper downward, and their entire Hold is encased within the mountains themselves.

Current Problems: The Whurest mines are hostile, making it difficult to get ores out. The defensive measures taken are usually just enough to get in a week's worth of mining a month.

Whurest is surrounded by potentially hostile forces in the Spine. Vampires, Aurilite Tribes, and even the weather itself seem to conspire against the dwarven hold in getting its goods to and from the valley.

To understand how the Economic System works, click HERE.