Embedded Files
D&D Pages are my own Play Content.
The Shield of the Storm, The Deep-Rooted Realm, The Silver-Peak
Overview Located in the central-north of Tayon, this Duchy encompasses the Storm-Wall Mountains—a range of Everest-scale peaks that act as the continent's weather barrier. The region is defined by violent climatic extremes: the "Weeping Summer" (torrential warm rain) and the "Iron Winter" (crushing snow and ice).
The Dwarven Foundation: The Duchy was founded by the Mithrilbeard Clan, Mountain Dwarves who dug deep into the tectonic roots of the mountains to find warmth and safety, far from the chaotic weather of the surface. Over centuries, High Elves and Humans seeking refuge from the storms petitioned the Dwarves for aid. The result is a unique, vertical nation where the "Civilization" is anchored in the stone, and the "Frontier" is in the trees.
Race Position (Communities): Stratified Symbiosis.
• The Deep-Halls (Dwarves): The political and industrial core, immune to weather.
• The High-Boughs (Elves): The canopy settlements that manage the forest resources.
• The Valley-Towns (Humans/Halflings): Sheltered surface farming communities.
Race Position (Segregation): Environmental. Segregation is dictated by tolerance to the elements. During the "Iron Winter," almost everyone retreats into the Dwarven Deep-Halls, creating a seasonal, crowded integration.
Race Position (Rights): The "Hearth-Right." Dwarven Law dictates that denying shelter during a storm is a capital crime. The Dwarves hold the ultimate authority as "Landlords," but Elves and Humans have full rights as "Tenants of the Stone."
Primary Race(s): Mountain/Hill Dwarves (Dominant Culture), Wood/High Elves, Humans.
Secondary Race(s): Rock Gnomes (Tech), Halflings (Agriculture), Metallic Dragons (Wardens).
Languages: Dwarvish (Official/Legal), Common, Elven, Draconic.
Literacy: High. Essential for reading engineering schematics, weather charts, and mining contracts.
Technology Level: Hydro-Mechanical / Geothermal. Massive water wheels harness the summer rains; geothermal vents heat the winter cities.
Industries & Trades: Mithral Mining, Hydro-Engineering, Stone-Masonry, Water-Proofing Resins, Gem-Cutting.
Arms & Equipment: Heavy Plate (Furred/Insulated), Warhammers, Harpoon-Crossbows (for climbing ice and trees).
Government System: Hereditary Duchy (Clan-Based). The Duke is always the Patriarch of Clan Mithrilbeard. He is advised by a "Council of the Surface" (Elf/Human reps).
Ruler(s): Duke Thrain Mithrilbeard V (Mountain Dwarf).
Came to Power By: Ancestral Claim. His ancestors carved the first halls before the trees even grew this high.
Social Alignment: Neutral Good. The harsh environment forces a culture of mutual aid, hospitality, and endurance.
Civilization Archetype: Nordic Stronghold meets Subterranean Metropolis. Massive stone gates protect deep, warm cities, while wooden longhouses cling to the surface.
Settlement Type: Hybrid Citadel. A mountain fortress that extends down into magma-heated caverns and out onto the slopes.
Population: ~600,000 (Concentrated in the Deep-Halls during winter).
Cultural Archetype: The Storm-Ready. A culture that celebrates "Hearth and Hall." Feasts are legendary, designed to wait out the months-long blizzards.
Rebelliousness: Very Low. You cannot rebel against the people who control the heating vents during an ice storm.
Brigandage: Low. The mountains are too dangerous for casual bandits; only organized Chromatic cults survive in the wilds.
Geography & Ecology: The Food Engine
Geography & Ecology: The Food Engine
To feed 600,000 people with a 4-month winter, the Duchy has terraformed the mountains.
The Valley Terraces: The lower slopes of the mountains are carved into massive stone steps (like Incan terraces). These catch the "Weeping Summer" rain and prevent erosion, allowing for high-yield rice, barley, and root vegetables.
The Fungal-Vaults: Deep underground, the Dwarves and Gnomes farm bioluminescent mushrooms and "Cave-Wheat" year-round, providing a stable (if bland) staple crop that is unaffected by winter.
The Sky-Silos: Massive, cylindrical stone towers dot the landscape. These are granaries sealed with wax and Abjuration magic to preserve the harvest for years, ensuring the Duchy never starves, even if a summer fails.
The Dragon Wardens: The Deep-Roost Watch
The Dragon Wardens: The Deep-Roost Watch
The Mithril-Pact: The Metallic Dragons (Gold, Silver, Bronze) reside here as Honored Guests and Protectors.
The Lairs: They live in Grand-Roosts carved near the magma chambers for heat.
The Mission: They patrol the "Deep Roads" (Underdark) against Necromancy and guard the Sky-Silos from Chromatic raids.
Key Locations
Key Locations
1. Capital: Mithral-Hold (The Seat of the Duke)
Population: ~150,000.
Description: A colossal city. The "Surface Gate" is a fortress wider than most cities, flanked by 300-foot statues of Dwarven ancestors.
The Vertical Districts:
The Sun-Terrace (Surface): Where the Elven ambassadors and Human merchants live during the warm months.
The Forge-Deep (Subterranean): The industrial heart, glowing with magma rivers.
The Hearth-Hall: A cavern capable of holding 50,000 people during a blizzard, serving as the central shelter and feast-hall.
2. The Agricultural Hub: Grain-Fall
Population: ~80,000.
Description: A sprawling city in the widest valley, dominated by thousands of acres of terraced farmland and the massive "Sky-Silos."
Culture: This is the domain of the Halflings and Humans. It is the "Breadbasket of the North." The "Harvest Festival" here is the largest celebration in the Duchy.
3. The Blue-Waste (The Rain-Shadow)
Description: The arid, cold desert on the leeward side of the mountains.
Residents: Blue Dragon Refugees and Rock Gnome miners who trade rare crystals and salts (essential for food preservation) with the Duchy.
Page updated
Report abuse