02 - Iron Kingdoms W.. - Captain Spud Is Amazing

358 Iron Kingdoms
108.1.141.197
Griddenguard and sister city Groddenguard are
fortified cities situated specifically to defend Rhul
from outside threats. They began as simple forts after
the founding of Ulgar designed to watch over the only
viable passes through the Glass Peaks to Armsdeep
and the major dwarven cities situated along its shores.
North of Griddenguard is the great frozen wasteland
of the Burningfrost Plains, a flat expanse inimical
to most life. However, some hardy and monstrous
creatures occupy those plains and have been known to
venture southward in search of prey.
Both of the Guard Cities were expanded seven
centuries ago when the dragon Scylfangen (called
Scaefang by humans, see MN1) began to haunt the
region. Scylfangen was intent on tracking down its
western rival Halfaug but also razed outlying dwarven
settlements leaving nothing but ash and corpses. The
great dragon remained a threat over the centuries and
required constant vigilance. Rhulfolk attempted to
follow and slay the beast several times but met with no
success. Although Scylfangen has not been seen in over
a century, some Rhulfolk believe the dragon retreated
into Foundation (see pg. 363) and is stirring yet again.
Just in case, both Guard Cities have entire clans standing
vigil for Scylfangen’s return.
Throughout all, Griddenguard has grown into a
prosperous city, yet it retains its purpose as a guardian
of the northwest pass. Most of the city is below ground
carved into the mountain to protect its inhabitants
from winds and storms. The surface buildings form
a fortress complex high up on Mount Vugdin and
provide an excellent view of the plains to the north and
the pass below to the east. Frequent patrols venture
down into the pass and the outlying regions. A rail line
directly to Ghord bolsters the city, and many supplies
pass back and forth along this route. The dwarves of
Griddenguard work several small but significant mines
as well, and their clansmen have an impressive armory
of weapons, warjacks, cannon, and firearms including
some mechanikal weapons designed to use against
Scylfangen if the damnable beast should ever return.
Noted Persons
Udell Durken (female dwarf Exp5/Ftr3): An expert
onkar wrangler (see onkar entry, MN1) from Ulgar,
Udell is kin to the influential Durken clan, but she has
no clansmen in Griddenguard making her somewhat
of a loner. Nonetheless her talents with onkars have
earned her top pay since these beasts are essential for
finding elusive metal ores for mining. She also makes
a tidy profit on the clay-like gulg the beasts produce
after devouring rock—an important building material.
Udell is usually found in the lower tunnels of the town
or in the mineshafts escorting several of her unique
wards. She is an honored guest of the Griddenlord
due to her special talents—onkar are an important
part of Griddenguard culture—and sometimes stays in
the Udogor estates although she also keeps a modest
place in the deeper residential caverns.
Griddenlord Lugen Udogor (male dwarf Pal13):
Griddenlord Udogor is leader of both clan Udogor
and the city garrison. His clan arose seven centuries
ago when hundreds of volunteers from Clan Udo led
the charge to fight Scylfangen. After settling the lands
that would become Griddenguard, they became Clan
Udogor and their leader became the first Griddenlord.
They carry on a tradition mirroring the Stone Lords
whereby the clan heir swears oaths to the Church of
the Fathers and becomes a Knight of the Patriarchs. A
proven dwarf of piety and strength of character, Lugen
is the latest in the line. He dreams of Scylfangen
and believes the dragon will return in his lifetime.
Although other dwarves are complacent, he ensures
the defenses stay strong and forces his clansmen to
drill rigorously for battle. Some dwarves consider him
a fanatic since he is adamant the dragon dwells deep
in Foundation, and he has been organizing scouting
expeditions to venture into its depths.
Locales of Griddenguard
Great Markethall: Given the weather on the
surface, it is no wonder the largest marketplace in
Griddenguard is below ground. This large chamber
serves as an “open air” market for the region of town
closest to the surface just below the main tunnel
leading into the mountain. A dozen permanent booths
and tents are set up in the center, and numerous crafts
shops line the outer wall. Goods imported from Ghord
via the railway are frequently the topic of excited
gatherings and heated haggling. The central corridor
through the Great Markethall is the primary roadway
into deeper Griddenguard making it the ideal place
for merchants to hawk their wares.