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

108.1.141.197
Monument of the Lost: Near the main gate of
the surface fortress is a large and somber monument
dedicated to the thousands of dwarves who have lost
their lives to Scylfangen over the centuries. Most have
never had their bodies recovered, and this tomb serves
as their symbolic resting place. The monument is a
sealed marble building surrounded by the bronze
statues of dwarven warriors, all kneeling in respect
with swords, axes, and hammers drawn and pointed
toward the tomb. These statues are thirteen in number
although it is debated whether they represent the
Great Fathers or historical heroes slain by the dragon.
Sentinel Tower: This stout round tower was erected
at the highest vantage point in the city. The topmost
chamber contains a large telescope placed there
to watch for approaching danger of any sort, but
originally it served the express purpose of looking out
for the dragon Scylfangen. The manning of Sentinel
Tower is considered the most important and mindnumbingly
boring duty in Griddenguard. For this
reason a peculiar tradition has arisen whereby this
chamber is usually occupied by up to two dozen “offduty”
dwarves. As a gesture of solidarity, many soldiers
will volunteer downtime to come to the tower, share
stories, bring food and drink, play cards or dice, and
otherwise relax while taking turns at watch.
Groddenguard
In Power: Groddenlord Fulgar Lodhurg
Population: 30,000 dwarves, 3,000 ogrun
Military: Groddenguard is heavily fortified by a
large contingent of dwarven and ogrun troops backed
by a large number of steamjacks.
Imports: Grain, meat, fruit, beer, liquors, tools,
weapons, textiles
Exports: Lumber, various ores, stone
This town was originally a fortress established to
watch the northeastern pass through the Glass Peaks
to Armsdeep. As with Griddenguard, thousands
of dwarves were encouraged to move here seven
centuries ago to create a more effective bastion for
Rhul. The two Guard Cities have served as havens for
outlying clans in the northern mountains and places of
safety where dwarves can go when their communities
are threatened. Local industry includes the mining of
Mount Selgor and logging in the small Frostvale Forest
south of town noted for its particularly hardy breeds of
maple and white spruce.
Having a more accessible location at the base of
Mount Selgor and with more exposed buildings and
housing, Groddenguard is not quite as impervious
as its counterpart. The original fortress dominates
the town from an upper vantage point and has been
greatly expanded over the centuries. The rest of the
surface is encircled in a high wall equipped with many
batteries of cannon. An outlying chain of watch towers
along the nearby Miner’s Run River are equipped with
signal flares for watching the entire breadth of the pass
even during frequent times of poor visibility—heavy
snow storms and continual winds are common to the
region. The Rhulfolk in Groddenguard are rugged
and quite acclimated to inclement weather.
The rail line to Ghord has recently suffered
persistent attacks by dregg (see entry, MN1) also
proving a hazard in the eastern mines. Trolls are a
periodic threat to the loggers south of the city and
have been known to lurk near the river seeking prey.
The strange events at Foundation (see pg. 363) have
Groddenguard on alert, for inexplicable creatures
have been reported coming from the chasm. Several
tribes of hostile bogrin also inhabit the nearby hills.
They are wary of attacking the strong dwarven patrols,
but they are fond of raiding and random acts of arson
in the outlying regions.
Noted Persons
Gortis of Jhorl (male ogrun Ftr12): Gortis is an
aging ogrun who has earned a place of respect in
Groddenguard. He was the right hand of the previous
Groddenlord, the Jhorl clan lord, and has volunteered
to help the current one as best he can. Although Gortis
still serves clan Jhorl, he has become good friends
with Fulgar Lodhurg, the current Groddenlord, who
relies on him to command the defenses of the town
and supervise its patrols. He has no special title, but
the dwarves of the garrison obey him like a general.
Some younger dwarves resent taking orders from an
ogrun, but the veterans know his worth. He is keen
of mind with an innate sense for tactics and strategy.
Gortis has grown more pious in his later years. The
World Guide 359