Race: Dwarves
Government: Mountain Confederation
Theme: Industry, craftsmanship, collective strength, fortified independence
The Ironhold Compact was formed during the late Second Era, when prolonged warfare and deep-earth incursions made isolated dwarven holds vulnerable. Recognizing that no single fortress could withstand the growing threats of Andorea alone, several powerful mountain cities bound themselves into a formal confederation.
Ironhold believes that stone endures where empires fail. Their culture values craftsmanship, preparation, and unity through mutual defense. Rune-smithing is not merely an art but a civic duty, and metal is treated as both resource and legacy. Unlike expansionist powers, Ironhold seeks stability through deterrence—strong walls, deeper tunnels, and better arms.
The Compact represents collective resilience: strength achieved through cooperation rather than conquest.
Ironhold is governed through a decentralized but tightly regulated confederation.
Key elements of governance:
The High Forge Council
Representatives from each major fortress-city
Oversees confederation-wide policy, treaties, and war declarations
Decisions require supermajority consensus
The Forge-Delegate
Elected from among the Council during times of crisis
Acts as chief coordinator of military and industrial efforts
Authority is temporary and limited
Holdmasters
Local rulers of individual fortress-cities
Control internal law, production quotas, and tunnel security
Answer directly to their hold’s citizen-smiths and the Council
Power flows upward from the holds rather than downward from a throne. Ironhold governance prioritizes accountability and mutual obligation.
Ironhold’s military is designed to defend mountain strongholds and control subterranean approaches.
Heavy infantry formations equipped with shields, pikes, and rune-armor
Trained to fight in tunnels, gates, and narrow passes
Core defensive force of the Compact
Mobile and fixed siege engines enhanced with runic enchantments
Used for fortress defense and deterrence
Highly regulated to prevent misuse
Specialized troops assigned to monitor deep tunnels and underdark access
First line of defense against incursions from the Deepwyrm Enclave
Often operate independently for extended periods
Internal security officers and inspectors
Ensure production quotas, prevent sabotage, and enforce Compact law
Authorized to intervene in any hold during emergencies
Allied with:
Valecrown Kingdom – Arms-for-grain military partnership
Gilded League – Metal trade contracts and logistics support
At War with:
Deepwyrm Enclave – Subterranean territorial and resource conflict
Ironhold views war as a failure of planning—but once engaged, it commits fully, believing that prepared stone breaks reckless claws.