Shield (Dwarf Settlement)

Shield is the largest Dwarven settlement remaining in the Crucible, a former trading post that has now become a city in its own right.

Overview
Shield is a large Dwarven settlement near the intersection of the Frostcaps and the Border Mountains. Shield dominates its sheltered vale, crossing the entire valley floor at its narrowest point and even being built into the mountains on either side. There is a massive, 40-foot tall wall of stone that surrounds the entire surface city. At the heart of the city is a massive statue of King Ranbold the Magnificent that is taller than the wall.Sheild's economy is based on trade with the Clanholds, who trade their goods for food supplies from the lowlands. The rare dwarven farmers of the area also raise pigs, domesticated mountain goats, and root vegetables. Most other food supplies come from human or halfling tended lands and are gained from trade. The most important is grain and hops for making beer.

The shield river starts in the mountains just to the south of the city, just past the western edge of the city. The cataracts and falls of the river coming out of the mountain make it bad for boat traffic, but roads lead down to other ports where keelboats and rafts can take trade further down river.

Shield was originally a trading post, but after Karus-Abhel fell it was recognized as the most centralized location for the remaining Dwarf Clans to meet and trade. The city grew out of the constant need for food, which could only be provided by lowlanders in the quantities needed to sustain the Clans.

Ostensibly its own independent polity, Shield answers to the elders of the Dwarven clans. Every few years, the Elders meet in the city to discuss what their plans for the future are. This event, called the Moot, is the most important event in modern Karus life.

Shield has a single major export of importance: Adamantine. The city produces this special metal in small quantities, which it sells for exorbitant prices. There are few other places to acquire this metal, which is considered necessary for mining materials in other parts of the world. The Dwarves keep the source of their Adamantine a secret even from most other dwarves.

The executive of the city is Lord-Elder Tordek, an elderly Dwarf who works hard to keep the city running at full capacity.