A Dwarven Hold represents a fortified stronghold of the dwarves, marked by large scale constructions dug deep into the mountains. These holds take millennia to build as very complex plans needed to be made for the construction with various systems such as ventilation having to be built. The highest concentration of these holds are located in the Serpentspine Mountains, with others scattered across Halcann. There are two classifications for the holds, a standard Dwarven Hold is dug deep into the mountains with no surface entrance while a Surface Hold accounts for possessing a direct entrance to the surface world.
Each hold was divided into many levels, with additional ones being built under the first, each being extremely expansive compared to several cities stacked upon each other. The levels themselves took additional centuries to construct, also adding the amount of resources needed to maintain, with the systems having to be implemented deeper underground. In the days of Aul-Dwarov, no hold had managed to pierce beyond the fourth level. After the Fall of the Dwarovar, the lower levels of the surviving holds were abandoned and fell to ruin.
West Dwarovar[]
Amldihr, meaning Gates of the Assembly, was the main hold in the Days of Aul-Dwarov. When the Dwarovar was united under one empire it was at Amldihr where the High King sat and held assembly with the lesser kings of Dwarovar.
Dûr-Vazhatun, the legendary home of the sky watchers, was one of the few holds had interest in affairs beyond the surface. Known for its ancient observatory, Dûr-Vazhatun was said to be where philosophers and esoterics of the ancient dwarovar once congregated.
Er-Natvir was the heart of the industrial Dwarovar (if there is such a thing, considering all holds were industrial), along with all sorts of transportation and commodities. The Dwarovar Highway and its rail found its nexus point in Er-Natvir, and it is also where that railway was controlled from.
Haraz Orldhûm is known as the Place of the Highlords. It was known as a beacon of nobility and virtue throughout Aul-Dwarov, and was where its finest warriors was once trained.
Hul-Jorkad, more commonly known as Jorkad Hall. This accursed hold is the mythical birthplace and namesake of orcish kind.
Khugdihr was one of the last dwarven hold to break, and in 1424 was overwhelmed by orcish forces led by Gurukk Siegebreaker. This fall caused the last influx of dwarven refugees across Cannor... and heralded the Greentide.
Krakdhûmvror is located in the Giant's Anvil, and was originally founded by criminals and refugees from the Dwarven Empire.
Mithradhûm is one of the most renowned holds of ancient Dwarovar. Also known as Truehold, it was the namesake and the largest mine of one of the finest metals of the world: Mithril.
Orlazam-az-dihr was known as the Gate of the Ramlords, and was responsible for defending the Serpent's Vale and Amldihr from external threats. They were infamous for their rangers that skulked the vale and the mountains of the Serpentspine atop powerful rams, who were also used to forge their deadly arms and weapons.
Verkal Kozenad was known as the Citadel of Fate (literally citadel of the chosen paths in dwarven). A hold shrouded in mystery, it is said that this hold was cursed during the Last Days of Dwarovar having opened its gates and let its people get slaughtered by the newly founded orcish race.
Serpentreach[]
Arg-Ôrdstun was the nominal capital of the Serpent's Reach. It is home to the proud and strong diamond dwarves who in their heyday often challenged the authority of the High King of Aul-Dwarov.
Gor Bûrad, known as Firetop Mountain, is centred around a massive lava pit that feeds the volcano above. It was once said that the fiercest and angriest dwarves once hailed from here. It is a tall and imposing hold, known for its charred black walls,
Orlghelovar was the Home of the Glasslords, and were apparently the ones that taught glassmaking to early mankind. Their people, known as Cobalt Dwarves, were famous for their blue-coloured glasses that are still valuable to this day as Orlghelovar Glass.
Ovdal Lodhum was known as the Hold where Love Lives, and was known for its beautiful architecture and as a perfect honeymoon spot for newlywed dwarves of the old empire. After the fall, it was one of the few holds that survived - after all, love always prevails.
Shazstundihr was known as the Marble Gate. It was once a major trading partner to the ancient humans of the world, and allegedly helped influence the marble-led architectures of Castanor."
Verkal Skomdihr was once known as the Gate against the Woods, and protected the Dwarovar from the influence of the fey. It has since fallen, and has become moss-filled and overgrown.
Middle Dwarovar[]
Gor Ozumbrog (meaning Eastern Hold That Bridges Mountains) is an elegant fortress, which guards and opens the way for the lands of the Tree of Stone region.
Gor Vazumbrog (meaning Western Hold That Bridges Mountains) is a noble fortress that guards the Dwarovrod route from Hul-Jorkad to Hehodovar.
Hehodovar was one of the earliest holds made and much ancient knowledge on architecture unfound elsewhere can be seen here. It was named after a incredibly talented and swift builder, Hehogrim the Diligent.
Seghdihr is known as the Southgate. It gained its prominence after the fall of the Dwarovar, and was the leader of the Segbandal (the Southern Alliance) which for a time maintained relative security in the Middle Dwarovar until its dissolution. Perhaps a true heir of the Segbandal will rise and reclaim Seghdihr once again?
Verkal Gulan was one of the few to survive the fall of the Segbandal. However in isolation its people became complacent and corrupt, and Its eventual fall was no surprise. Now the hold has been reclaimed by dwarves pure of heart. We will restore the hold to its former glory and beyond. The Golden Citadel will rise again!
Tree of Stone[]
Grôzumdihr, named after its massive green gate, was known throughout Rahen as the purveyors and guides of early Raheni civilization. Known for their compassion, the Peridot Dwarves of Grôzumdihr were once a common sight as advisors in the halls of Raheni kings.
Hul-az-Krakazol is the legendary Hall of Brewmasters. It features incredibly in the lore and myth of Haless as a place where the infamous Krakzol ale was made - a magical ale that was consumed by the drunken martial artists of Haless.
Ovdal-az-Ân is a lone and solitary hold, known as the Citadel of One. Despite its closeness to the surface, it was allegedly founded by dwarves of nearby Grôzumdihr who had tired of the folly of humanity.
Ovdal Kanzad is known as the Cannonhold. It was the principal firearm and cannon manufacturer in Aul-Dwarov, fashioning weapons of mass destruction before the first man had learned to wield a sword. Its inhabitants are known as Amber dwarves due to their proximity to the Tree of Stone, but in fact gain their yellowish tinge from the sulfur used in such weaponry. The cannon refineries of the hold lay quiet, until a true master of arms re-awakens them once again!
Jade Mines[]
Grônstunad, meaning the Jade Mine, served as the capital of the eastern jade dwarves, and was said to have rivaled Amldihr itself. It is said that in its early days it served as the eastern capital for Aul-Dwarov, but after the west's fall to orcish invasion Grônstunad flourished and became grander and more magnificent than Amldihr ever was. All good things must come to an end, and for many years Grônstunad enjoyed its position in the world, but everything changed when the hobgoblins attacked...
Tuwad-Dhûmankon, known as the Second Domain, was the child hold of the gargantuan Grônstunad. While often in the shadow of its mother, perhaps a new ruler can help this hold find its place in history.
Verkal Dromak is a reclusive hold nestled deep in the hills and mountains. It was known as the Citadel of Dreamers, the home of esoteric dreams, fantastical magic and occult rituals.
Holds Outside of the Serpentspine[]
Bahar[]
Ovdal Tûngr is the only coastal dwarven hold. It is built into a cavern in the Gulangor Mountains that opens into the Divenhal Sea.
Esmaria[]
Anvilwright is a surface hold located in eastern Esmaria, in the foothills of the Havoral Divide.
Lencenor[]
Rubyhold is a dwarven hold located in the Ruby Mountains of eastern Lencenor.
Thidinkai[]
Verkal Ozovar is a surface hold that is nestled into the Phokhao Range in Haless.
Lost Holds[]
Ovdal Asra was a dwarven hold in the West Dwarovar. It was buried under rubble to protect Khugdihr from the orcish hordes back in the time of Aul-Dwarov. Found in 1410, the cave would fully collapse after an expedition retrieved the Gem of Asra, losing the hold permanently.
Gor Dûrgheled, commonly known as the Obsidian Hold, was a dwarf hold in the West Dwarovar known for the obsidian dwarves who specialized in forbidden rune magic. At the threat of Aul-Dwarov, the king of the hold teleported its population to the Primeval Serpentdepths, the empty hold crumbling and being lost over time.