Hidden behind massive iron gates, the Iron Tradition is not just a forge—it is a sacred center of craftsmanship in Dergorai. For generations, dark dwarves have honed their skills here, passing down the secrets of forging, metal enchantment, and the creation of legendary artifacts.
Only the chosen are granted the right to learn here. Wealth means nothing—only talent, endurance, and respect for the craft matter. The trials are brutal: apprentices toil under conditions where the heat from the forges scorches their skin, and their mistakes are marked not by words, but by scars.
Atmosphere and Sounds
The moment you step through the gates, the air becomes thick with the scent of molten metal, oil, and coal. The walls of the forge are covered with ancient runic symbols, enhancing the enchantments woven into the metal. The rhythmic hammering never ceases—it is the heartbeat of this sacred place.
Along the stone walls stretch anvils, furnaces, cooling basins, and apprentices in leather aprons labor under the stern gaze of their masters. Weakness is not tolerated here—if your hands cannot hold a hammer, you are unworthy of the Tradition.
Structure of the Iron Tradition
The forge is divided into several key zones, each playing a crucial role in training and the creation of masterpieces:
- The Great Forge – The central flame where the finest works are crafted. It never dies, and its magical fire tempers metal for eternity.
- The Hall of Trials – An arena where apprentices prove their mastery. Here, weapons, armor, and enchanted artifacts are tested in real combat conditions.
- The Runic Workshop – A place where smiths study the fusion of metal and magic, embedding enchantments into blades.
- The Masters’ Arsenal – A vault of the greatest works forged in the Tradition. These items are never sold—they can only be earned through legendary feats.
- The Hall of Ancestors – A sanctuary where the names of the greatest blacksmiths in Dergorai’s history are forever honored.
Notable Figures of the Iron Tradition
Gromvar “The Forge Judge” – High Master of the Tradition
“A sword forged without a soul is nothing but a piece of iron.”
Gromvar is a steel giant among dwarves, whose name is spoken with reverence. It is said that he can judge the quality of a blade with a single glance. Stern, uncompromising, and possessing unparalleled skill, he embodies the very essence of the Iron Tradition.