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Häddefell

Haddefell is the last stop for adventurers before they enter the Grimskaldr mountains and frost giant territory. Known for housing the hardiest (and craziest) fighters in the empire, "Wintering in Haddefell" is view as either the ultimate badge of endurance or the sign of a death wish among adventurers. The town is known for exporting monster components, coldforged steel, and dead adventurers.

Known For:

• Remorhaz fire bladders and Yeti's blood
• Ironjaw Forge
• The Frostpit

Thornwycke

Thornwycke sits at the edge of the Blackthorn forest and the Silver Lake. Perpetually in the shadow of the older Dresden University, Thornwycke tends to be the more experimental of the two institutions, willing to try new magical discoveries and challenge their students at the expense of safety. Well-connected prospects attend Dresden but the truly ambitious future adventurers call Thornwycke home.

Known for:

• The Wandering Mug
• The Aetherforge
• The Tinker's Fountain

Ironmaw

The final stop for the empire's most dangerous criminals. Ironmaw is an impregnable dwarven prison extending miles into the mountain. Guarded by iron sentinels, locked by enchantmens, and secured by dwarven-forged adamantine doors, Ironmaw has never been breached from within or without. Little is known about the legendary prison although rumors abound. Some say that Gilgamere the Ageless is held deep within the mountain. The only certainty, those imprisoned in Ironmaw never again walk the surface.

High Hammer

The dwarven stronghold and capitol of Dûrmund before Dragon's Deep and Cingard were built, High Hammer has served many purposes over its lifespan. It now acts as the trade hub for the Dwarven kingdom and the source of most Dwarven ales. Many dwarves consider High Hammer to be the informal capitol of the Dwarven portion of the empire.

Known For:

• Crossroads Exchange
• Stonesong Brewery
• Ironflask Tavern

Burning Fields

The site of a great Dwarven victory in the Second Orc War and a massacre in the Great Dragon War, Burning Fields is a place of great beauty and great sorrow for the dwarves. Coarse red grass covers the valley said to have turned red after the fire and bloodshed of battles long past.

Known for

• Grazing for hearty lowland cattle and goats
• Historians and treasure seekers
• Excellent cheeses and meat

Mithrin

Built into the side of Durûn-Thar, "The Maker's Heart", Mithrin boasts the Heartforge; the only forge large enough to cast the great iron gates of dwarven citadles, hot enough to strike adamantine blades, and advanced enough to work elaborate mithril armor. Renamed Mithrin after the first set of Mithril armor was crafted in the city by Horvan Steelbringer, Mithrin is the supplier of all arms and armor for the empire.

Known for:

• The Heartforge
• The Hammerhall Enclave
• Emberdeep and the Alloy Market

Skyreach

Skyreach is a city in the clouds, an engineering marvel built on the mountain peak of the same name. A convenient port for airships and a watch tower able to survey the plains for miles around, Skyreach serves as both a trade hub, guard post, and vacation destination for dwarves that have spent their entire lives under the surface.

Known For:

• Ironwind Airship Docks
• Skyglass Foundry
• Starfall Observatory

Mistwood

Mistwood is the epicenter for the Forest Folk on the west side of the empire. Although each of the woodland kingdoms is distinct, Mistwood serves as the nexus for commerce, culture, and defense. The woodland city combines the elegance of the elves, the comfort and homeliness of the halflings, and the ingenuity of the gnomes into a cozy town; warm to its citizens while merely tolerant of outsiders.

Known For:

• Livingwood bows
• The Mycelium Warren
• Sweetroot Mead

Cingard

Built to solidify the alliances between the Imperial kingdoms, the Eternal City is a melting pot of all the kingdoms and races that comprise the empire. Located on Tower Isle in the Central Sea, Cingard serves as the primary trade hub in the empire and is considered impervious to siege. Any need or want can be met in one of the eight districts of the great city.

Known For:

• The Hall of Crowns
• The Archives of Orrim
• The Skyway

Kallista

The threshold between the terrestrial and aquatic worlds, Kallista is a city both above and below the waves of the North Sea. Governed by the Thyrian League (union of aquatic races), Kallista is the primary point of trade with the land-bound races. Designed to inspire awe in it's guests, the Gateway to the Deep is the height of Triton architecture and opulence.

Known For:

• The Gilded Galleon
• The Amphorion
• The Deep Forge

Riven

Where the forest meets the sea, Riven is the conflux of wood and sea elves. Built among the cliffs on the edge of the northern sea, the graceful limestone spires of Riven stretches out of the aboreal reaches of Caelrythen and overlook the North Sea. The coastal city is the epicenter of trade and counsel between the elvish races.

Known For:

• The Mirrorfalls
• Silverwood instruments and Coralglass
• Moonleaf wine

Bastion

The working counterpart to the crown jewel city of Cingard, Bastion is a primarily human city established on the floodplains where the Lower Argan River meets the Central Sea. Bastion is a city of sweat and steel, of adventurers, smugglers, and dreamers trying to carve out a living in the shadow of the empire

Known For:

• The Arcanum Bridge and Candlemark Lane; connections to Dresden Academy
• Blademark's Hall
• Seaforge Shipyards

Blackstone

The site of the Blackstone Accord and the first capitol of the Dûrmund Empire, Blackstone is the most truly dwarven city in the empire. Steeped in tradition and history, the ancient dwarven fortress is still viewed as the true capitol by dwarven purists and any true dwarf still makes the trip to Blackstone for binding oaths and ceremonies. While all imperial citizens are welcome, non-dwarven visitors may find their welcome a bit cold.

Known For:

• Balin's Hammer
• The Vault of Names
• The Stone Table

Thyrae

The Sacred Heart of the Sea, Thyrae is the seat of the Thyrian League and the religious center of the North Sea. Home of the Temple of Thalorion, the patron god of the Tritons, Thyrae thrives on the stream of pilgrims seeking guidance and blessings at one of the countless temples in the city's religious district.

Known For:

• The Temple of Thalorion
• The Luminous Archives
• Halo of the Deeps

Aletheia

Many fathoms beneath the surface of the North Sea, the labratories and workshop's of Aletheia hum along an aether rift. With buildings built over and in the rift, the scholars of Aletheia walk the fine line between innovation and insanity with the potential destruction of the city a looming consequence for any mistake. Intrepid scholars are rewarded for their journey with unparalleled wonders.

Known for:

• The Void Well
• The Coral Crucible
• The experiments of the Alchemy Grottos

Salt Flats

An expanse of perpetually flat and barren wasteland extending east from the Central Sea. During heavy rains, the flats are covered with a thin layer of water creating a mirror effect. The empire prizes the flats for their salt but a journey across the desolate can take days and is extremely treacherous.

Known for:

• Empire salt mines
• Monster hunting
• Airship test ground

Dragon's Deep

Built during the Great Dragon War, Dragon's Deep is an impregnable fortress deep in the mountain designed to "withstand a thousand dragons for a thousand years." Visitor's are only allowed in Dragon's Deep with a writ of passage from a clan leader. While dwarven clans may disagree to the point of open hostilities, they are united in keeping Dragon's Deep as a last stand fortress maintained by all.

Known for:

• The Hall of a Thousand Scales
• The Aegis Vault
• Drakeshield Hall

Bryntal

The city of bridges. Bryntal is a precarious city clinging to the cliffs on either side of the Othryn River. Connected by bridges and great stone karsts jutting up from the rushing waters, Bryntal is a favorite stop for sailors fresh from the North Sea as well as those looking to liberate the sailors from their hard-earned wages. The city lives by the motto, "One misstep and river claims you, one misdeal and someone else will."

Known For:

• The Rookery
• Pearl and mussel diving
• The House of the Black Current

Dresden University

Originally founded as a school of magic, Dresden was later converted to an adventuring academy to meet the growing need for adventuring parties throughout the empire. Focused on producing competent parties for the Blademarks and other guilds, Dresden accepts only the most qualified (or most well-connected) of students. Dresden was founded earlier than it's counterpart, Thornwycke, a fact that the Dresden Drakes flaunt tirelessly.

Known For:

• Nine Winds Pavilion
• The Mindspire
• The Undercroft

Brightvault

Brightvault is the counterpoint to Dwarven austerity. The home of the rich Goldbrand-owned gold mines is known for its wealthy citizens and its decadence. No food is too exotic, no request too outlandish, no desire out of reach in Brightvault. Built on the backs of the gold mines and gem deposits in the nearby hills, Brightvault seemingly has an endless supply of wealth and foots the bill for many of Dûrmund's more expensive ventures.

Known For:

• The Gildspire
• The Golden Promenade
• The Crownvault