Hammer Hold
The Dwarven run "free town" of Hammer Hold is located at the borders of the Welcome Hills and the southernmost edge of the [[Hammer Peaks] (the mountain range which runs down the centre of Thorast).
Hammer Hold calls itself a "free town" because, as a registered cemetary, it actually pays no taxes to the Empire. It is hence self-governing, relying on local trade agreements to exist at all. Although no taxes are paid the lack of reliable trade means that prices here are no lower than anywhere else in the Empire.
Being a "free town" gives Hammer Hold one other problem: it can't call upon the Imperial Army for support, despite being within the "catchment" area of Fort Basilisk, one of the largest Imperial Army bases in the country. It therefore relies upon its own Town Watch and a number of mercenaries for civil defence.
Hammer Hold has a living population of just under 4,000 Humans, Dwarves and Orcs. This places it in the category of a "medium town" (and hence comparable in size to the towns of Brindol and Wayfarer's Rest). However, Hammer Hold's population is bolstered by the large number of undead which roam its streets after dark (just under a thousand).
The reason why Hammer Hold has such a large number of undead is to do with its foundation. Hammer Hold was once a Dwarven mausoleum, where wealthy dwarves were buried, along with their various riches. However, during the war with The General the mausoleum was plundered by a battalion of Orcs working under the command of Tarrak, a high-priest of Gruumsh. Tarrak was killed trying to take control of the mausoleum from its dwarven defenders and this immediately gave Hammer Hold the dubious distinction of being an important religious site for the Orcs.
Eventually the invaders were repelled but, as part of the peace settlement known as the Treaty of the Eight Thrones, it was conceeded that Hammer Hold be recognised as a religious sanctuary for both dwarves AND orcs.
This angered the spirits of the deceased whose tombs had been desecrated and so many now roam the streets, declaring vengence upon any who they see as traitors or enemies.
In the 45 years since the end of hostilities Hammer Hold has become a thriving Dwarven settlement but also a place where Orcs can trade freely.
There are several inns and taverns in Hammer Hold. The best known of these are:
- The Foundation Stone - although typically thought of as an "adventurer's bar" there is also regular entertainment here. This is tavern and so has no rooms to rent.
- The Black Cat - this is where non-dwarves and non-humans tend to congrigate. As such it is usually thought of a an "orc bar" although unleashed Tiefling can be found here also. This is a tavern and so has no rooms.
- The Coach and Pony - one of only a few inns in Hammer Hold. As such rooms are relatively pricey, costing 2 denari a night. However the 10 rooms are clean and comfortable with double-beds. A stable is available for 2 unari per horse per day.
- Rondal's Inn - a human-run inn of lower quality than the Coach and Pony. The inn's 18 rooms are basic and contain 2 bunks. Prices are about 1 denari a night.
Note: Hammer Hold is based directly on "Hammerfast" and so is ©2010-2018 WotC.
