Umbraforge
Location
Umbraforge is a settlement (not a town as such) located in one of the many stable pocket dimensions of the Shadowfell. It is impossible to accurately place Umbraforge relative to any other stable pocket but travellers to Umbraforge say that the distance from Gloomwrought to Umbraforge is "less than 10,000 leagues" (45,000km). Of course distances in the Shadowfell mean very little and it is possible to cross from Umbraforge to Gloomwrought in seconds if the appropriate crossing point is established.
Population
Umbraforge has a highly variable population or merchants and mercenaries but rarely exceeds more a few thousand humanoids at any one time. The Shadowfell has only one truly indigenous people: The Shadar-Kai. However there are many other races that are born on (and hence are native to) the Shadowfell such as Gnolls, Goblins, Trolls, Svirfneblin and others. All forms of humanoids can be found in Umbraforge, looking for work.
Description
Defences
Inns and Taverns
There are no inns or taverns in Umbraforge. Everyone that visits there does so for a specific purpose and is expected to either set up camp or to not be there long enough to need to worry about such things.
Notable Places
Other than the active volcano, spewing hot lava and ash into the area, the largest single structure is Umbraforge Keep. Also of interest are:
- The Black Foundry
- The Merchant Camp
- The Arena
- The Slave Market
Notable People
Acknowledgements
The settlement of Umbraforge is directly lifted from the WotC published adventure "The Shadow Rift of Umbraforge" by Scott Fitzgerald Gay. Th illustrations are by Dall Allsop, Ryan Barger, Nicole Cardiff, Saejin Oh and Chris Stevens. The Map is by Mike Schley. Hence all the images are ©2008-2020 WotC.
The adventure itself is designed for 4e and is probably the least interesting part of the work from which this version of Umbraforge is derived as it basically ignores the wonder of the setting for a rather dull set of fights through the keep. I would not recommend it except for the glorious, evocative artwork.
