96 rooms · levels 2–21
The inside of the inn is very clean and organized. Soft light from wall mounted lanterns gives a glow to the highly polished wood of the furnishings. A long bar takes up most of the western wall and several tables with sturdy benches have been set up throughout the room. To the east, a receptionist sits at a small desk to sign in those needing a room.
A low murmuring punctuated by occasional laughter and the clink of dishes or mugs can be heard from the long, low building to the south. A sign above the doorway has been imbedded with two linked metallic circles and proclaims this to be the 'Inn of the Silver Rings'. To the north is a smaller place with a sign that reads 'The Post Office', with 'Old' scrawled in above it.
The stretch of road here runs between the inn to the west and the temple to the east. Dwarves, and occasionally someone of a lesser race, can be seen strolling around. From somewhere to the southwest comes the sound of muffled grunts and shouted instructions, no doubt that warriors in training are having a bit of fun.
Sunderstone's only temple lies just to the north. Its walls of marble, inlaid with gold, highlight the more beautiful aspects of dwarven architecture. Although not an overly pious race, they highly respect their gods and those in service to the gods.
Two streets intersect here, with one leading west and the other to the south. A myriad of sounds can be heard from all directions, from the laughter of children to the clang and curses of sparring warriors.
Here, at the eastern part of town and just within the fortress wall, there are no buildings. A small stand of trees has escaped being cleared and a path eastward leads into them. A low fence to the west blocks the way into a rocky clearing where warriors can be seen training under the curses and instructions from their teacher.
Two streets intersect here, with one leading west and the other to the north. A myriad of sounds can be heard from all directions, from the laughter of children to the clang and curses of sparring warriors.
The roadway of cut stone runs east and west here. To the north is the entrance into a fenced clearing where young warriors seem to be trying to brain each other while competing to come up with the most colorful curses. South of here, a field slopes downward to meet the fortress wall that surrounds the town.
The smell and heat from a small forge is noticeable near the doorway of the stone building to the south. Sounds of hammer and anvil mix with those of warriors and their practice weapons coming from the northeast.
This road is paved with snugly fit sections of cut stone and runs west past an intersection and east past a stone building. Shallow channels have been cut into the road to direct rain water into drains, probably to keep the ground underneath the paving from turning to mud.
A smaller road intersects the main north-south boulevard here. Sturdy low buildings can be seen to the east and west. To the north is a gated wall that seems to be built up against a steep hillside. To the south, the road slopes gently downward past another intersection towards an open field and the main gates of the fortress.
This wide road paved with cut stone slopes gently upward to the north, toward an intersection and further to a gated wall at the base of a steep hillside. To the south is another intersection before the road ends at a wide field that is just inside the main gates.
A smaller road intersects the main north-south boulevard and stretches both east and west. Low buildings, crafted of a mixture of wood and stone, have been built among the gentle hills inside the fortress walls of Sunderstone. The town seems quite small from this vantage point, although looking northward it seems that the King's Way may pass through another gate and on into a steep hillside beyond.
The paved road runs east and west here. People, most of which are dwarves, can be seen strolling around town, either intent on some errand or just enjoying the relative peace. The squeals and laughter of children can be heard off in the distance.
Paved with cut and smoothed cut stone, this road leads west to the entrance of a long, red painted building and east towards the central part of town.
On the north side of the road stands the entrance to a long, low building. Its wooden walls have been painted bright red, except for the trim and shutters which are black. Raucous laughter can be heard from within. The road continues east and west.
Two streets converge here with one going east and the other going south. Dwarves, and occasionally someone of a lesser race, can be seen strolling around. To the north is an outer wall of a long building made of wood and painted red. Its entrance is to the east.
Nearly identical buildings made of smooth cut oak stand to each side of the road. In the window of each shop is a sign, the one to the east reads 'Gem Cutter' and the one to the west reads 'Jewelry Maker'.
Two streets converge here, with Brightaxe Road heading east and Crafter's Way going northward. A couple of shops can be seen in either direction.
This road is paved with snugly fit sections of cut stone and runs west to a corner and east past a couple buildings. Shallow channels have been cut into the road to direct rain water into drains, probably to keep the ground underneath the paving from turning to mud.
Shops line the road here in the western part of town. People of all races come to buy, or just to admire, equipment made by skilled dwarven craftsmen. A sign on the doorway to the north proclaims it to be 'Wilkila's Armor'.
Shops line the road here in the western part of town. People of all races come to buy, or just to admire, equipment made by skilled dwarven craftsmen. A sign on the doorway to the north proclaims it to be 'Halovar's Weapon Shop'.
A wide road made of large slabs of cut stone begins here and gently slopes upward to the north towards another gated wall and a steep hillside rising abruptly beyond it. Also in that direction are the buildings of the town of Sunderstone, set along smaller roads that intersect this one. South of here is a wide field that is bordered by the main fortress walls to the east, west, and south.
Here, just south of the town of Sunderstone, but still within the fortress walls, a wide open field has been left uncluttered with any permanent buildings. A variety of short grasses have been encouraged to grow, probably to ward off erosion during the rainy season. The field is now being used as an open air market, yet during a time for war it would make a great marshalling yard for the dwarven troops. Directly south, through the center of the field, are the main gates.
Here, just north of the main gates of Sunderstone and within the fortress walls, a wide open field has been left uncluttered with any permanent buildings. A variety of short grasses have been encouraged to grow, probably to ward off erosion during the rainy season. The field is now being used as an open air market, yet during a time for war it would make a great marshalling yard for the dwarven troops. Further north, the ground slopes gently upward toward the town.
Sturdy gates of steel wrapped oak stand open in this time of peace, but are so finely crafted and balanced that they could be slammed closed and barred in the blink of an eye.
The road ends abruptly at the towering south wall of the dwarven fortress town of Sunderstone. To the north, the gates are swung wide but are guarded closely. A small path runs eastward along the outside of the wall.
A stretch of open area between the fortress wall and the permanent buildings of the town within has been turned into a small open market. Dwarven crafters display their latest creations, neatly laid out on tables or inside booth-like tents.
A stretch of open area between the fortress wall and the permanent buildings of the town within has been turned into a small open market. Dwarven crafters display their latest creations, neatly laid out on tables or inside booth-like tents.
A stretch of open area between the fortress wall and the permanent buildings of the town within has been turned into a small open market. Dwarven crafters display their latest creations, neatly laid out on tables or inside booth-like tents.
A stretch of open area between the fortress wall and the permanent buildings of the town within has been turned into a small open market. Dwarven crafters display their latest creations, neatly laid out on tables or inside booth-like tents.
The stone paved boulevard comes to an end just north of here, at a gate set into a high stone wall. To the south it runs through the small fortress town, sloping gently downward toward a field set just inside the southern, or main, gates of Sunderstone.
The thick, iron bound, gates are flung wide during this time of peace. Standing within the gates, one could wonder why this wall has been built nearly right up against the steep hillside that seems to begin just a few yards to the north. Maybe the outside town can be abandoned easily and this is another defense for more of Sunderstone located within the hills themselves.
On this side of the gates, it is easy to see that the wall IS built right up to the hillside except in this one small area. In fact, it looks like the hill was purposely cut, leaving a sheer cliff with a notch cut into it for this path. If a few defenders were on the wall or above the cliffside with stones or missile weapons, a great number of invaders could be massacred right here. The town gates lie to the south and to the west is a pathway between wall and cliff.
This pathway has the feeling of walking inside a crevice. The fortress wall rises up on the south side and a sheer cliff borders the north side. It is cool and shadowy, and a bit stifling since there's very little breeze. Gates in the wall are to the east, and west of here is an opening into the hillside itself.
A small stand of trees has been allowed to flourish here just inside the eastern wall of the fortress. Berry bushes and seed laden thistles growing in the unshaded areas have enticed colorful birds to make this their nesting site. This place seems to have been designed for the comfort of someone who is more at home in the forest than inside walls.
A large open area has been set aside specifically for training in the weapons and tactics used by warriors. Thick tree trunks, used as pells, have been imbedded in the ground at various angles. Stone blocks, boulders, and gravel have been arranged to simulate rough or uneven terrain. Surrounding the yard is a low corral-like fence to keep tourists from just wandering through and maybe getting themselves hurt.
Unlike any of the other buildings in Sunderstone, this one is furnished haphazardly, cheaply, and without any time spent on craftsmanship. A row of barrels topped with planks serves as a bar. Tables and chairs have been cobbled together using crates, bricks, logs, whatever. The tavern main room extends to the east and a small door leads west.
This small apartment is dimly lit except for where one small candle sits on an expensively made desk. In one dark corner stands a rag dummy of humanoid shape and covered with tiny bells. A small bed near the wall has been neatly made and is being used to display various types of locking mechanisms.
The makeshift furniture has been moved around and set up near the walls, leaving the center of the room fairly empty. The floor is covered with wood shavings and sawdust, and from the smell of stale beer coming from it, should be swept up and replaced soon. Light and warmth come from a fireplace that was built several feet above floor level and is grated over.
Thick pillars of polished blue granite line a short walkway towards the low altar set near the northern end of the temple. The walls have been carved with the symbols and names of many of the dwarven gods. A small archway to the east leads to another part of the building set aside for paladins of the order.
This part of the temple is used by the holy warriors and their pupils. Large candles have been set in niches around the room, providing a lot of light. In one corner, a wide table has been laid out with a variety of tools and oils used in repairing armor.
A smooth topped table is still set out with dried-up ink wells, worn quills and a little stack of paper, for anyone who misses writing a letter and waiting a month for a dwarf to carry it through the mountains. A plaque on the wall honours the last carrier pigeon of Sunderstone.
A pit of red-hot coals has been built against the far back wall, where the air shimmers with heat. Near there is a tub of water and a sturdy bench supporting a heavy anvil. Off to the right sits a strange mechanism whose main feature is a stone wheel set on an axle.
Display cases and racks sporting weapons of all types have been set close to the ground for the comfort of the shorter races. Those over 5 foot tall are also welcome here, but they just have to stoop over if they want to examine the merchandise.
The metal and leather used to create the fine pieces of armor displayed here all shine from the light oils and polishes used to keep them spotless and supple. Most of the merchandise has been made to fit dwarves, but the proprietor seems to have all the tools and parts needed for tailoring to any size.
Several small, linen covered display tables have been set up just inside the entrance to this well-lit shop. Fine pieces of jewelry have been arranged on them and then each is covered with a lid of clear glass. In the back of the shop is a large work bench, complete with a small, stove-like forge and tiny cauldrons of melted metal.
A work table and stool are the only furnishings in this small building. On the table is a flat stone drilled with small holes where various size clamps have been mounted. Hammers and sharp chisel-like tools are laid out neatly to either side of the stone and an uncut ruby sits immobilized within the clamps. A small sign has been put up where it can be seen upon entering.
A single small table and wooden chair have been placed on the grass inside this tent. Scrolls and potion vials have been neatly laid out and, when possible, labels describing the use of each have been added. The exit is to the west.
The pathway between wall and cliff ends here and a doorway into the hillside leads north. If the cavern entrance was closed, this would be a dead end and possibly a trap for any 'would be' invaders.
Light from outside and from many wall mounted lanterns illuminates a large cavern. Beside the opening to the south stands what looks like a door made up of a stone slab fitted with steel plating and iron bars. A sturdy wooden stairway descends into a gaping hole in the otherwise smooth floor.
The wooden stairway winds around inside of a deep, circular pit. The air is cool and dry, laden with the scent of minerals and of burning lamp oil. Just above here is the cavern linked to the outside and eastward the stairs continue their descent into the depths.
The wooden stairway winds around inside of a deep, circular pit. The air is cool and dry, laden with the scent of minerals and of burning lamp oil. The stairs ascend to the west and also lead on down. A tunnel has been carved southward from this landing.
The stairs come to an end at the bottom of the pit. A door has been set into the northern wall and the only other exit is to climb up the circular shaft.
A huge cavern opens up to the north, east, and west. Walls, floor, and even the ceiling have been cut and crafted to reveal the strength and beauty of the stone. Ornate pillars of gold-veined marble contrast the darker hues of the native granite. A doorway has been set into the southern wall.
This seems to be the exact center of a huge cavern. The area is brightly lit by clean burning lanterns mounted along the walls and on the marble pillars. Dwarven voices echo softly throughout the hall.
A huge cavern opens up to the south, east, and west. Walls, floor, and even the ceiling have been cut and crafted to reveal the strength and beauty of the stone. Ornate pillars of gold-veined marble contrast the darker hues of the native granite. A wide doorway of polished gold has been set into the northern wall.
This is the southeast corner of a huge, pillared cavern. Echoes from heavy footsteps and dwarven voices occasionally break through the silence. The warm glow of many lanterns keeps any shadows at bay.
The eastern wall of this cavern is in the process of having a large mural carved into it. Graphite sketches are serving as a template for the stone carvers to follow.
This is the northeast corner of a huge, pillared cavern. Echoes from heavy footsteps and dwarven voices occasionally break through the silence. The warm glow of many lanterns keeps any shadows at bay.
This is the northwest corner of a huge, pillared cavern. Echoes from heavy footsteps and dwarven voices occasionally break through the silence. The warm glow of many lanterns keeps any shadows at bay.
The western wall of this cavern has been cut smooth and is cool to the touch. Some dark markings, possibly part of an unfinished sketch, have been drawn on the wall.
This is the southwest corner of a huge, pillared cavern. Echoes from heavy footsteps and dwarven voices occasionally break through the silence. The warm glow of many lanterns keeps any shadows at bay.
A large U shaped table crafted of rare wood is the centerpiece of this warm, lighted chamber. At the far point of the table sits a throne-like seat and to either side are five smaller seats, all facing inward. A wide golden door is set into the south wall and two plain doors lead east and west.
Brick fireboxes and ovens have been built up against one wall and in the back corner is a grill covered pit. Metal hoods above direct smoke and excess heat into shafts bored into the ceiling.
Plain, comfortable chairs surround a small circular table. A niche in the wall contains a tidy fireplace that warms the room with its gentle flames.
A large bed, covered with fluffy pillows and a soft down comforter, sits low to the ground. The air is dry and fresh, as if a cunning ventilation system connects the underground with the hills above.
This is a short narrow tunnel that links the winding stairway, built into a vertical shaft to the north, and a ladder which leads downward.
This seems to be the entrance to a mine tunnel currently under excavation. All around, the stone bears the marks of mining tools. The floor has been made passable, but is still rough. A ladder has been built here for climbing upward, the mine seems to continue on to the west.
Dust and small chips of stone have accumulated at the base of the walls of this tunnel. Although most of the rock is grey in color, veins of brown and bluish minerals seem to be what has been focused on in the operation. The mine continues to the west, and its exit is to the east.
The mine tunnel seems to follow the richest source of minerals. Most of the larger veins have been dug out, leaving only thin blue and brown lines in the stone and colorful dust on the floor.
The mine tunnel makes a turn here and to the north can be seen a large open area. East leads back a ways toward the more inhabited parts of Sunderstone.
The tunnel becomes much wider here where there must have been a large pocket of minerals. Sturdy timbers have been brought in to support and stabilize the ceiling and keep the mine safe for those who work down here. Narrower tunnels lead off to the north, south, and west.
This tunnel seems to be of more recent delving. While it has been cleared enough to move through, piles of stone chips are still to be cleared out.
The tunnel changes directions here as if the miners were searching for the most promising veins of corundum to follow. The gem-bearing mineral seems to have a darker and richer color here than in the older sections of the mine.
The mine tunnel leads deeper into the hills and winds purposely through the rock. Streaks of blue and brown can be seen imbedded within the strata layers of grey stone.
The roadway makes a corner here among the tree covered hills. To the west it meanders on into the forest and to the north it climbs a shallow grade to where it meets the fortress town of Sunderstone.
A refreshing breeze causes the trees to sway and flutter. From off in the distance can be heard the tinkling of a small brook and the throaty croak of an amorous bullfrog.
The road follows the easiest path between the hills and hollows, making for gentle, easy to walk, slopes. Both to the east and south, the way is shaded by tall trees.
Thick stands of birch and hickory trees cover the hills through which this road runs. The songs of crickets and cicadas create a background buzz that is not even noticed after awhile.
The tunnel changes directions here as if the miners were searching for the most promising veins of corundum to follow. The gem-bearing mineral seems to have a darker and richer color here than in the older sections of the mine.
The mine tunnel makes another sharp turn here. It seems to head straight west for a ways and toward the south it can be seen to corner again almost immediately.
A wide layer of crystallized minerals has been exposed here and current mining operations seem to be centered in this area. Large chunks of stone are freed from the walls and then carted away somewhere to be crushed and sifted for gemstones.
A wide layer of crystallized minerals has been exposed here and current mining operations seem to be centered in this area. Large chunks of stone are freed from the walls and then carted away somewhere to be crushed and sifted for gemstones.
This part of the mine is frequently used for moving stone laden carts. The floor has been smoothed and many wheel tracks mark the layer of dust that has accumulated there. The sounds of metal hitting stone can be heard from the north.
Many cart tracks can be seen here, leading from both north and south and turning into a large cavern to the west.
The tunnel corners here, heading north and east. The floor has been smoothed somewhat and some wheel tracks made by small carts can be seen in the dust.
The stone through which this east-west tunnel was delved seems to be stratified layers of sandstone and limestone. No mineral veins lie exposed, so they either have already been mined or didn't exist here in the first place.
This large open room just off the temple proper is plainly furnished, mostly with long tables, where unwanted items of clothing and equipment can be left for those with more simple needs. Along the back wall are some pegs and shelves, and above that is a large sign.
A long hallway leads to a string of doorways on either side. The wooden paneling and floor are highly polished. A small desk with a ledger sits off to one side and a neatly scripted sign has been mounted on the wall.
A wide layer of crystallized minerals has been exposed here and current mining operations seem to be centered in this area. Large chunks of stone are freed from the walls and then carted away somewhere to be crushed and sifted for gemstones.
A wide layer of crystallized minerals has been exposed here and current mining operations seem to be centered in this area. Large chunks of stone are freed from the walls and then carted away somewhere to be crushed and sifted for gemstones.
The purpose of the side passage in the mine becomes evident here in this large cavern where a fast moving underground spring has been tapped. Wide troughs are filled with the raw minerals and the water is directed through to wash away the dust and lighter stone, leaving only the heavier crystal to be further sorted.
Welcome to Sunderstone young dwarf!!! You have arrived into a room that is comfortable, yet boring since the only thing here is a sign. For those who are truly new to this realm, type 'read sign'. For you others, SCRAM!
This small path follows the wall for a few yards, then meanders southeast a bit to where it comes to a gate set into a low fence surrounding a corral-like area. Grunts and squeals can be heard from within and the aroma from there smells like, well, like poop.
Thick muck made up of massive amounts of mud mixed with feces and urine fills a large depression in the ground that takes up most of this corral. Piles of vegetables and troughs of cleaner water have been set out off to the side away from the pig wallow.