Myrknes
| Race | Population |
|---|---|
| Total | ~32000 |
| Dwarven | Majority |
| Human | Minority |
| Elven | Minority |
| Halfling | Minority |
| Dragonborn | Enclave |
Dominant culture: Martial
Patron deity: Thor
In the northern part of Estia lies Myrknes, the northermost major settlement on Estia accessible by road from Greystone. It is the largest majority-dwarven settlement in the League.
The town is surrounded by the Black Forest, a largely uncharted frontier that is a great source of timber and furs. Several mines, notably copper and some iron, are located in the mountain foothills.
The Black Forest is home to many beasts, making logging here a dangerous prospect. The most feared is a giant lynx denmother, who is said to stalk her prey silently before striking with deadly precision.
Landmarks
Myrknes has mostly single or two-story wooden houses that line the narrow streets. Most houses are painted red with a paint that is produced as a by-product of the nearby copper mines.
Greatbraid Fortress
The town is centered around a great dwarven fortress where the Greatbraid family rules as Jarls, and have done since long before the empire came and went. There is also an extensive underground network of tunnels, which is called the Burrows.
The Black Cauldron Taproom
Comfortable inn
Between the southern gate and the fortress at the center of town lies the Black Cauldron Taproom, where the dark beer flows and the beds are warm and soft. In the center of the common room a large octagonal bar surrounds a roaring stone fireplace above which an eternal stew is simmering in an eponymous cauldron suspended from the rafters in a chain. The stew contains whatever ingredients are in season, be it meats, greens, berries, or roots.
Signe Stormstriker
(dwarf, LN): The proprietor of the Cauldron.
Strongbrew Distillery
The firewater made here is exported in large casks branded with a bear-paw seal. This is family-owned business, although it employs almost a hundred hands to run the stills.
Steinar Strongbrew
(dwarf, LE): Owner of the distillery. He was already wealthy when he inherited the distillery from his mother. His sense of smell almost rivals that of a bloodhound - he is said to be able to identify where the wheat grew before it was distilled.
Stavechurch of the Stormlord
Traditionally built from Black Forest timber, this church is dedicated to Thor, the Stormlord.
Sunrock Shrine
This Pilgrim Knight shrine houses the Sunrock, a large geode of crystals that glow like the sun, and are always hot to the touch. Visiting the church and praying here while touching the crystals is a common pilgrimage.
Other locations
Frosthollow
A small village east of Myrknes with a population around 250.