"I am guarding those who had earned Moradin’s wrath. Turned from him. Sealed for all time" - Gatekeeper Elemental of the Citadel
| Type | City |
|---|---|
| Government | Monarchy till the Holy War, unknown after |
| Location | Under the Northern Snowy Mountains |
| Inhabiting Race | Dwarves |
The Citadel of Huldus was a dwarven citadel and complex of buildings built inside of a large cavern under the Northern Snowy Mountains. Access into the citadel was closely guarded at a number of entrances in the upper foothills that spread out to the East from the mountains
About[edit | edit source]
Guards[edit | edit source]
The many entrances to the Citadel were guarded by various creatures. At the main entrance, nested deep in the mountains, a massive 25 foot tall stone statue of a dwarf stood sentinel.
The main entrance (a large stone arch doorway) and possibly others, were also guarded by ancient earth elementals who had been tasked with keeping the entrances closed for good.
Waystations[edit | edit source]
Most trade that was conducted with the citadel was done at way stations just outside these entrances. Merchants would bring their wares to sell and be able to peruse what the citadel craftsmen had to offer in barter. While these way stations were in use every day, large trade events were conducted on the last day of the week that saw the arrival of caravans from both the citadel and merchants around Isonhound. This was often the best day for a patron who sought to hire a skilled dwarven craftsman to have the best chance of hiring someone. It was common for dwarves from the citadel to make their way to way stations on this day to demonstrate their skill and display their wares.
Oftentimes items were a known need of the citadel and a trustworthy merchant would be engaged in negotiation to provide these goods to the citadel. These merchants were normally permitted access under the mountain and into the citadel to deliver what they were contracted for. The terms of the trade with these merchants was considered highly secretive and therefore only conducted by the king's exchequer in a closed forum. A merchant in good standing would not risk this lucrative deal so it was rare that anyone would learn the details.
Celebrations[edit | edit source]
During days of celebration artisans and performers from around the realm would be invited to come perform for the dwarven people inside the citadel courts. This was a rare event and considered a high honor to anyone who received the invitation. Stories abound of players and bards who regaled in the beauty of the citadel. So much so that many of them were probably false. What better way to boost your appeal than to claim to have been an invited performer?
History[edit | edit source]
The End of the Holy War[edit | edit source]
At the height of the Holy War against the dragons, troops spilled forth from the mountain in response to Moradin’s call. His paladins and clerics formed ranks as all manner of people filled in behind to provide support. From carpenters to cooks, blacksmiths to enchanters, dwarves came out of the mountain to help. But what happened shortly after, little is known and even less is shared.
It seems that the citadel shut itself away after the last of the crusaders left. The way stations outside the entrances were left abandoned. Anyone brave enough to venture in to the gates was bet with closed and barred doors. No response to any request for an audience was ever given.
As best as can be determined, this was the same result when the survivors of the Holy War returned home to the mountain. They apparently could not get back in. With no way to return home those that did not choose other places to call home set out to the east and settled in a town that would be known as Gammelgard.
Recovered Ledger [edit | edit source]
…Stanich arrived for duty and told us that the King had finally honored the request of the faithful. They will be leaving tomorrow in force to heed Moradin’s call and fight the forces of the Dragon Queen. It saddens me that I will not be down below for the festivities…..
…Grinwell and his cohort did not report for duty as expected. I have sent Stanich and Dunath to find out where they are and when they will be arriving. I will remain with Ferrin to hold the lookout position….
… Stanich returned in a panic. He said he and Dunath returned to the outer reaches of the Citadel and were set upon by some manner of creature they had never seen before. In the distance, from the Citadel, they could see these same dark creatures pouring over all the buildings. Unnatural snarls and howls arose in the grand cavern along side the battle cries and screams of our people. Dunath pushed Stanich to return to us and was overtaken by the creatures. He did as was told and was pursued by the snarling creatures but managed to loose them in the maze of tunnels leading to our lookout position. When he arrived we waited as long as possible to see if Dunath or anyone else would arrive. I made the decision to sap the tunnel when we heard the sounds of the creatures coming towards us. Gods help us.
…It has been 2 weeks. No one has come. Stanich went mad from what he saw in the Citadel. He became all but unmanageable. Last night he threw himself from the lookout post without so much as a warning. Ferrin and I have little in the way of supplies left. The crates and barrels may continue to keep the fires going for a day or two more but at what value? Our bellies will still be empty. We have decided to snuff the fires, allow the cold in and let the end come. That is a far better ending than succumbing to the madness as Stanich did. May Moradin forgive us whatever sins we may have committed and see the people of the Citadel to peace. I can only hope the best for my family…
