Sundabar Sundabar is a defensible , dwarven - built fortress that became a refuge for Prince Simberuel Astalmé of Ascalhorn and his collected survivors . As the years rolled on , the human s grew in number until emerging as the dominant race of a bastion city against the dangers of the North . Geography . Sundabar was located in Sundabar Vale on the western side of Silverymoon Pass , with the Nether Mountains making up the southern border of the valley . The Rauvin Mountains and Citadel Felbarr were upriver on the River Redrun . The nearest towns were Rauvincross downriver , Baraskur to the east , and Auvandell in the western Nether Mountains . Sundabar was directly connected to Citadel Adbar by the Dead Orc Pass , but only the most daring ( or foolish ) of travelers took that route . Beneath Sundabar was a volcano rift known as the Everfire . . Structure . The surface portion of the city was surrounded by two ring walls separated a moat ( called Tarnar ' s Moat ) , with four gates and bridges into the city : Swordsgate in the north , Eastgate in the northeast , Turnstone Gate in the southeast , and Rivergate in the west . Sundabar was described as " harsh [ and ] treeless . " The city itself was very fortresslike . The streets were cobbled and most buildings were made of stone and were three stories tall . The only greenery to be found in the city was the occasional windowbox garden of herbs . Connected to the surface by steep passage , the Undercity was home to most of the dwarven population . In the 13th century DR , the foundries and workshop closest to the Everfire rift were destroyed by a surge of fire and never repaired . History . Sundabar began life as Citadel Sundbarr , a dwarven citadel both aboveground and belowground built in the Everfire caverns around - 500 DR . The citadel survived the fall of Delzoun Empire by using the volcanic heat of the Everfire in its defense . Over the years , however , the surface fortress was weakened and plundered by orc s . In 882 DR , one of the High Captains of Ascalhorn , Prince Simberuel Astalmé , fled his city with a group of refugees to Sundabar Vale , pursued by vrock s . The refugees were saved at the last minute by the Forgemaster of Sundbarr . Astalmé gave his life to save the Forgemaster , and in return , the humans were allowed to settle in the abandoned surface portion of Citadel Sundbarr . In 1355 DR , Helm Dwarf - Friend became the sixth Ruling Master of Sundabar after the previous Master died defending the city from orcs . In 1369 DR , fiends from Hellgate Keep attacked Sundabar , burning much of the city before being forced out . Just four years later , in 1373 DR , Kaanyr Vhok attempted to take control of the city because of a rivalry he had with Helm Dwarf - Friend . He first used Aliisza to infiltrate Helm Dwarf - Friend ' s house , then allied with Zasian Menz and Banite priests . His plan ultimately failed . Government . The Ruling Master of the city served as the ultimate leader of the city . However , the Forgemaster served as the leader of the dwarven community and was an important adviser to the Ruling Master . Trade . The city was a trading hub for ore from Citadel Adbar and the dwarves of Fardrimm . It was also the source of magical weapons enchanted by the Everfire volcano . . Sundabar was connected to Everlund via the trail between Everlund and Sundabar . Sundabar was connected to Silverymoon via the road that ran through Silverymoon Pass . The road was well patrolled , but it was often impassable in winter due to avalanches . The Hawk ' s Nest watchtower at the top of the pass was manned by a dozen Knights in Silver and provided a place for travelers to rest in safety . The entire journey took between one and two tendays , with the distance making up nearly 150 miles . Defence . Helm Dwarf - Friend wisely taxed his people ( not unfairly ) and used the proceeds to shore up Sundabar ' s defenses against orc attacks , which occurred every two or three years . . Sundabar was defended primarily by a double wall , a moat ( said to be inhabited by man - eating eels ) , and mercenaries , including Helm Dwarf - Friend ' s Bloodaxe Mercenary Company . The Shieldsar were the city ' s primary defenders and numbered about 2 , 000 in 1372 DR . They were responsible for patrolling Sundabar Vale . The Stone Shields served as the city watch and were commanded by the Watchblade , which also had a network of spies . Culture . Every hundred years the labyrinth of death took place in Sundabar . Notable locations . Landmarks Temples Inns