Stronghold Hekhaten

Settlement Level 6

The stronghold is claimed to be one of the original birthing places of the Dwarfs, created when Ajal erupted the Shards of Ajal across the world roughly 7,000 years ago.

## Characteristics

**Cultural Crossroads** - This settlement is culturally diverse hosting many different cultures and experiences that cross trough the settlement. Researching or Gathering Information checks on cultures within the settlement gain a +2 status bonus.

## Layout

The settlement is separated into two major areas nicknamed the Trade District and Dwarven District.

The Trade District is open to outsiders and consists of a large open space that is filled with temporary structures with the exception being to shrines dedicated to various deities.

The Dwarven District is built around the Shard of Ajal that likes in the centre of the stronghold. The outer layer of the dwarven district is home to a garden, which is maintained by priests, here rituals and ceremonies are held by the Dwarfs such as festivals, celebrations, marriages and funerals. Beyond the garden are homes and workshops that are dug deep into the ground. Carved into the sandstone these buildings all face the Shard of Ajal which lays on top of a large podium. Bellow the homes and workshops are the mines the dwrves have, using them to dig out turquoise stone.

## Factions

### Dwarves of Hekhaten

The Dwarves of Hekhaten who claim the stronghold for themselves. Within the stronghold there several clans that make Hekhaten their home.

#### Clan Jinsin

One of the two 'elder' clans of the stronghold, both claiming to have existed since its inception. Explorers and pioneers they have set out to make Hekhaten the heart of the northern dwarven world. So far they have succeed with trade routes set out between much of the known northerly world reaching so far as the Stronghold Fengari and Stronghold Ajal's Foot.

#### Clan Malnor

One of the two 'elder' clans of the stronghold. An industrious clan responsible for the mining and trade of the Hekhaten's signature export turquoise stone. Taking pride in their work they value the act of hard work, artistry, and dedication. As such they have been known to have a disliking towards traders as they do not create but merely pawn off the work of greater men and women.

### Clan Rokiash

Warriors, and mercenaries this clan is known to have joined Hekhaten later on in its history. Long ago when the Elves waged war on the stronghold this clan emerged to help defend it, as reward for their bravery this clan was permitted to join the two existing clans as the third clan. Because of their bravery and prowess in battle the stronghold still stands today, something they do not let the other clans forget.

#### Clan Grahj

A new clan which emerged within the last 100 or so years that emerged in response to the rising fear of the Human Empire. Vehement isolationists they advocate to making Hekhaten free from all non-dwarves. The support for their cause is mixed, while they are extremists their is sympathy for their fear as it is one all the clans share.

## Religion

### Trade District

Within Hekhatan there is open worship for many and any deities in the trade district. Merchants, travellers and and pilgrims help establish permanent shrines within the settlement for deities that are said to help with trade, luck and ambition.

Some notable shrines are:

##### The Well

A shrine to the human God of Wishes. It is a particularly popular shrine for pilgrims from the Human Empire as it is said to be come of their oldest shrines.

##### Arena of Rajak

A shrine, that doubles of a fight arena for the goblin family Heineken, to the goblin deity Rajak, God of Fights, Sports and Victory.