The Mines of Karak Dum

> *"The end of the Dwelmir, and the loss of two kings. A tragedy that marked the beginning of many."*
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## Historical Background

Located in the north-western corner of the Taarun continent, these mines were once connected to a vast system of tunnels and cave structures that linked them to dwarven strongholds in the north, that have since then fallen to the everlasting cold of the Pale, and the horrors released from the Necrisath. These fortresses, along with the lands that surrounded them, were inherently owned by the Dwelmir - a clan of rough, angry dwarves that had no apparent reason to meddle with any of the other races. They had sailed to Taarun from the Golden Wastes, and made a home in the strange and unforgiving land by digging underground. Over time, their hold over the northern sections grew until they bordered other nations in the area - skirmishes and violent encounters were common, but none of them erupted into full-on war. At the time when the Necrisath was opened, the Dwelmir civilization was at its peak. Having nothing to do with the opening of the cursed book, the Dwarves only became more irritable of the mortal races after their lands turned cold and a bitter frost swept over it like wildfire. The bustling trade routes were frozen solid, and the dwarves were forced underground and inside their mighty structures, in hopes that it would end in the near future.

The Pale's harsh environment carried on for many months, and the conditions worsened without ever hinting of a resolve. Not only that, but the frequented monster attacks on small garrisons and forts left the Dwelmir blind. As outposts fell on the outskirts of the civilization, the people began to worry for their own safety within. A cry for help was heard by Borean Reighlanburrow, and with a small force of elite soldiers, entered the Dwelmir's lands through the mines. The resistance of the dwarves and men was fierce, but it was clear that the effort was futile - the Dwelmir's leader, Oxfol Ironheart, refused to falter. And whether it be by pride or by honor, neither did Borean. It was only when fortresses nearby succumbed to the monsters did the two devise an escape plan. A dwarven migration.

When the plan was to be put into action, the dwarven people originally had refused to leave their homes. Even with the gaining pressure from the horrors that surrounded the area, the stubbornness of dwarves refused to budge. Like an unstoppable force versus an immovable object, the migration was held at a standstill for many months; and during this time, people starved and sickness spread. Sapping the strength and the hope from the people, the conditions continued to worsen as the enemy drew closer. It was only when the first attacks began, did the people finally give in. They began their escape through the tunnels, and out the Mines of Karak Dum to the south. With the prey attempting to flee, the horrors of the Necrisath sieged the mighty gates, and eventually entered the fortress with great haste, by means of which have been lost in history. Oxfol Ironheart fought valiantly, but eventually succumbed to the enemy forces. It was Borean Reighlanburrow who saved the dwarves that day - with a final order, the soldiers of Reighlanburrow sealed off the tunnel exit - saving the dwarven people, but sacrificing themselves in the process. With this final gesture the people were saved - but at the harrowing cost of two kings, and the end of a civilization.