Cinderholm

## **Origins**

Since the beginning of time kingdoms, empires, and civilizations rise and fall. Only once in a blue moon however, does an entire civilization vanish without a trace. As many may know, I’m talking about the once prosperous and ancient kingdom of Cinderholm. Built deep within the mountain itself the beauty of this fortress city was legend. The dwarfs who lived there were physically no different from any other dwarf besides the occasional red streak of hair. In spirit however, they stood out among their race being joyous in nature and zealots when it comes to their crafts. They also threw grand feasts in honor of their fire god and their accomplishments. The skill of the Cinder dwarfs was unequaled, fashioning objects of great beauty and power. Because of this, merchants and even kings from distant lands came to trade with the Cinder dwarfs others dared to thieve these treasures away. No thief or invader was ever able to lay a hand on such masterpieces as the vigor and defense of the Cinder dwarfs militia were no match for foreign invaders. Cinderholm prospered for centuries, but suddenly for reasons unknown they vanished leaving the Great Cinder Forge’s coals still hot, mines still lit, and tankards still filled to the brim with ale. Without the extreme heat from the Great Cinder Forge the dwarven city froze over and was buried deep under sheets of ice and snow. It’s Great Halls and Forge's coals never to be lit again.

### **A Grand Discovery**

Many centuries passed and a once proud, noble, and prosperous people became a legend parents would tell their children as bedtime stories. Despite many explorers giving up on finding Cinderholm, one explorer from a far-off land succeeded where many did not. The explorer's name was Rum, a half-dwarf that was told the stories of the ancient Cinder dwarves which were passed down from generations ago.

## **Arrival**

However, simply rediscovering Cinderholm was not enough for Rum. A few years later after rediscovering the lost city, Rum came back with several friends and began the restoration of a once-mighty home. Rum learned many aspects of the Cinder dwarf culture, metalworking techniques, and their fire god. Soon Rum and his followers relit the forge and dedicated their lives to serve their new fire god.

Word of the restoration quickly spread throughout the world and soon many dwarfs came pouring in to help restore Cinderholm to its former glory. With an influx of dwarfs arriving they needed a leader to spearhead the restoration. Without hesitation, the dwarves appointed Rum as their King. The restoration was finally complete and the Great Forge's coals were lit once again. In honor of the legacy of the Cinder dwarfs and the completion of the restoration of Cinderholm, a week-long feast was held with seemingly endless food and bottomless barrels of fine dwarven ale. Soon after, the ancient sound of hammers pounding molten metal echoed through the region, signaling the resurrection of the Cinder dwarfs and the birth of a new dwarven age.

Who knows what mighty deeds they will accomplish and what epic tales will come from the Great Halls of Cinderholm. Will their civilization be able to withstand the sands of time? Only time will tell their fate, but it is my duty and honor to document all that transpires for I am the Storyteller.