The Dwarven Mountains
The homeland of the dwarves in the Alterac region is a massive range of tall, rugged mountains to the north of the Gnomish Hills and to the east of the Black Forest. The mountains are treacherous, and there are few safe passages into the inhabited valleys and underground cities at the heart of the mountains.
About 50% of the dwarves who dwell in the mountains live in the ancestral halls of their clans, with the other 50% living in trade cities where the clans mingle (mostly) freely. The style of government differs from clan to clan, with elder councils, monarchies, and religious government the three most common forms. The trade cities are officially run by a council made up of various clan representatives, but behind the scenes, the traders' and artisans' guilds have a lot of influence.
Outposts I and II
These two military installations offer merchants and others traveling between Stonehome and the Gnomish Lands a warm place to rest for the night. They are manned by experienced guardsmen from Stonehome.
Stonehome
Stonehome is a large, bustling trade city three days travel from Crossroads in the Gnomish Hills. The city proper consists of a gigantic man-made cavern ringed by four balconies. These walls of the cave are dotted with the important businesses and public buildings of the city, and street-tunnels lead away from the city proper to residential areas.
The gates to the city (one of the only ways of arriving in dwarven lands) are well known for the twelve one-hundred-foot tall statues of dwarven heroes from centuries past which line the entrance hall.
Nestled above the city proper is a train station. A train runs from Stonehome to Gordarim Station each morning and from Gordarim Station to Stonehome each evening.
Gordarim Station
Gordarim Station is a central transportation hub. Trains run from Gordarim Station to several of the trade cities on a regular basis. As well, underground highways lead from Gordarim Station to many of the local clan halls. Some of the larger clan halls have installed tracks and hand-pumped trolleys to speed up the journey to Gordarim Station.
A small settlement accompanies the station, with an inn, tavern, and several small shops.
Ironbeard Hall
The ancestral hall of the Ironbeard Clan, a small, somewhat xenophobic clan known primarily for their skill as armorsmiths and weaponsmiths, and the characteristic streaks of gray that shoot through their beards and hair. The hall is run by a council of elders who operate out of the temple of Moradin at the far end of the hall.
Local cuisine consists primarily of slimy mushrooms in brown sauce, and a bitter ale brewed from the same mushrooms.
Battlehammer Hall
The ancestral hall of the Battlehammer Clan, a rather large clan known throughout the Dwarven Lands for its formidable military, and the fighting prowess of its warriors. It is governed jointly by a king and and an elder council. The generals and sub-generals of the arms of the Battlehammer military also hold much influence in Battlehammer Hall.