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Blackflame was founded in -711 soon after the Sundering of Miredor when the Mablad Dwarves gained permission from the Pel to settle in the Yellow Mountains. Carving deep through open lava and dry water channels, they constructed a compact but comfortable complex situated about seven miles north of the Trenth Walk, a strategic pass through the mountains. They tapped rich veins of precious metals and opened a cleft to the pass to the south, enabling them to control the important trade route alog the Trenth Road. A gently rising 21' stairway leads to Blackflame's 28' high sable steel south-facing gates. Thse are guarded by two huge turrets but these grand doors are rarely opened (in general only for large trade goods). Instead the Dwarves use the four 4' sally ports in the gates. The doors guard a grand circular chamber surrounded by tree-shaped pillars. This entry hall and the adjoining guest rooms are all most visitors ever see of the city. A small group of designated Dwarf-friends are, however, allowed access to the Inner Town which is a marvel of Dwarven engineering. Huge lamps, wide corridors, spectacular bridges, and many clefts and shafts make the city seem a world apart. The jewel of the city is, however, the main Temple of Valkauna, the patron goddess of the Mablad Dwarves. The Yellow Mountains contain many volcanos that were active within the memory of the Elves and in the lowest levels of the complex which are given over to industrial processes the Dwarves make much use of natural lava pools and steam vents. The Dwarven word for steam, 'Mabul', is in indeed said to give the tribe its name. The current ruler of Blackflame is Fror V, son of Vafnir. His High Warden is Hain. |