Deepholme, the Undermountain Sanctuary

During the War of the Divide, the dwarves took refuge in the caverns under the mountains to protect themselves from the overwhelming grey dwarf clans. At first, the caves were filled with small tent camps, and after some time huts and lodges. However, when the war ended the dwarves chose to remain in the caves and tunnels, evolving them into small villages where an opening allowed. They began excavating the areas underneath the mountains, digging additional tunnels to connect caverns, while widening the existing cavities.

By this time the random clans of dwarves that were occupying the depths had been, for the most part, independent of each other. However, with the ever-growing population and the vastness of their expansion, they decided that a governing faction should be created. The Amberfist Clan stepped up to this task. Their family was the most familiar with these underground areas, and had been here since the very beginning. The response was overwhelming and soon enough the dwarves had begun to form a new power in the world.

After a few generations, where there used to be hollows connected by tunnels there were now wide-open, enormous areas that were populated. Houses were built into the rock wall and floor, along with houses and buildings being constructed throughout the sections. During the first Dark War, the dwarves decided to fortify their home under the earth. The closed off every entrance into the city but one, and collapsed every tunnel and cavern for nearly half a mile, creating a long and somewhat winding channel. By this time, due mainly to a disease passed down from generation to generation, the Amberfists had almost nearly been wiped out. Because of their lack of sovereignty within the society, they soon fell out of power. The throne was then to be taken up by the Hammerfoot Clan, where they have sat ever since.

Their first act, and the final one for Deepholme, was to build an immense stronghold on the face of the mountain, securing the only entrance into Deepholme. Several parapets and a few garrisons make sure that any enemy approaching can be seen, while a large bronze and iron door stands as a last effort defense. With help from the gnomes to the north the door, each of which stands 80 feet tall, 40 feet side, and weighs well over 20000 pounds, is capable of being closed via a serious of switches in under 30 minutes. The doors have only ever been closed three times: Once to test if they actually worked, once during the second Dark War, and more recently after the third invasion attempt by the dark elves.

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