Delvheim

We in the Ambassadors Guild have the past months been travelling the lands of Isilendor, building bridges between the realms after the war. In our work to ensure peace, what we value most is a collective understanding – for where there is awareness, there is no fear of the unknown.

Enclosed are a few notes from our travels, which we hope might come in educational if you ever were to visit this realm.

Best Regards,

The Ambassadors Guild

Jorg and Daeceran

The Luna Lapis is Exclusive to Delvheim
In the Cave of the Moon, a peculiar gem was discovered; the Luna Lapis. It glowed like the moon and contained a completely unexpected form of magic. When tried in combat, the gem rejected all violence and it was hence discovered that it contained magic of peace, not evil. Today, it is the main source of light in the underground city and is embedded across Delvheim as a symbol of protection. However, as the cave is the only known source of this gem, it is always heavily guarded.
 

Illustration of the the Luna Lapis
Image © Inhabitat

The Founding of Delvheim

There are many reasons to push a civilization to discover new places. Better life, search of supplies, but in this case, we had a plague. Drought and plagues were what dwarves suffered and made them move around to the northern borders at the mountain range. But how could they live in such a harsh environment? Of course, it was their strong attitudes. But the caves they made back in 4885 helped more.

When you dig a hole in the ground, below the dirt you can find things that are not in common view – like stones. In this case, they started finding coal. As we know this helps light fireplaces, torches and keep a house warm. And with light we have a better sense of view. New materials started gleaming against the fire and they were nothing more than iron! It became easier to dig further. Iron can be made into a strong tool for mining and, therefore, go deep in a cave faster than with stone on stone.

After many years, in 4523, Delvheim had almost made a maze of the mines. They formed new machines and carts to withdraw the stone out of there and their reputation started growing. They used new decorations, advanced cooking and clothing, enhanced medicinal skills, used plants and herbs around the surface of the mountain and more. But soon something started coming out of the surface. Something that every population need; A leader. And a civil war begun.

Who would be the leader? The wisest or the strongest? Curiosity perhaps?
 

North Umbra Mine, one of the northern most mines where the first discoveries of coal were found by the early settlers
by merl1ncz

Some dwarves were left in the mines, still digging. One of them, Orvar, was in a team that found a new shiny metal; Gold! He ran back to the city with his fellow companions to show what they’d found. It was a beauty to the eyes. A soft kind of steel, which means they couldn't make tools or weapons. But it could be used for decoration or even better to exchange with other goods. For what he did, this dwarf, he was supported to lead their faction and named him Orvar Goldbrand. Goldsmithing became a new trade in the region and soon, a currency of gold coins was developed. They kept going further and further into the mountains, in hope to find new materials and who knows what else.

As mentioned before, there's always that one who will become expert on what he will find. Like Orvar, in that case we had Bjorn Chargestone. He was trying to find gems that would give power and last longer. Dwarves already found diamonds, emeralds and more, using them for decorations in both weapons and jewelry. And when he did find some, in his experiments, Bjorn also found that, based on the size of the crystal, clear crystals could be used to store a certain number of spells and attach them to objects to enchant them for longer periods of time

After a long time in the mountains, word reached about Delvheim. Elves came first in contact and they grew bonds to each other. They even traded techniques. Elves taught dwarves how to use magic and some of their secrets while dwarves taught elves blacksmithing. And if you combine those two different things you can imagine what you can get. Swords with flames, armor that could last against the heaviest hit and more.

Notable locations and monuments

One of the most breathtaking places in Delvheim is The Pinnacle. On the peak of the highest mountain, a small fortress that is mostly in ruins is used for the ruler to address his people. And the best thing is that if you are on the top you can see the borders of the other realms with a clear sky. But it's not the highest point. The Celestial Beacons are used for warning and celebration while the others are used even to direct tailors. The Beacon of Solis, The Beacon of Helios and The Beacon of Lemuria are the three of the most known.

Rivers are falling from mountains into lakes and stunning waterfalls. Cityscape is the big underground city. Your eyes will shine from gold, iron and Luna Lapis being in decorations. In south you can find graves, protected with runes, and on the central there are even secret passageways in case of emergency. West side is the Palace of Delvheim, with marble used to stand better, towers and high steps. Inside, the most interesting thing you can find, except the throne, is the gallery of the previous rulers. Paintings full of history remind the people of their roots.

Valley of Despair is far north, everything covered in obsidian. You will think it's a grim place to be and that's right. People can lose their mind there. Rumors speak for vampires and necromancers. If you are brave enough…

However, some people of Delvheim don’t like to live underground or in the mountains, so they choose a life in villages, hidden from valleys and trails.

A way to pass to south-east of the realm is The Iron Bridge. In your eyes you might think it's not safe but it's the safest passageway. It’s a well-made construction with the finest materials so you don't have to worry at all!

Painting of the Palace of Delvheim
by Eart CG

Overheard at The Tavern

Painting of The Tavern
Inn Of Heroes by Lee Woochul

The Skalvorm

In the Deepfury Mine earthquakes started. Dwarven miners begun to worry and some of them disappeared. Thus, they sent word to King Ogmund, but due of the important of the metals that they mine in this area he couldn't do anything. That was, until the situation began getting worse and even rumors of seeing a beast came out. The lower levels of Deepfury Mine closed, but not the rest. It kept working and for some time the rumors of this beast faded. But it didn't last for too long. They kept digging around and the beast could hear that. A creature like a worm with hard green scales, fifty feet in height with venom in his mouth with teeth like daggers appeared.

Guards came to aid the rest and they fought valiantly. One of them found an uncovered area from the beast's scales and gave a good hit with his weapon. The creature had a weakness, and in the end, it retreated. No one knew if it had died or was hiding somewhere.

The Skalvorm returned in 0003 New Era and was finally defeated by a courageous group of Delvheim warriors. Happy Zero, Kurt Apledean, Girona Givanio all fought heroically, but the true honor went to Lune Lucine who is from that day forward known as the Skalvorm Slayer for delivering the mortal blow.

Painting of a Delvic party fighting the Skalvorm
by Joel Pigou