Karak Hirn
Karak Hirn, the Hornhold is the most important Dwarf hold established in the Black Mountains, between Tilea and the southern borders of The Empire.[1a]
It is not a city on the scale of the ancient holds, but west of the Ancient Capital of Everpeak. These holds did not become important until the Dwarf race was in decline. They had rich deposits of precious metals and iron, but lacked the gems and rare metals that allowed a hold to grow wealthy. Due to their position in the Black Mountains, these holds are not connected to the Underway, and so must be approached overground.[1a]
Their importance stems from their proximity to the realms of Tilea and The Empire, allowing these holds to act as trading posts and markets for imported wares from the ancient holds in the Worlds Edge Mountains. [1a]
History
The hold was founded by the great-great-great-grandfather of Alrik Ranulfsson - Kurgaz, a dwarf known for his legendary strength and height. [4] He and his followers had been fleeing from the Great Quakes and camped in a valley when they heard a Dwarf war horn but investigating discovered it was actually the wind blowing through a cave network. [7]
King Alrik and an army from the Reikland defeat the horde of Grothak One-Eye at the Battle of Iron Crag. [3]
In 2510 IC it is ruled by King Alrik Ranulfsson of the Drazhkarak clan and Queen Winnifer Flaxenhair[1a] and has a population of about 15,000 adult dwarfs (above 15 years of age).[1b]
Events
Horn Hold
Karak Hirn is notable for the huge cavern which creates a natural wind effect that projects a terrifying blast of sound through the mountains. Dwarf workmanship has turned this into a gigantic musical instrument, and they use it as a warning of danger to both the Dwarf settlements of the Black Mountains and any invaders foolish enough to challenge the stubbornness of Dwarfs.[1a] Earlier, the concept for creating such an effect was tested in a smaller version at a site known as Karag Dronar, north east of the hold near Black Fire Pass. It was to form the basis of a communications system across the Dwarf realm but when the War of Vengeance had concluded, a Dragon Ogre arose from beneath and devastated the small community. [2]
Military
The king and his shield bearers wear functional and unadorned heavy golden armour known as Hrappi-klad which have also been inscribed with the Dwarf Rune of Shielding. [7]
Notable
- Borek Bettlebrow: Runelord who defeated two massive giants and married the kings daughter as a reward. [5]
- Olfast: King of the Hold. [5]
- Thorik, Master Engineer of the hold. [3]
- Valarik: King of the Hold during the War of Vengeance, much younger than his peers. [6]
Gallery
King Alrik
Battle of Iron Crag
Quotes
| It is a sign from Grungni. To show us how to laugh even in such times as these, and to show us a safe haven.
~ Kurgaz on finding the caves that had made the noise of a War Horn.[7] |
| The Dwarf realms | |
| Karaz-a-Karak - Karak Kadrin - Zhufbar - Karak Azar - Karak Azgal - Karak Azul- Karak Hirn - Karak Angazbar - Karak Gantuk - Karak Izor - Karak Norn - Karak Ziflin - Karak Eight Peaks - Barak Varr - Karak Zorn - Karak Eksfilaz - Karak Kaferkammaz - Karak Grom - Karak Azgaraz - Karak Angkul | |
| Norse Dwarf holds | Kraka Dorden - Kraka Drak - Kraka Ornsmotek - Kraka Ravnsvake |
| Lost holds | Kadar-Gravning - Karag Dron - Karak Azorn - Karaz Bryn - Kazad Thrund - Karak Drazh - Karak Dum - Karak Khazarak - Karak Krum - Karak Ungor - Karak Varn - Karak Vlag - Karak Vrag - Karak Zanda - Ekrund - Mount Silverspear - Karaz Ghumzul |
Sources
- 1: Dwarfs: Stone and Steel by Hogshead Publishing
- 2: Black Fire Pass (book): Chapter Four: Harrower of Thanes, pg. 24-25
- 3: Warhammer Rulebook (6th Edition): The Battle of Iron Crag, pg. 56
- 4: Warhammer Rulebook (6th Edition) Dwarf King Alrik Runulfsson of Karak Hirn, pg. 52-53
- 5: Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs (8th Edition): Ancestral Heirlooms, pg. 58
- 6: The Great Betrayal (Novel) by Nick Kyme: Chapter Thirty: A Hurled Spear, pg. 363
- 7: White Dwarf 255 (UK), Dwarf King Alrik Ranulfsson of Karak Hirn, pg. 84-85
