Gloomhollow Deep

Deep below the forest lies the Weald's only city: Gloomhollow Deep. The settlement was originally a small gnome deep-village that fished for cave shrimp and panned for gold in the underground Darkwater Run. They traded what they caught with dwarves traveling the low roads, providing a convenient rest spot on their journey north towards the cities that would become the Phoebian League. In time the dwarven travelers camp became a permanent addition to the deep-village, with tents replaced with an increasing number of permanent structures.

As the population of dwarves increased increasing numbers of gnomes from the surrounding area moved into Gloomhollow Deep to enjoy the relative safety provided by the more militaristic deep dwarves. With the increased income that comes from a larger trading population, the dwarves constructed increased defenses, which in turn drew more underground settlers. Eventually, a dam was built across Darkwater Run with mighty waterwheels to power gnomish workshops and dwarven foundries.

A constant stream of dwarven caravans and gnomish packlizard trains arrive from outlying mines and fungus-farms to supply the city, leaving again with worked metals and other trade goods. A water-powered elevator moves goods to the surface, emerging in the small dwarven camp known only as Gloomhollow Rising.