Iron Spine Mountains

The Iron Spine Mountains, or Iron Spines are a narrow north-south mountain range west of Vindburg. It is predominately inhabited by dwarfs of the Iron Spine clans.

Geography

The recent (geologically speaking) mountain range is charaterized by a long zig-zagged ridge line of sharp peaks, with only a few high and treacherous passes. The highest peaks are snow-capped and there are some small glaciers in some of the upper valleys. The mountains descend to the Vindburg Plateau to the east and rolling grasslands to the west.

The western slopes see much of the rainfall. Dense pine forests occupy the lower slopes and there are alpine meadows. The eastern slopes are much drier, with barren rocks and scree with scrubby vegetation in the slopes with the only trees limited to the bottom of the valleys.

The western slopes are cultivated with ancient terracing with extensive networks off irrigation and water management systems. The eastern slopes are limited to rough grazing of hardy goats and mountain sheep.

There are three principle settlements within the mountains. The dwarven capital of ZZZZZ, and the two towns YYYY and XXXX to the north and south. Smaller clan holdings are scattered sparsely.

The high mountain passes are difficult to traverse even in summer and most east-west traffic occurs through the extensive dwarven tunnel network bored through the mountains. These tunnels are heavily fortified.

Politics

The Iron Spine dwarven clans rule the mountains. The clans elect a parliament of 27 (?) members who in turn elect a prime minister.

Historically, the parliament was controlled by one of two powerful clans (the AAAA and BBBB) with the lesser clans aligning with one of these. In recent decades a third consortium of lesser clans (predominately trader) have been agitating for more influence.

The ancient institution, the School of Mines holds considerable influence.

Ecomonics

The dwarves trade metals and precious gems from their extensive mine workings that burrow deep into the mountains, principally in exchange for food and textiles.