Overview

Prowlpeak Haven, often shortened simply to Prowl, is a temporary Dwarven mining settlement wedged high in the Prowlpeaks. Built above a rich network of iron and coal mines, the village is perpetually threatened by avalanches, blizzards, and rockslides. To withstand these dangers, all buildings are heavily reinforced, though residents often have to dig themselves and the streets out after disasters.

History

The founding of the village remains a mystery and a point of debate. Some argue that climate change and colder seasons brought heavier snowfalls, turning the slopes more dangerous after the settlement had already been built. Others believe the founders arrived in summer, when the mountains were calm and deceptively safe. A third theory suggests that the crags were once stabilized by trees whose roots held the rocks together, but when the wood was harvested to build the first homes, the slopes began to collapse with alarming regularity. Whatever the case, few dwarves call the village by its full name, and most divide the title between Prowl for the settlement above and Haven for the mines below, which are considered the only truly safe place in the region.

Culture

Village laws

Life in the village is governed by two strict laws, born out of the hazards of Prowlpeak. No one may climb higher than the settlement itself, as the mountain slopes above are too unstable to risk venturing upon. Just as important, silence is required whenever someone is above ground, since even small disturbances might be enough to send tons of snow and rock crashing down. The ban on speaking outside does not apply in the fortified tunnels below, though dwarves still discourage excessive noise underground.

Rotational life

There are no permanent residents in Prowlpeak Haven. Instead, young dwarves from the nearby city of Rhyl take turns living there for three months at a time. This rotation serves as both an initiation rite and a period of practical training. During their stay, they share equal responsibilities, whether it is mining, cooking, maintaining the streets, or keeping the dormitories in order. By the end of their shift, each dwarf has experienced all the tasks expected of a Prowler.

Guidance comes from senior dwarves known as Stonewardens, who arrive with each group of initiates. They do not lead as commanders, but rather as examples, working side by side with the others and intervening only in moments of true emergency. Their role is to demonstrate what is expected, not to shield the young dwarves from the hardships of Prowl.

Sign language

The silence required above ground has given rise to a unique, simplified form of sign language. Designed to be used even while wearing thick gloves and heavy clothing, it relies on large gestures of the hand, arm, or head rather than the fine movements of fingers. The system is simple enough that visitors can learn basic terms in a short time. The village tavern provides leaflets that teach essential words such as 'food', 'drink', and 'sleep', which is usually enough for travelers to get by.

The tavern itself offers little variety, serving only one dish each day and melted snow collected in old beer barrels. To most, this water tastes unremarkable, but dwarves can immediately detect the faint traces of beer and claim the flavor helps them endure long months without their favorite drink.