Svartalfheim, the Iron Mountains

"Alright you twiggy wee legged, limp dicked, puke skinned, pig faced bastard! Come here and kiss the blade of my axe before I weave a pre'tty wee basket from ye arse hairs!"

-A dwarven miner screaming at a stray goblin.

Overview
Svartalfheim, or rather simply known in the common tongue as the Iron Mountains is home to the dwarves situated to the north of Magnus Terra. A cold and mountainous landscape filled with dangers such as giants, dragons, rocs, trolls etc. But beneath the untamed wildlands lie the gold-gilded strongholds of the Mountain Folk. Once there were highways of tunnels leading from stronghold to stronghold, which numbered in the dozens. But since the Dirge of the Mountain Folk and War on the Mountains, the dwarves have become untrusting to outsiders and have closed off their mountains via the Masterforge Gate.

Economy and Resources
The Iron Mountains are rich in natural resources above and below ground. Gems, gold, silver and iron are plentiful in the mines. Magnificent pelts and ironwood are abundant above ground where the hill dwarves set up their small villages. While having all this wealth and resources is great for the dwarves, it also makes them a target for every other nation of Orbis, as well as dragons. The dwarves are paranoid about this and rightfully so, they horde all their riches in vaults and hidden caverns. However, some are allowed to silicate trade between the dwarves and other groups, but this can only be done by those the dwarves consider friends or trusted.

Culture and Climate
Dwarves are held together by their strong traditions and dedication to perfect their craft. Their traditions are old and often tedious or strange to outsiders. They can be how conflicts are settled right down to how one can braid their beard. This makes them stubborn and unflinching in diplomatic relations and personal ones. The cold air topside has also made the hill dwarves just as stubborn and hardy as their mountain kin.

Politics and Government
Simply put, the Iron Mountains are shut-ins. They have for the most part distanced themselves from the other nations of the world, so much so that they will often fire warning crossbows or arbalests at diplomats that come within half a mile of the Masterforge Gate. Internally they are ruled by a clan system. The clans have full control over themselves and dictate the rules, laws and traditions of those that are apart of their clan and choose to live in their stronghold. So often those allowed into the Iron Mountains have to learn and understand a new set of laws when they travel to a new stronghold. However, all the clans are united under one High King that is chosen not by birthrights or any of that mortal faf, but by accomplishing something great and grand in scale, proving their leadership and skill.