From the depths, we rise; from the shadows, we defend.

— Emblematic Quote

Founding Date: Approximately 300 years ago

Purpose: Elite Protectors of Ironhearth’s Mines, Underworks, and the Great Forge

Emblem

The emblem of the Deepguard is a crossed pickaxe and hammer overlaid with a stylized mountain silhouette, encircled by a ring of dwarven runes representing protection, strength, and vigilance. At the center of the emblem is a glowing ember, symbolizing the heart of the Great Forge and the lifeblood of Ironhearth.

Overview

The Deepguard is an elite force of dwarves tasked with protecting Ironhearth’s subterranean networks, including its mines, forges, and underground halls. Known for their unyielding resolve and mastery of combat in confined spaces, the Deepguard are the first line of defense against threats from below, including frost trolls, chitinous underdark beasts, and Abyssal incursions.

In addition to combat, the Deepguard specializes in structural engineering, ensuring the safety of Ironhearth’s tunnels and fortifications. Their expertise extends to operating and maintaining the Great Forge, a sacred construct central to Ironhearth’s survival and prosperity.

History

The Deepguard was founded in response to a catastrophic collapse in Ironhearth’s mines that unleashed a horde of subterranean creatures upon the city. In the wake of the disaster, Ironhearth’s council established the Deepguard as a dedicated force to protect the underworks and prevent similar tragedies.

Over the centuries, the Deepguard has become a symbol of Ironhearth’s resilience and ingenuity. They have fought off countless threats, from invading frost trolls to Abyss-tainted horrors, and have been instrumental in expanding the city’s mining operations and securing valuable resources.

The Deepguard’s reputation is unmatched in Ironhearth, and their efforts have ensured the city remains a beacon of strength in the frozen tundra.

Notable Achievements

The Wyrm’s Fall: Defeated a magma wyrm that threatened to engulf Ironhearth’s lower halls, saving the Great Forge from destruction.

The Abyssal Seal: Successfully repelled an Abyssal incursion in the mines and sealed the rift, preventing further corruption from spreading into Ironhearth.

The Grand Expansion: Engineered the construction of Ironhearth’s deepest mining shafts, uncovering rich veins of ore and precious gems essential to the city’s prosperity.

Structure

Forgewarden: The leader of the Deepguard, responsible for overseeing operations and ensuring the safety of Ironhearth’s underworks. The current Forgewarden is Tharok Grimbellow, a seasoned warrior and master tactician.

Deep Captains: Officers who lead specialized squads and manage security operations in the most dangerous sections of the mines.

Core Deepguard: The main rank of the order, composed of skilled fighters, engineers, and miners.

Trainees: Recruits undergoing rigorous training to adapt to the unique challenges of underground combat and engineering.

Current Role

The Deepguard is responsible for safeguarding Ironhearth’s critical infrastructure, including its mines, tunnels, and the Great Forge. They patrol the underworks, respond to emergencies, and lead efforts to clear out hostile creatures or Abyssal corruption.

They also collaborate with the Forge Assembly to maintain and enhance Ironhearth’s fortifications and supply its warriors with top-tier equipment. Beyond their duties in Ironhearth, the Deepguard occasionally aids Frosthaven and other allies when underground threats spill into the surface world.

The underworld is our domain, its darkness our battlefield. We are the Deepguard, the shield of Ironhearth, and the keepers of its flame.

— Quote