The “Dustdevil Canyon”

The Canyon is split into an upper and lower half by the river Ikaoils, which in the old language means “snake path”.
The hawk totem worshipping settlement “Stormreach” has lived here for a very long time. This area is known for its presence of the “Might of Wind”.

A highly evolved nation lived here during the time of the old Realms. The ruler of this nation was obsessed in further advancing the use the rune stones. With their abilities they used the ample available mystical power of the wind.

About 40 years ago a trading company for steel erected their outpost in the Dustdevil Canyon. At the beginning this outpost was only a small settlement to ensure room for the ore prospectors and mercenaries which protected the caravans.
Later they built defensive fortifications all around the settlement due to their encounters with “Storm Reach”. In succession to a glorious victory over the warriors of “Stormreach” and their banishment from this side of the Valley, their leader erected a real city wall in remembrance to this victory.

Using this basis they extended their Stronghold step by step. Since the company had to fight back barbarians, protect the streets and outposts in the Ystra-Highlands, they began to train excellent mercenaries.

Near the “Obsidian Stronghold” one can find a mine which was created by humans. At first the surface was rich with ore deposits, which lead later to the digging of the “Great Tunnel”, the “South-west Tunnel” and the southern “Slanting Tunnel”.
Rich ore deposits can still be found, although it may be difficult to get to since lizards and spiders have now made these tunnels their new home.