The western Dwarf realms of the Karaz Ankor, north of the Border Princes.[2a]
The Old Dwarf Pass,[1a] also known by its Tilean name of Via Nano ("Dwarf Road"),[2a] is a mountain pass located in northern Tilea, between the Vaults and the Apuccini Mountains which links Tilea to the north with the lands of the Border Princes.[1a]
History[]
Dwarf traders had come to Tilea along the mountain roads from the east for millennia. They were eager to discover what was left after the High Elves had officially left their colonies in the Old World. Dwarf adventurers had doubtless plundered the High Elf ruins even before the Tileans resettled them. Eventually the Dwarfs came again and found the cities inhabited once more, this time by Men.[2b]
There were plenty of things which the Tileans were willing to buy from the Dwarf traders in exchange for gems and exotic metals obtained from the High Elves: iron, copper, gold, silver and expertise in metalworking and building. It seems likely that the wily Tileans persuaded the Dwarfs to show them how to build imposing walls for their cities. In fact, it is a joke in Tilea that when Tileans combine Elven architecture with Dwarf masonry one gets a leaning tower![2b]
The Dwarfs were eager to obtain High Elf goods that were now out of reach for them following the end of all trade between the Dwarf realms and Ulthuan in the wake of the War of the Beard. Similarly, the High Elves were eager for the metals and gems of the Dawi, but the Dwarfs would not trade with them on account of the great grudge they held. For their part, the Tileans traded happily with both and grew rich in the process.[2b]
Notable Events[]
A map that shows the location of the Old Dwarf Pass and the different steps that led to the Battle of Matorea in 2276 IC.[1a]
- 2276 IC - A Bretonnian army crossed northern Tilea to gain access to the Old Dwarf Pass to lend its help to the Border Princes raided by the Tomb King Settra's Undead armies. Supported by a great number of mercenaries, Sir Cecil Gastonne and other exiled Bretonnian knights mustered their forces and marched on the Principality of Matorea to meet their enemies in a decisive battle.[1a]
Trivia[]
Nano, in this case, is an incorrect literal translation of the English term "Dwarf" in the faux Italian language of Tilea. The correct Italian term for Dwarf is "Nanica" as Dwarf could be translated into Italian as both Nano or Nanica.