The Mines of Avalosh
Dragon-Era Ruin, Slaver Fortress
Overview
- Type: Ancient Mine & Fortress
- Region: Interior Osweg
- Current Control: Baron Drax
- Primary Resource: Dragonglass
- Former Purpose: Dragon Empire extraction site
The Mines of Avalosh are a wound in the land—first carved by dragons, later widened by men who learned only how to take.
What was once a marvel of ancient engineering now serves as a machine of bondage.
Description
Avalosh is dominated by a massive open pit, hundreds of feet wide, descending in terraced ramps to a briny, lightless pool at its base. Stone walls bear sigils and channels worn smooth by centuries of elemental use.
Above the pit rises a six-story tower, built atop older foundations whose stonework predates recorded history. The tower functions as barracks, armory, command post, and mooring point.
At its peak, until recently, was docked a dragon-era skyship.
The Ruins Beneath
The mine was originally constructed by the Great Dragon Empire, thousands of years ago. The dragons harvested crystalline substances from the earth, using techniques lost to time.
Much of the original infrastructure remains:
- Power conduits etched into stone
- Rune-scored load platforms
- Stabilization glyphs partially reactivated by accident
The true extent of the ruin remains unexplored.
Dragonglass Extraction
Dragonglass is mined using crude sandstone tools to avoid detonation. Fire and spellcasting are strictly forbidden near the crystal.
Despite precautions, accidents are frequent.
The mines operate continuously.
Casualties are expected.
Slavery & Control
Under Baron Drax, the mines function as a forced labor camp.
- Over a thousand enslaved workers at peak operation
- Guarded by approximately one hundred gnoll enforcers
- Overseen through terror rather than logistics
Escape is rare.
Survival is not expected.
The Tower
The tower served as:
- Administrative center
- Prison
- Airship docking platform
Its upper levels contain remnants of dragon-era machinery—some reactivated, others dangerously unstable.
Recent Events
- Slave uprising aided by outsiders
- Disruption of dragonglass operations
- Theft and restoration of a dragon-era skyship
- Direct loss of prestige for Baron Drax
The mines remain operational—but exposed.
Themes
The Mines of Avalosh represent:
- Ancient wonder corrupted by greed
- Power divorced from responsibility
- Progress weaponized against the helpless