Editing Dwarfs (Warhammer Fantasy) (section)

===Regions===
[[File:Worlds_Edge_Mountains_Map.jpg|thumb|right|The Worlds Edge Mountains]]
====Karaz Ankor====
The Eternal Realm, and the heart of the Dwarf empire, made up of the oldest Holds. Located in the [[Worlds Edge Mountains]].
* '''Karaz-a-Karak'''
Also called Everpeak, with the name roughly translating to "Pinnacle Of Mountains". The capital of the Dwarf race and home to both the high Kings and the primary shrine of Valaya. One thousand pillars are found in the main hall, each representing a Dwarf clan. Every decade a carver is sent to add more of their story to the column, with many tragically ending long before any of the others making it clear to every visitor who has been wiped out in the Dwarfs gigantic family.
When Elves and Dwarfs were still allies, Elf artisans covered the ceiling of the cavern in diamonds and sapphires forming the same constellations in the sky above, while on the ground the hall lit up by braziers covered in gigantic and identical rubies and the walls covered in reliefs showing the legends of the Dwarfs. The harmonics of the hall are such that even a whisper from the High King carries to every part of the hall. Despite being the largest, richest, and most populated Karak the bulk of Karaz-a-Karak is empty. Only the westernmmost halls are populated, the rest are either sealed or lie vacant. The armies of Karaz-a-Karak occasionally have to clear out any Skaven or Night Goblins that try to gain a foothold and reseal Vaults.

The capital Hold is one of the most well-defended places in the entire Warhammer world. The entire valley leading to the fortress is a giant deathtrap with hundreds, possibly thousands, of defenses and thanks to watch towers and far more mysterious methods of detection the Dwarfs know of any enemy approaching long before they come within sight of the mountains it lies in. The gates themselves are impenetrable, far beyond the capacity of the mightiest army of Elves ever seen to penetrate during the War Of Vengeance.

Karaz-a-Karak armies use gold and greens as colors generally, with blue as an alternative color alongside yellow although it is noted that Karaz-a-Karak has all colors in its armies as all Clans and Holds are tied to the capital of the Dwarf race.

* '''Zhufbar'''
Called the Torrent Gate, perhaps the most important Hold to the overall Warhammer setting. Considered a “twin” Hold to the ill-fated Karak Varn, as both are built into the sides of a chasm beneath a lake called the Black Water, with waterfalls from the lake flowing through water-wheels which power the city. As a result of the cheap power Zhufbar is the site of the capital of the Engineer’s Guild, and the most important shrine to Morgrim. Zhufbar and Karak Varn are both found where the Worlds Edge Mountains meet the Black Mountains, north of Karaz-a-Karak and south of Karak Kadrin. The Black Water region is very rich in Gromril and other precious metals, allowing the Dwarfs to produce and experiment at maximum capacity.
During the Age Of Woe, volcanic eruptions drained Black Water. Karak Varn was conquered by Skaven while Orcs smashed through the water wheels of Zhufbar and laid siege to the Hold. The Zhufbar Dwarfs fought hard and were slowly driven out over centuries until they finally made a stand in the chasm of the canyon but were defeated, with the survivors scattered and seeking aid. The only successful aid came from Alaric The Mad, a famous Runesmith who believed the stories that not only had humanity managed to evolve to a point of mattering, but believed that they had a leader who could destroy any evil. This hero was Sigmar. Alaric promised Sigmar twelve magical swords for Sigmar’s closest followers in exchange for helping liberate Zhufbar (of course Sigmar REALLY hates Orcs, so it was like being paid twice). Once Zhufbar was reclaimed, Alaric went to work and finished the fables blades after Sigmar had left the mortal world. Those swords are now a mark of office for the leaders of the provinces of the Empire, the Elector Counts. Zhufbar was able to be rebuilt quickly as the Black Water had refilled during the Orc occupation. To this day Zhufbar remains one of the friendliest Holds to mankind, from which most of their knowledge of science and technology has derived (its no surprise that Zhufbar is best described as “Dwarf Nuln”). Most Dwarf technology is developed and manufactured in Zhufbar, which boasts a massive fleet of Gyrocopters and Gyrobombers as well as many other technological marvels that no conservative Hold would tolerate the existence of. A group of Dragons managed to build a nest in one of the halls, which was sealed off and renamed “Khaz Drakk”, although in emergencies Dwarfs are sent through it with messages for the Empire that need to arrive ASAP. A human town now exists outside of the gates of Zhufbar which has benefitted both races immensely financially (in case it hasn’t been made clear enough, Zhufbar is basically steampunk Erebor). Its unclear if these humans answer to the Empire or Zhufbar for government.

Colors are mainly blue and white, though the novel Grudgebearer gives them blue and red while Total War: Warhammer gives them blue and yellow. Said blue is sometimes more of a cyan or turquoise than the rich blue used by other Dwarf factions. Though the popular portrayal of armies tends to be ice-covered in the snow the actual artwork of Zhufbar tends to portray it more at the base of the mountains, snowless with vegetation and a small nearby forest. Given its size however there's almost certainly multiple major gates and routes to other locales.

* '''Karak Kadrin'''
The Slayer Keep, among the strongest Dwarf Holds and the largest in its region (north of Karaz-a-karak and east of the Empire). Situated in a location to protect the Peak Pass trade routes which connect the Karaz Ankor with the Old World and the east. Karak Kadrin has never fallen, and sits along an often-attacked invasion route for monsters and eastern armies. Due to the central trade location and collected tribute for protection it provides, Karak Kadrin is fabulously wealthy and beyond even that importance is that it boasts the most important site for Grimnir worship which is where many Slayers choose to swear themselves, and are given free gear and lodging to help them on their way to complete their sacred Oaths. Not all Slayers leave to find death elsewhere, and Karak Kadrin boasts a very large army made up just of Slayers who protect the pass and seek a less immediate death (some may choose this if their sin was a dereliction of duty, or possibly if they aren’t brave enough to chase Daemons across the Chaos Wastes). Not all of Karak Kadrin’s soldiers and citizens are Slayers by any means, in addition to the Slayer forces Karak Kadrin has all the usual soldiery from Hammerers to Gyrocopters.
Karak Kadrin is ruled by the Drakebeard Clan. Five generations ago, King Baragor became the first (known) king to take the Slayer Oath, possibly because his daughter was killed by the dragon Skaladrak while traveling to marry the High King of the time. Baragor was caught between the religious need to find death as Grimnir intended and religious need to lead his people as Valaya intended, finding the solution as creating the major shrine of Grimnir and altering the Dwarf Slayer culture by enabling them to find their death in duty rather than setting out to find it. Ungrim Ironfist is the current Slayer King, five times great grandson of Baragor, each King in the line born to take the Oath but thus far unable to die in battle and free their own sons. In Storm Of Chaos the character Garagrim Ironfist was created as Ungrim’s son who swore the Slayer Oath while still a prince, then set out with an army off to fight the coming Chaos Hordes and die to free his father. Garagrim was crushed by a falling Giant which freed Ungrim from Slayerhood, but in shame Ungrom then swore himself back to the Slayer Oath for the loss of his son in a fantastically epic failure. Despite the entirety of Storm Of Chaos being retconned in 7e, Garagrim’s death was kept as canon (because grimderp) and now Ungrim is sonless and has disregarded his duty to stay alive, constantly leading Karak Kadrin’s armies far and wide and taking the battlefield personally against the armies of the Dwarfs. Karak Kadrin is doomed to be kingless in any continuity, and Dwarfs have no established mechanism of dealing with a succession crisis with no true successor (although to be fair we only know Garagrim was his only son and it isn’t stated that non-heir sons took the Oath, so for anyone looking to make their own canon an OC uncle/aunt, brother/sister, or daughter of Ungrim could take the throne).
The colors of Karak Kadrin are green and red, or any shades of red/orange/white.

* '''Karak Azul'''
Called Iron Peak due to the massive amount of iron in its mines, the largest in the Worlds Edge on top of an abundance in other metals. As a direct result Azul has among the best metalworkers the Dwarfs have and many Clans are directly descended from Grungni. This has enabled Azul to survive the constant onslaught of enemies, being the last southern Hold. The weaponsmiths and Runesmiths don't just make gear for their own; most Dwarf Holds receive their weaponry from Azul, through the Underway to any Dwarfs in need.
Karak Azul was attacked by greenskins some time ago; the family of Thane Kazador was enslaved as living trophies while the son was shaved and nailed to the throne. Thanks to the dedication of Kazador the only surviving Orc from the attack is the Warboss himself, Gorfang Rotgut, who squatted in Black Crag until he was killed and his head was delivered to Kazador.

Karak Azul, as you may have guessed, uses the color blue as well as gold. Their primary symbol is the face of a Dwarf smith.

* '''Karak Ungor'''
Originally the “Delving Hold”, now called “Red Eye Mountain”. During the golden age of the Dwarfs it was the richest Hold in terms of ore extraction found in the entirety of the Ankor. Mines that were depleted were not intentionally collapsed, resulting in massive networks of empty tunnels. It was ruled by the Durazgrund Clan. At the very start of the Time Of Woe the army and King Morek Stonehammer of Karak Ungor was still returning from the War Of Vengeance only to find that Karak Ungor had completely fallen, taken by the Red Eye Night Goblin tribe that had come from below when the earthquakes opened the existing tunnels to many, many others full of nasty foes. The walls and gates were built to be so externally impenetrable that their very own builders couldn’t breech them, and what had once been a triumphant army marching home became scattered groups of refugees to the soon to fall Zhufbar as well as Karaz-a-karak. Another attempt was made 500 years later by High King Skorri Morgrimson. The southern valley and corresponding gate were retaken, but the Dwarfs could not breach the Hold itself. The event is now known as the Battle Of A Thousand Woes. Skorri’s son died in the battle, and Skorri himself abdicated the throne to his cousin Rogni Stonehammer before taking the Slayer Oath and finding his doom not long after. Rogni’s reign details are unknown, but the Durazgrund leadership of the Dwarf race lasted at the maximum a very short 200-ish years. The current Durazgrund heir is Ulther Stonehammer, who is only considered a prince as he refused the title of king upon inheriting it from his father King Ulfar until Karaz Ungor is retaken. He established an elite army called the Dragon Company made up of Imperial Dwarfs which is based in Karaz-a-karak and raids greenskins until the day Ungor is reclaimed, supported by Lord Gomrund Forkbeard of Karak Kadrin. The Dragon Company splits between Stonehammer's yellow and blue colors, the green/blue/yellow of Forkbeard, a trio wearing white and black named Grum, Grom, and Grim, and general red infantry.

* '''Karak Varn'''
Called "Cragmere" now. Sister Hold to Zhufbar, both in the chasm where the mountain lake Black Water flows. The first misery to befall Karak Varn actually came before the Time Of Woe, when the Dwarfs-wait for it-DUG TOO DEEP AND UNLEASHED SOMETHING. That thing was...water. They accidentally tunneled into the underground reservoir that Black Water feeds into, managed to destabilize the foundations enough that when the Time Of Woe earthquakes came the waters swept through and flooded most of the Hold. Soon after the weary Dwarfs were attacked by an allied Skaven/Goblin army, and forced towards the surface. The Warpstone corruption became so terrible that the surviving Varnlings abandoned the Hold willingly, as the mutated horrors below are now the like of nightmares. Expeditions of Engineers using submarines through the underground Black Water as well as tunneling vehicles have enabled Dwarfs to strip the Gromril shaft by shaft, but there are no plans to reclaim Varn itself. Adventurers also plumb into Karak Varn, such as in the [[Heroquest]] expansion.

* '''Mount Silverspear/Karag Agilwutraz'''
Called Mount Grimfang when held by greenskins, which it is currently, after the Orc Warboss Urk Grimfang who first conquered it. It sat at the southern end of the Silver Road, east of Karaz-a-karak. Had the single richest mine after Gunbad, called Karag Agilwutraz. Like Gunbad it was exempt from sending soldiers for the War Of Vengeance, instead funding the war with, you guessed it, silver. It fell later on in the Time Of Woe 1637 years ago, as it was bypassed for richer and less defended Holds by early greenskin invasions but despite the extra time to prepare with watchtower defenses it fell nonetheless during the Silver Wars after successive greenskin armies were thrown at it. Survivors fled to Karaz-a-karak, and greenskins have occupied it ever since although currently Skaven are growing in number beneath.

* '''Karak Vlag'''
“Desolation Hold”. The northernmost part of the Ankor (Karak Kadrin being the northernmost Hold in general), found south of the High Pass between the two parts of Kislev. Founded during the golden age, in one of the few times Dwarfs were on the offensive as the Dwarfs took existing caves by driving out Dragons and taking THEIR homes. The mines expand throughout the Granite Peaks giving a surplus of iron, and the masonry is the rival of Karaz-a-karak for best stonework in the world. It survived the Time Of Woe with ample watchtowers giving warning, allowing the Dwarfs to defend so well that the only time Orcs even managed to enter the upper halls the Vlagians simply dropped giant iron gates which cut invading army into easily overwhelmed small groups. It was finally destroyed during the Great War Against Chaos, although the means are unknown as the Hold simply vanished as if it had never existed at all with scouts from Karaz-a-karak unable to even find rubble. In perhaps a tongue-in-cheek joke about retcons, it is stated that loremasters have opinions on its fate and all other Dwarfs simply don’t talk about it. 
Karak Vlag attracted much attention in the online Warhammer fanbase, appearing repeatedly in several fan Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay adventures and as special armies, particularly on the fansite Bugman’s Brewery. In the Vermintide video game the Dwarf Ranger can find a helmet from Karak Vlag, indicating that relics from it still exist. White Dwarf #274 identified its canon fate, as the Dwarfs tunneled into the lair of [[Galrauch]] and the king was summoned, who's caution was ignored in favor of his green as he instructed the laborers to began looting. When Galrauch woke up he assaulted the Dwarfs with his full power, overcoming the magic negating effects of protective Runes and Runesmith powers alike. Survivors managed to flee to other Holds (its unstated how many and who), and the Hold itself now shifts between the physical world and the Warp, returning to the material realm filled with warring Daemons each time. In Total War: Warhammer it appears on the map as a model but has no settlement there.

* '''Vala-Azrilungol ([[Karak Eight-Peaks]])'''
Originally called "Queen of the Silver Depths", one of the oldest Dwarf Holds. The Eight Peaks are: Karag Lhune, Karag Mhonar, Karag Rhyn, Karag Yar, Karag Ziflin (the military district of Karak Eight Peaks, the first to fall to the Skaven), Karagril, Karak Nar, and Kvinn-Wyr.

Skaven discovered the Eight Peaks around 3800 and the Council Of 13 planned its fall within the next ten generations (so 100 years) with [[Clan Mors]] and [[Clan Gritak]] preparing to invade by building their armies and constructing tunnels. [[Clan Skryre]] planted Warpstone in the main fountain of the Hold and the initial plan was to wait for the Dwarfs to have their numbers greatly thinned by poisoning (perhaps not knowing that Dwarfs use water sparingly for anything when there's enough ale) until they were forced to begin their plans immediately with the huge and sudden rush of greenskin invasions. The Dwarf Miners discovered the Skaven tunnels not long before, and shortly afterwards the Skaven staged a mass invasion taking Karag Ziflin and the communities/mines of Varkund, Runkarn, and Undkar. Meanwhile Goblins attacked the East Gate which connected to Death Pass. The Dwarfs tried to blow up their tunnels, but earthquakes opened natural tunnels as soon as the artificial ones were destroyed. Magma flowed up through cracks, destroying not only the equipment that relied on magma for power but also entire sections of the Holds. A slow retreat began until King Lunn was forced to seal the great treasures away and leave in exodus, swearing he would return; he never did, the Eight Peaks have been the target of more reclamation attempts than any other location and every one has failed. The Dwarfs fled to Karak Azul, and while the Skaven and greenskins fought for control of the now fallen Hold Clan Mors blew up the Vault roof which destroyed Clan Gritak and caused the Skaven and greenskin held portions to be largely separated.

After becoming High King, aiding Belegar was Thorgrim's first task. He called on the entire race to aid in retaking the long lost Hold. Every Hold donated to Belegar's army so that even the common Warrior was equipped with rune weapons and resembled an army from the golden age of the Dwarfs ad they marched with ample food and ale. Thorek Ironbrow lead an army of Karak Azul as allies. Regardless he still faced difficult odds. First the ground level of the Eight Peaks was taken, as well as the infamous East Gate and the valley that sits in the middle of the Peaks with a gigantic citadel. Skarsnik of the Night Goblins and Queek Headtaker of the Skaven both prepared their forces to destroy the other two rivals. Belegar sealed off all other parts of the Peaks and focused on holding, slowly pushing forwards while Engineers have to rebuild defenses. Undgrin Ankor, the military quarter of the old Hold, is the newest to be reclaimed although small numbers of Trolls remain. Three times the armies of other Holds have marched to aid Belegar after a devastating attack from his foes, the last lead by Thorgrim himself. The Dwarfs have also gotten aid from Bretonnia, the Empire, Elves, and Ogre mercenaries while the greenskins and Skaven have been bolstered by attacks from Beastmen and the Vampires of Neferata.
As soon as Belegar had established his control back on the Eight Peaks treasure hunters and mercenaries began to arrive, with most given leave by Belegar to do as they will. Very few have returned or had any measure of success but they come regardless. Gotrek & Felix had the most success.

In Total War: Warhammer, Belegar begins in Karak Izor in the Black Mountains and actually has to fight his way cross the greenskin-held Karaz Ankor south on his way to the Eight Peaks while Skarsnik begins north of him in the Grey Mountains and is usually eliminated long before any other foe. Thorgrim is willing to ally with Belegar only after some measure of success against greenskins, the Greylings are willing to ally against Skarnsik, most other Dwarfs take a long time to woo by which point Belegar has probably eradicated Archaon in a blast of cannonfire.

The colors of Karak Eight Peaks are red, white, and blue with a mountain represented by a single triangle split into eight with jagged lines.

* '''Karak Azgal (Karak Izril)'''
Called the Dragon Crag today, the City Of Jewels in the past. The wealthiest Hold in Dwarf history, the extravagance is still more than visible. Izril was one of the many Holds that fell as a result of the loss of Karak Eight Peaks due to the trade routes being lightly defended. When greenskins invaded with the intent on pillaging the fabled treasures the Skaven that lurked in their mines chose to make the Dwarfs face a two front war. Upon realizing that Karak Izril was doomed the warriors made a last stand while the Runesmith Stormbeard and the Clan Engineers carried the treasures of Izril into the primary Vault and sealed it with a special Rune called the Rune Of Hiding so no other being could find the door. The survivors fled, and since then Izril has been called "Karal Azgul" meaning "Hoard Peak". The Dragon Graug The Terrible claimed Azgal from greenskins and Skaven not long after and discovered the Vault, making it his new home and adding to the treasure in order to attract a mate. The Jeweler's Guild sent many expeditions to reclaim Azgal and kill Graug with no success until one day a Dwarf named Skalf, barely an adult, managed the deed. Skald became the King, and used the fabulous treasury to establish a small stronghold in the ruins of the massive city. Azgal has since become a haven for adventurers and treasure-seekers who journey through the depths to kill Grobi and seek fortune. Now that the Eight Peaks are partially reclaimed, the future of Azgal looks bright.

Karak Azgal is the feature and namesake of a [[Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay]] supplement. Its primary claim to fame is being the home of the single greatest Runesmith alive, Thorek Ironbrow. Artwork as well as Thorek's traditional paintjob shows them with a green color scheme with white and yellow details.

* '''Karak Drazh'''
Known now as the Black Crag. Once the third largest Karak in the Ankor after Karaz-a-karak and the Eight Peaks, situated at the western end of Death Pass where there was trade, protection, and rich ore. Managed to survive the Time Of Woe, and was in a trinity known as the Southern Holds with Karak Azgal and Karak Azul that had a higher opinion of themselves than most Holds due to longer and more prestigious lineage. 469 years before the time of Sigmar, an Orc named Dork (we’re not making that up) laid siege to Karak Drazh. The fighting was fierce and went on for some time. Once the ruler King Vikram Ironside decided the war was lost, he used the tried and true Dwarf tactic of leading his forces in a suicide attack to make a gap for the civilians to flee with whatever they could hold.
Since then it has been known as Black Crag, the most powerful Orc stronghold in the Worlds Edge Mountains. Here Gorfang Rotgut rules and he staged his infamous raid on Karak Azul from as well.
Attempts were made over the years to reclaim it, but only Thorgrim Grudgebearer in the modern era has had success, killing Gorfang. Although not fully retaken, the Orc armies were scattered and Thorgrim intends to return to wreak great vengeance on them for the depravity he witnessed.

* '''Karak Raziak'''
Only known as a label on a map of Kislev.

* '''Khazid Irkulaz'''
Only known as a label on a map of Kislev.

* '''The Pillars of Grungni'''
Almost no lore. Nearby Karaz-a-Karak on the Silver Road.

* '''Dringorackaz'''
One of the rare southern Holds to survive. Almost no lore.

* '''Kradtommen'''
Same as Dringorackaz.

* '''Kings way'''
Lost Hold. No other lore.

* '''Axehelm'''
Lost Hold. No other lore.

* '''Karaz-Lumbar'''
Shown on a map in 3e. No other lore.

* '''Kadar Grimm'''
Home of Barim Eisenhauer, a character in a mini-event called Thunder In Blackfire Pass. No other lore.

* '''Karak Angazbar'''
Almost no lore.

* '''Karak Eksfilaz'''
Westernmost part of Karaz Ankor. Almost no lore.

====Badlands====
The settlements of the Badlands.

* '''Ekrund'''
Known now as Mount Bloodhorn, Ekrund was the most wealthy settlement outside of the Ankor, matching the most profitable Holds. It is located in the Dragonback Mountains, on the southeastern shores of the Black Gulf (Warhammer Mediterranean). It had a powerful army, and members of its clans were found among the High King’s council. In the War Of Vengeance the Dwarfs of Ekrund united with the Dwarfs of Barak Varr to destroy all Elf settlements in what would later be Tilea, the ruins of which became Tilean cities. During the Time Of Woe the Dwarfs of Ekrund hastily built defenses designed to defend specifically against greenskins, but the hordes were on them before construction had finished. The defenders made a suicidal push costing thousands of lives, allowing the Dwarfs of Ekrund to flee carrying any valuables they could. The greenskin armies discovered the distillery of the Ekrund mines and became complacent, allowing many civilians a successful escape. Once they arrived at Barak Varr their old friends gave the refugees transport to wherever they needed to go. The surrounding mines also resulted in a trickle of refugees, to Karaz-a-karak where they suffered from constant greenskin raids, or west to the mountains called The Vaults between the Grey and Black Mountain
Ranges to establish new Holds.

* '''Dragonhorn Mines'''
Added in 8e. No lore, south of Ekrund so presumable part of the same rulership.

* '''Mount Gunbad'''
Wealthiest non-Ankor Hold Dwarfs ever had. This is due to it being the only place in the world where the blue gems called Brynduraz (“shining stone”) are known to be found. It also produced massive quantities of gold, and Gunbad’s immense wealth was so crucial to the Dwarf economy during the War Of Vengeance that no Gunbadian soldiers were levied for the conflict. Gunbad itself was located east of the Worlds Edge Mountains, leaving it isolated save for the Underway (so you know where this story is going).
During the Time Of Woe, earthquakes and waves of Orcs from the east both caused Gunbad to be lost. It was retaken 200 years before the current date by Logazor Brightaxe, but the continued isolation from the rest of the Dwarf race as well as the masses of greenskins to the east forced them to abandon it again. Until the Underway is reclaimed and rebuilt, Gunbad is destined to remain in the hands of greenskins.

====Settlements====
The Dwarf communities formed outside of Karaz Ankor that lie between mountain ranges. Few are connected to the Underway.

* '''Karak Zorn'''
The first Dwarf expansion, in the Warhammer equivalent of South Africa in the mountains that separate Nehekhara from the Southlands. Possibly destroyed by the Slanless Lizardmen of the Southlands, or at least the last messages every received indicated that's who was attacking it. Almost nothing is known of it otherwise as it is far beyond living memory and every expedition to reclaim or it simply discover its current state have failed. To be fair it could still exist, since every single edition it was mentioned in (which is to say every edition after Warhammer got actual lore) intentionally makes it vague what happened to it. According to myths it was built into a mountain of gold with gates made of ivory held together by copper with rubies and diamonds so common they were just used as currency internally. Within the video game continuities Vermintide gives the Dwarf Ranger the backstory that he found a map showing its location, while in Total War: Warhammer its an active surviving Dwarf settlement, in campaigns ruling itself and using a red/blue emblem depicting a Skink skull above an anvil whereas in the Mortal Empires campaign it is under the control of Thorek Ironbrow's expedition.

* '''Barak Varr'''
Called "Gate To The Sea". Built into the side of a mountain and only visible from the water. Barak Varr is small but wealthy, and the folk are unusually friendly and cheerful for Dwarfs. Both are due to the safety of the Hold and it never being forced to close its doors to the other races and cease trade, as both the Skull River and Old Dwarf road are still open. All friendly groups on the planet trade in Barak Varr, and almost anything Dwarfs do not prohibit can be bought and sold within. Barak Varr is one of the safest locations in the world, being almost immune to attack by land and with a ridiculous number of the most advanced warships in existence in its harbor while countless cannons line the face of the settlement itself. Barak Varr lies in the territory of the [[Border Princes]] which were settled around it, and it provides them protection by water. Dwarf adventurers ad their non-Dwarf companions often gather in Barak Varr before setting out for parts unknown, and its a common hub for Dwarf refugees from destroyed settlements.
The king Byrrnoth Grundadrakk is noted as a traditionalist with a lore blurb noting that despite his popularity its unknown how long Barak Varr will remain friendly to nonDwarfs and Dwarf outsiders, but his only actions were elevating the Longbeards and Hammerers in station and requiring Dwarf children attend some time in Karak Kadrin before adulthood.

The most notable group in Barak Varr are the Storm Wardens (entirely unrelated to the [[Storm Wardens|40k force of the same name]]), a Dwarf faction of military forces that both act as scouts and heralds to warn all of Karaz Ankor of threats and saving the day at the last minute when those threats manifest. The leader Karnji Ravenbeard is the typical Warhammer master strategist character and relies on non-Dwarfy battle tactics. Barak Varr Rangers generally operate within the Storm Wardens while a large group of Hammerers function both as the backbone of the army and the messengers bearing Storm Warden news sent by Ravenbeard.

Purple with cream highlights is the color scheme of Barak Varr, with their symbols being an open-faced mountain and a roaring beast with red and gold. The colors of the Storm Wardens are not identified, though the model for Karnji Ravenbeard makes his armor, cloth, and even the feathers on his helmet black with gold details.

* '''Oakenhammer'''
It exists, and is on the border between Karaz Ankor and Sylvania. There's almost no lore otherwise.

* '''Karak Azorn'''
Easternmost Hold, in the Mountains Of Mourn. Destroyed by an unending horde of Ogres.

* '''Isle of Zul'''
Island outpost of Barak Varr.

* '''Axehelm'''
Found in the Empire, apparently a Dwarf settlement of some kind that has been destroyed.

* '''Karak Angazbar'''
Has decent metal mining, metalworking, and trade industries. Nearby settlements are a small mine called Grung Tepskaf and a fortress called Migdhal Vongalbvak. Ruled by Duregar Sharpblade.

* '''Habercrybs'''
The hills south of Altdorf, which have mixed Dwarf and human populations in mining communities.

* '''Karak Azorn'''

====Grey Mountains====
During the start of the Time Of Woe, Mount Silverspear and Mad Dog Pass fell to Goblins and caused a massive exodus of refugees. Although the Grey Mountains were always ignored by Dwarfs previously for their lack of gems and metals within the rock, the scattered Dwarfs chose them to settle for their strategic locations and each time a Hold fell the population of the Grey Mountain Dwarfs would swell with their homeless kin. Tall tales that great riches far surpassing that of the east lay undiscovered also played a part in the allure of the Greys. Each is extremely difficult to assail, and are built with defense in mind rather than the elaborate and beautiful Holds from the time that the ancestor gods were kings and queen.

Dwarfs that inhabit this area are called Grey Dwarfs, and are considered a far more modest and far more humble lot than their kin elsewhere. Less prone to find insult in the words of man and Elf as well as less likely to show off gold and gems in displays of Dwarf pride. Dwarfs from other Holds see them as a source of both pity and hope, the valiant post-apocalyptic survivors scrabbling among the ruins with kings that look like low noblemen and peasants dressed like refugees.

The Grey Mountains sit in a precarious location. Although historically the attacks of any foe is rare, it sits nearby [[Drachenfels|Castle Drachenfels]], a hellish domain where the forces of Chaos, the Undead, and greenskins unite under an ancient evil. As if that wasn't bad enough, End Times: Vermintide showed that the nearby Empire town of Ubersriek was the beginning of the Skaven invasion of the Old World, suggesting that Skaven were already a problem for the Greylings. To the south is Athel Loren and the insane Wood Elves with Bretonnia beyond it. To the north are the men of the Imperial province of Wissenland, great allies of the Dwarfs and with the aid of the Greylings their city of Nuln has become the engineering capital of the non-Dwarf world. But Reikwald is not far from there, leading [[Forest Goblins]] and [[Beastmen]] up the trails into the mountains. While the Grey Dwarfs have become hardened and battle-tested, the natural defenses of their home have saved them from the nonstop war that many of the old Holds east in the old Dwarf lands have suffered.

Most Grey Holds have very little in great treasures due to the barren nature of the mountains and the far and few discoveries of ore veins, and as a result some Dwarfs either resign themselves to lives laboring for far less than other Holds can offer and patrolling trade routes for small enemy warbands, or abandon their home and migrate to other Holds to seek riches at the cost of safety and peace. While the younger generations are increasingly leaving Norn for other Holds to the east for riches or glory in battle, those who refuse to leave have become stoic and sardonic even for Dwarfs.

Grey Dwarfs have a great deal of contact with humans and are far more likely to take on names in the human tongue representing their true Dwarf name, such as Olaf Stoutarm or Johan Rockkicker.

* '''Karak Norn'''
Roughly translates to "Barren Earth Hold". Currently ruled by King Brokk Ironpick the Grim and Queen Thurma of the Grintzagaz Clan. Karak Norn was the first Grey Mountain Hold, and has the most riches in its mines despite being the smallest. Karak Norn overlooks the Athel Loren from a very safe position, allowing the Dwarfs to monitor the activities of the Elves for any invasion force to their allies in the Empire or to their kin in other Holds. They control the mountain passes leading to the rest of the Southern Grey Mountain Holds giving them the benefit of taxation, the honor of being the defenders of the Greys, and the responsibility of ensuring that when enemies do eventually invade that the Grey Dwarfs can muster a strong protective army. Norn's defenses possess a great deal of Flame Cannons and Bolt Throwers for the purpose of defending against Wood Elves, while their offensive forces contain many Rangers. Karak Norn also possesses a large airforce.

The most famous claim of Karak Norn is being the Hold most associated with the great hero and brewmaster (aren't they one and the same though?) Josef Bugman. Josef's father Zamnil Bugman was one of the Dragonback Clan of Ekrund, and after it was overrun the family migrated northwest into the foot of the Grey Mountains on the Empire side near Karak Norn. Bugman's Brewery quickly became famous for their specialty of Troll Brew, and more importantly [[Bugman's XXXXX]] AKA Bugman's Brew which became world-famous as (canonically) the greatest alcoholic beverage ever concocted. Unfortunately one day a Goblin named [[Git Guzzler]] attacked the Brewery while Bugman was away delivering ale. While the Brewery was rebuilt and is now defended by the forces of Karak Norn, Bugman himself gathered a small elite army called [[Bugman's Rangers]] who travel the world killing greenskins and/or delivering free ale wherever Dwarfs or greenskins are found.

The armies of Karak Norn use the colors of red and white split in half or quartered along with blue for cloth, although in 8e examples only red and white were used with a small amount of green on banners. Karak Norn forces in Eavy Metal demonstrations of the paint job also use more silver metallic color than bronze. Symbols for Karak Norn tend to be more Celtic and of vague meaning, although simple designs such as tankards and the general Dwarf faces show up as well. Bugman's red and blue split colors with the white "B" rune show up as well even on the shields of Dwarfs otherwise displaying the standard colors.

* '''Karak Ziflin'''

* '''Karak Azgaraz'''
Starting location for Skarsnik and the Crooked Moon in Total War Warhammer. Skarsnik often takes Karak Norn and Karak Ziflin, making him a stubborn enemy to remove in-game.

Also shows up in DLC for the first Vermintide game, and has an outlying hold called Khazid Kro. The main characters go to Khazid Kro to help a stubborn dwarf hold off the Skaven, steal a cursed rune so the Skaven don't have it, warn Karak Azgaraz and any neighboring holds of the impending Skaven invasion via a warning system on top of the mountains.

* '''Grim Duraz'''
Lost Hold. No other lore.

* '''Khazid Harkhat'''

====Black Mountains====
* '''Karak Hirn'''
The Black Mountains that lie between the Empire and Border Princes are full of small Dwarf settlements that cater to the Empire and link the oldest settlements of the Dwarf empire. They are unconnected to the Underway but are relatively difficult to attack due to the danger of the terrain. The largest settlement in the region is Karak Hirn, named "Horn Hold" for a wind that blew through it and produced a noise loud enough to ring through the mountains, scaring the original settlers to the region until they investigated and discovered the source. Generations since have carved doors and fireplaces that turn the entire Hold into a horn that can be sounded to send messages or frighten enemies and monsters.
Founded by the legendary Dwarf Kurgaz, who created the Anvils Of Doom. Kurgaz was a giant of a Dwarf, who's shield was so massive that no other Dwarf has been able to wield it as it was used. Instead, his descendants stood on it while being carried by their loyal soldiers, beginning the tradition of Shieldbearers. A Dragon attacked Karak Hirn at some unknown time, killing many Runesmiths and destroying their forges which caused the secrets of Kurgaz to be lost ensuring that all Anvils of Doom are limited in number.

Karak Hirn is favored by many Eavy Metal team and shows up in most showcases. They utilize dark greens and browns for colors.

* '''Karak Izor'''
Also called Copper Mountain. A wealthy Hold found between the Grey and Black Mountains, with the deepest and richest mines outside of the Worlds Edge Mountains as well as being a popular destination for refugees including the Dragonbacks. Almost impossible to assail, Izor profits with little risk. 
Karak Izor was shown in the past to use plenty of bronze metal with dark browns and greens while it was specifically said that they used no blue anywhere, but in 8e they reverted to only a bright shade of blue and gold/yellow (for seemingly no reason). Their symbol is a hammer striking an anvil with an S rune on both.

* '''Karak Bhufdar'''
Shown on the map in 8th edition, hasn't fallen. No other lore.

* '''Zarakzil'''
Lost Hold. No other lore.

====Norse Dwarfs====
Barely touched on and mostly only in Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, the Dwarfs of the furthest north reside in the mountains north of [[Kislev]] in the Chaos Wastes. The proximity to the savage lands has forced them to take on aggressive and wild personalities, although they remain as loyal to the Ancestor Gods as any Dwarf. Not especially fond of humans given they have the choice of rapevikings or Russians for friends. Since the Norse Dwarfs have lost contact with their kin for a LONG time, they didn't receive any technological advances since the Time Of Troubles. No [[Gunpowder (Warhammer Fantasy)|gunpowder]], no artillery, no machinery. Just crossbows, catapults, and good ol'fashioned things to stick in people or bash them with. Thorgrim made contact with some of them before he became High King, although which ones is unspecified.

* '''Kraka Drak'''
Known as the Dragon Hold. The primary settlement of Norse Dwarfs, rich in iron, silver, sapphire, and amber. Possibly destroyed according to a 7e story as the "Emperor Of Chaos" [[Valmir Aesling]] wiped out all resistance during the Great War Against Chaos during the time of Emperor Magnus, shortly after the Everchosen of the time was defeated; it is referenced after that date as still existing leading to the possibility of writer not doing their fucking research...or it being reclaimed later.

In Total War: WARHAMMER Kraka Drak is part of a quest for Thorgrim Grudgebearer to investigate the fate of the Norse Dwarfs. He finds they have all been wiped out, and reclaiming them is part of the victory conditions for Dwarfs. Their flag is depicted as teal with a winged white sea serpent as a symbol.

* '''Sjoktraken'''
A Dwarf port.

* '''Kraka Dorden'''
Called the Thunder Hold. Exporter of furs, tin, quartz, iron, and metalwork. Second largest after Kraka Drak.

* '''Kraka Onsmotek'''
Called Eagle's Peak Hold. Northernmost Hold that hasn't yet fallen. The second wealthiest after Kraka Drak. Full of gold, diamonds, and obsidian. Has more Slayers and the Norse Dwarf specific Berserkers than anywhere else in the Norse Holds thanks to the abundance of Giants, Trolls, and other nasty Chaos things.

* '''Kraka Ravnvake'''
Known as Raven's Roost Hold. Full of copper, iron, and silver as well as a blue-gray rock called Okrinaduraz that is used to carve works of art and things of importance.

* '''Karak Dum'''
Literally "Hold Chaos". Northernmost Hold ever established (or at least ever mentioned), it fell during the Great War Against Chaos. It is the main source of the black armor of the Warriors Of Chaos today, and all four Chaos Gods and their factions battle for control of it. Gotrek & Felix rescued the last of the living Dwarfs from it.

* '''Khazid Ravik'''
Almost no lore. Known for gems and metalwork.

====Misc Locations====

* '''Undgrin Ankor'''
The Underway.

* '''Black Fire Pass'''

* '''Varag Kadrin'''
Known as Mad Dog Pass.

* '''Varn Drazh'''
Called Black Water, it is a giant mountain lake created by an ancient asteroid that is full of monsters. Many mines are found around it, since the mountain is very rich in ore.

* '''Gnashrak's Lair'''
An Orc stronghold. Although not stated to be, it is most likely a fallen Dwarf Hold since "fortress" is not something that greenskins are capable of building. Sits at the other end of Peak Pass from Karak Kadrin.

* '''Grom Peak'''
Orc stronghold, likely started as a Dwarf Hold. Almost no lore.

* '''Archway of Valaya'''
Lost holy site, known only to certain Runesmiths. Secretly houses the sleeping Valaya, who is empowering a gate of some kind known as the Gate Of Valaya that will somehow bring back the golden age of the Dwarfs. Implied to have lead the Dwarfs to [[Lileath|Lileath's]] new world in the cycle of worlds in End Times.

* '''Cripple Peak'''
Full of Warpstone. A major site fought over between Nagash, who makes it his home while recovering from his second defeat, and the Skaven. Dwarfs stay away.

* '''Spine of Sotek''': In Total War: Warhammer II a colony of Dwarves have made their own in the Not-Andes of Lustria.

*'''Karak Unfirth''': Lost hold, one of the first places that fell to the Ironstompers Ogre Tribe and their Leadbelchers in one of the first likely uses of the Leadbelchers, location unknown.

====Non-Canon Locations====
Places from outside continuity, either as widespread fan creations, memes, or other continuities.

* '''Kazad Bolg'''
A faction created by [[Paul Sawyer]] AKA “Fat Bloke”, who was the editor of White Dwarf until 2004 (when the magazine became a glorified catalog under his successor [[Guy Haley]]). Although created by an employee and featured in the 6e Dwarfs army book, Kazad Bolg is not considered canon by many.
Little is known of Kazad Bolg lore, only that Sawyer’s army was an Expeditionary Force that brought the maximum amount of non-stone artillery, a Gyrocopter, Miners, Longbeards, Slayers, and was lead by Kragg The Grim. Their colors are yellow and black. Bolg means “fat belly”, a play on his nickname.

* '''Karak Kyme'''
White Dwarf's Nick Kyme's OC Hold, using a burgundy and yellow theme with as many old models as possible.