The Great Forge Exchange: Hammerdeep Market
Trade in Iron, Truth in Steel!
Forget the fresh air and flowers of the upper world's bazaars. The true market of Hammerdeep is a subterranean artery, a relentless forge of commerce where every deal is struck and every lie quickly exposed by the honesty of the metal itself. Here, you trade in weight, quality, and proven strength. The air is a constant, thick blanket of coal smoke, sharp iron filings, and the sweet perfume of the Great Forge, mingling with the distant, rhythmic clang of a thousand hammers. This isn't where people buy trinkets; this is where they buy the tools—and the weapons—that hold the mountain together.
The Currency of the Mountain
As you walk the crowded thoroughfares, carved deep into the stone, you will see a world defined by its industry. This is a place of raw power and brutal honesty, where every transaction is a testament to the dwarven spirit.
The Goods: Look for masterfully forged axes and heavy plate armor so intricate their runes seem to hum with a contained energy. You'll find less fresh produce and more casks of deep-brew ale, shimmering veins of unworked ore, and intricately carved silver jewelry, often inlaid with precious, local gems.
The Smell: The pervasive scent is that of quenched steel, hot oil, and the dry smoke of the Great Forge. This is often mixed with imported Greenriver spices, a rare luxury traded from the lowlands.
The Barter: Haggling is expected, but trickery is not tolerated. In a market where every item is made of stone or metal, the product speaks for itself. A poor deal is a mark of a fool, but a fraudulent one will earn you the swift, non-negotiable fury of the smiths.
A VANGUARD'S NEED
Hammerdeep is a fortress under siege. As the constant war footing continues, the market reflects the needs of the Vanguard, not the wants of tourists.
Master Thorgar's Note: Visit the stalls of the Master Smiths to procure genuine articles. Ask for Master Thorgar —he oversees the constant production of war materials, and his word is as solid as the granite itself. Do not insult the dwarf by requesting an ornament; ask for a tool that can save a life.
Pro Tip: If you need to trade for information, not ore, steer clear of the main halls. Seek out the Lower Warrens where the air is foul and the whispers are cheap. Ask for the nearest tavern where ale is thin and the secrets are thick.
