Landmark: The Great Anvil

Located at the very heart of the Forge-District, The Great Anvil is more than just a tool; it is a holy relic and the centerpiece of Dal-Dur’s industrial soul.

Physical Description

The Anvil is a single block of Star-Iron, measuring twelve feet across and six feet high. It does not rest on the floor; instead, it is carved directly out of the mountain's bedrock, ensuring that every strike of a hammer resonates through the very foundation of the continent.

The Glow: The Anvil emits a soft, constant orange glow, even when no forge-fires are lit nearby.
The Runes: Its sides are etched with the "First Runes," ancient symbols that pre-date the Age of Ruin and are said to be the language of the Earth itself.

The Forge of the First King

Legend says that Durnar the Iron-Willed forged the Crown of the Deep Hold upon this anvil. It is the only place in Aethervale where Aether-Steel can be properly tempered without the risk of magical explosion.

Ceremonial Use: The "Clang of Ascension"

When a new High King is crowned, or when a Great House head is chosen, they must strike the Great Anvil once with the Maul of Ages.

The Legend: If the sound is pure and rings for more than a minute, the reign will be prosperous. If the sound is dull or the Anvil remains silent, the candidate is rejected by the mountain itself.

Practical Function: Artifact Forging

Only the Master-Smiths of House Deepdelve are permitted to use the Anvil for actual work. It is reserved for:

Repairing the Southern Wards.
Forging the weapons of the High King’s Personal Guard.
Creating the "Stone-Seals" used to lock the most dangerous vaults in the Archive of Ages.

The Forbidden Strike

Ancient texts warn that if the Anvil is ever struck with a hammer of "Void-Iron," it will shatter the mountain's heart, causing the entire continent to fall from the sky. For this reason, the Anvil is guarded 24/7 by a detachment of the most elite Stoneguard.