Gymlstik is a sub-range of the Kharvorn Mountains, positioned between the Blueshale Peaks to the northwest and the Aqueandrekons to the southeast. Once a dwarven stronghold, it has been conquered by goblins and Cirthikin—large, burrowing, praying-mantis-like creatures—who have transformed the mountains into a vast underground domain.
Geography
The surface of Gymlstik appears relatively normal—rugged mountain terrain with sparse vegetation, rocky slopes, and the occasional abandoned dwarven outpost. The true nature of the region lies beneath. The goblin and Cirthikin inhabitants have carved an enormous tunnel network that extends for hundreds of miles underground, connecting mines, hidden lairs, and underground fortresses in a labyrinthine system that no outsider has fully mapped.
The primary surface feature is the North Passage—a treacherous but navigable route through the mountains that connects the lands north of the Kharvorn to those in the south. Travelers using the North Passage must contend with goblin toll-collectors, rockslides, and the ever-present risk of Cirthikin ambush.
The Surry Dwarves
When the goblins and Cirthikin conquered Gymlstik, the dwarven inhabitants were driven deeper underground rather than slaughtered outright. Over generations, these refugees have become the Surry dwarves—pale, twisted creatures barely recognizable as their ancestors. They survive in the deepest tunnels, scavenging what they can and avoiding their conquerors. Some say they've developed new abilities suited to absolute darkness; others claim they've simply gone mad.
The relationship between the surface goblins and the deep Surry is unclear. Some goblin tribes hunt them for sport; others trade with them for resources only the deep places provide.
Blueshale Approaches
The northwestern edge of Gymlstik borders the Blueshale Peaks, where the Stormfather—an earth-attuned cyclops of tremendous power—makes his home. The goblins give this border a wide berth. Whatever ancient understanding exists between the Stormfather and the mountain's other inhabitants, the goblins have learned not to test it.