Zhakom
Location: [L3]
Status: Gargun colony
Government: King Anrik
Population: 760
In the year 150 BT the mine Zhakom was installed by Clan Ein. The mine contained some large amounts of iron, which did not meet the highest standard but was reasonable enough for mundane items. The ore was readily accessible and accordingly the mine was exploited rather fast and its output started to decline soon after 50 BT. After another 100 years the mine was exhausted and other sources for iron ore were sought. For a very short time humans were granted access but shortly after that the operation was ended and the entries to the old mine sealed.
The mine remained dormant for a long time. In the course of time, wild animals found their way into the caves, when one of the entry seals broke after a particularly violent storm. For a very short duration the mine was used as a home base for some brigands, but the band dissolved due to internal problems and lack of funds. Only long after the battle of Sirion in the year 120 TR did gargun appear in this area.
In their beginning the gargun made little use of the mined cave, it was situated in the high mountains and attacks on Azadmere did not yield much success. The Khuzdul had firm control of the gargun along their northern border. A few maroding bands of gargun were not sufficient to defend the cave against a determined strike from Azadmere. But the dwarfs made the mistake of not properly sealing off the cave, so the gargun still were able to use it as a short-term base.
Late in the year 420 TR a larger group of Gargun-Hyeka was successful in taken the cave. This group was also successful in keeping the mine against an attacking Khuzdul company. When the dwarfs realized that they had let the gargun grow in peace and started the attack, it was too late. At that point about 1000 gargun lived in the complex. Until 600 TR Azadmere could live with these unruly neighbours as the usual mechanisms made sure that the population would not grow unchecked.
After the turn of the century there was a population explosion, not only in Zhakom but also for groups in the vicinity. Thus the coming years were marked by increased bloodshed. Only after several years did the Khuzdul regain control of the situation, although they had to take severe casualties. The infected mountains now only contained Zhakom and Vernuz and a few roving bands that were chased from one end to the other. The next years took their tolls on these bands. By 640 all of them were subdued.
During the year 656 TR the dwarfs started an expedition against Vernuz, where a dangerous Khanu clan resided. Shortly before the attack began, the Khanu had swarmed, so that the Khuzdul easily overpowered the remaining foulspawn. The swarm, however, overpowered the Hyeka in Zhakom. The Hyeka were henceforth slaves of the Khanu. The new masters heard of the fate of their former brethren in Vernuz and increased the defensive measures of Zhakom. Another, unsuccessful attack by the dwarfs was started in 701, when the Hyeka started to revolt after a bloodbath among the Khanu. Scarcely did the gargun of Zhakom manage to maintain their hold and survive. Since then the Khuzdul have stayed clear of Zhakom.
But the foulspawn did not stay clear of Azadmere. In time, the population of the cave increased to a sizable measure once more, which the Khanu kings wisely controlled by regular raids on Azadmere. Having no other enemies in the vicinity the gargun could concentrate fully on the dwarfs. Attacks were seen daily at the northern border of the dwarfin kingdom, even though the losses were 10:1 in favor of the dwarfs. Lesser counter-attacks, of which the one in 714 was the most notable, ended similarly. Zhakom itself was avoided by the dwarfs, however, the defenses seemed to strong to overcome easily. As late as the year 719 did Zhakom see a major, brutal civil war that left 600 gargun barely alive. In the meantime the population has increased again, but a determined attack by the dwarfs would probably be successful. Far-seeing observers among the dwarfs in Azadmere are suggesting such measures against Zhakom.
Zhakom lies at the center of the map, all quarters around the site have similar features. The region is obviously mountainous and contains needle-leaf forest. The trees are of medium growth at this elevation and not to dense. While traveling through this area, there is a 5% chance each watch that an (old) trap of the Gargun will be sprung, which attacks at ML50 with a 4btp. These traps can be found and the precautions of experienced wilderness groups should suffice.
In general the travel rate is 1-2 kilometres per hour independent of the amount of trees. The line of sight is hampered by the tree growth, while sight is basically unlimited, when there are no trees. When traveling observe the way the elevation slopes, which has a more profound effect on speed than tree growth and also effects sight. Obviously, the weather has an effect as well. The towers can be seen from 10 kilometers as feature. The Gargun fort itself can be seen from a farther distance, but the forest and slope decrease the chance for this possible sighting.