Ieirithymbul

Ieirithymbul was a gnome mining village in the western Sword Mountains circa the Year of Lightning Storms, 1374 DR.

Geography
Ieirithymbul was located in a narrow valley called Felrenden, high in the cradle between the three peaks southwest of Leilon that marked the western edge of the Sword Mountains before descending to the Mere of Dead Men on the northern Sword Coast. The three mountains were locally named Mount Sternhelm, Mount Ardabad, and Mount Pheldaer. Sternhelm was the tallest and the northern point of the triangle. Ardabad was to the east and Pheldaer was to the west.

Geographical Features
The valley shared its name with the stream the flowed though it. Felrenden stream eventually disappeared into a sinkhole known as Braeder's Pit.

Trade
There were rich coal, copper, and iron deposits in the area. A band of traders from Ieirithymbul visited Leilon about once a month, weather permitting.

Defenses
In 1374 DR, the little-known settlement was guarded by the gold dragon Palarandusk, known as the "Unseen Protector". Over the years, Ieirithymbul suffered attacks by orcs and the dwarves of Clan Forgebar, but each time they were defeated by Palarandusk. In dire times, the village could muster an army of perhaps 400 adults capable of defending their town.

Rumors & Legends
Palarandusk did well at concealing his nature, fooling bards and sages alike into thinking he was a spirit guarding the Ieirithyn from harm. Other theories about the "Unseen Protector" included a possible gnome wizard that could project himself out-of-body while retaining the use of his senses and able to cast powerful spells in a wraith-like form.

Notable Inhabitants
Two of the mountain peaks were named for past heroes&mdash;Ardabad and Pheldaer. Another famous name among the Ieirithyn was Braeder&mdash;somehow associated with the sinkhole that consumed the Felrenden.