During the dwarves Golden Age, Karak Drazh ‘Black Hold’ was the third largest dwarfhold, after Karaz – a – Karak and Karak Eight Peaks. Strategically placed Karak Drazh held the western end of Death Pass. Rich mineral and metal ore deposits lay beneath Karak Drazh, and the mines spread far beneath the pass and the surrounding mountains. Like the other southern dwarfholds, Karak Drazh survived the initial onslaught of orcs and goblins, and its mines continued to yield the ore so sorely needed by the weapons smiths of Karak Azul.

The southern holds went unscathed for nearly a thousand years, but the attack that finally destroyed Karak Eight Peaks and Karak Azgal fell upon Karak Drazh too. The Orc Warlord Dork having unified a number of orc and goblin tribes beneath his banner laid siege to the dwarfhold. The pitched battles were furious, and without mercy from either side. When King Vikram Ironside realized the hold was doomed, he gathered his forces for a final – desperate attack. The warriors knew they marched to their deaths, but they succeeded in driving the horde far enough back, and more importantly held the line long enough for many dwarves to escape.

Karak Drazh is known now as Black Crag, by far the most powerful orc stronghold in the World’s Edge Mountains. From here the Orc Warlord Gorfang continues raiding throughout the mountains and the neighboring Border Principalities. Recently, Gorfang even led a successful raid upon Karak Azul, and returned with valuable captives – including several of King Kazador’s kinfolk. He awaits the Dwarf King’s next move.