Dwarfen civilization revolves around the inhabitation of well-protected fortress settlements known as Holds (Karak in Khazalid) which are centered in a system of halls, chambers, and defensive barriers within the interior of a mountain.

Each Dwarf hold is a self-contained economy. Most are at the centre of a network of smaller holds which operate their own mines, farms and workshops. Trade exists both within this network, and with the outside world.