From the introduction: The elite clan of the Vaananen dwarves refused to abandon their mine in the face of the Dragon Army. Even the Witch-Queen sent an emissary to persuade them, but neither the Vaananen or the delegation of Elves were heard from again. The clan was presumed dead, executed by the Dragon and his soldiers of goblinkind, though no trace of the fabled riches of the Vaananen vault were ever found plundered—the trove remains a magnet for descendants and adventurers of all stripes.