Following their skirmish with the elves, the Union turned its attention to Ironhold, a fortress city known for its strategic location and powerful defenses. Ironhold was the stronghold of the dwarven kingdom, renowned for its mastery of metalworking and fortifications. The dwarves had a reputation for withstanding sieges, and the Union was eager to test their capabilities.
The Union's strategy involved a multi-pronged assault. Artillery bombardments were aimed at softening the fortress's defenses while ground troops prepared for a direct assault. The Union's use of Crystals to enhance their siege weaponry was initially effective, as their cannons and trebuchets launched projectiles imbued with explosive magic.
However, the dwarves were not easily intimidated. Ironhold's defenses were bolstered by ancient dwarven magic, which reinforced their walls and created barriers that absorbed or deflected Union firepower. The dwarves also launched counterattacks with precision—mining tunnels beneath Union positions and using explosive traps to disrupt their advance.
The siege of Ironhold became a grueling war of attrition. The Union's soldiers faced harsh conditions, from subterranean ambushes to relentless defensive spells that sapped their morale. The dwarves, while resilient, were also facing shortages of resources and manpower due to the prolonged conflict.
The turning point came when a daring Union commander devised a plan to infiltrate the city through its underground network. Using a combination of magic and technology, they breached the dwarven defenses from within. The ensuing battle within the city's confines was intense, with close-quarters combat showcasing the strengths and weaknesses of both sides.
Ironhold eventually fell to the Union, but the victory came at a high cost. The siege had demonstrated the formidable nature of Terra Novum's inhabitants and the challenges of overcoming their defenses. The Union's victory was bittersweet, as they realized that even with their technological advantage, the world of Terra Novum was far from easy to conquer.