The Delves

The Delves, administratively equivalent to the Pale of Eres, refers to a hill chain at the northern tip of the Harking Hills as well as the surrounding area comprising several ancient tin mines. Its administrative centre is the town of Eres.

Geography

The Delves are centred on a narrow chain of hills protruding north-easterly from the Harking Hills and forming their northernmost limit. The area is markedly rocky compared to the better part of the Harkings and dominated by five tin mines. The palestown of Eres is situated to the east of the district at the southern terminus of the Niom Aran, forming the area's administrative and commercial centre.

Minor Settlements

Beside Eres, The Delves comprise the following settlements:

• Deep Scoring, a mining village north-west of Eres.
• Little Eres, a hamlet to the south-west of the town, upon the edge of the Hills of Eres. A gathering place to shepherds and pathfinders, it is a common last stop for those travelling into the Harking Hills.
• Merun, a mining camp to the west of Eres.
• Wright’s Corner, a market village on the western slope of the Delves, near the Pale of Desmor.

History and Economy

The area of the Delves has seen constant habitation since at least the spread of the Brethanian Olgs, possibly even the migrations of the Noldorinians. Rich tin deposits were soon discovered in the rocky hills, and the mines of the Delves were a significant source of tin during the earliest days of Olgish metallurgy.

Mining remains the predominant industry in the Imperial Era, beside, to a lesser degree, animal husbandry and hunting in the northern parts of the Harkings. Due to its location at the southern end of the Niom Aran, the district is the most accessible part of the Harking Hills and often the first point of entry for travellers from afield.