Ruined Dwarven Mines are generated structures that can be found in the Grey Mountains and Misty Mountains. They are the ruined remains of Dwarven Mines built by Durin's Folk long ago, before the Dwarves were driven out of these lands by the Orcs and the Dragons. These structures are quite similar to the non-ruined mines found in Erebor, the Iron Hills, and the Blue Mountains, but are completely lightless and harder to access.
The corresponding structure spawner for ruined Dwarven mines only generates the mine entrance; the maze of tunnels surrounding the mine can only be found in mines that were generated naturally.
Occurrence[]
Ruined Dwarven mines generate somewhat rarely in the Grey Mountains and the Misty Mountains, both lands once inhabited by the Dwarves of Durin's Folk. They tend to be more common in the Grey Mountains, and they're easier to find in either biome's respective foothills. Unlike non-ruined Dwarven Mines, they seem to only generate in valleys and low-lying regions - which is perhaps for the best, as the mine section always generates below y=40, and ruined mines have no ladders for easy descent.
Structure[]
Entrance[]
The ladderless shaft of a mine in the Grey Mountains.
Unlike with in-use Dwarven mines, the entrances of ruined mines are essentially just empty pits. The wooden surface structures and ladders that these structures once featured rotted away long ago, leaving only the parts of the structure made of Dwarven brick and pillars, which are often cracked and missing blocks. Getting to the bottom of these shafts safely can be a challenge, to say the least, but a little rope goes a long way to making a safe descent easier.
The forge room of a ruined mine.
The bottom of the main shaft features a small entry-room, with a pile of rubble at the center and up to three Dwarven forges along the walls. A single tunnel leads out from this room into the mine-complex proper.
Tunnels[]
A chest in the tunnels of a ruined mine.
The mining tunnels of ruined Dwarven mines, as with their non-ruined counterparts, are reminiscent of mineshafts from the vanilla game. They generate in random patterns, often intersecting and doubling back on themselves in confusing ways. The tunnels are 3x3, except at crossroads, which feature four seven-block-tall Dwarven pillars. Short staircases are usually scattered around the complex. Most tunnels feature support structures composed of Dwarven brick walls every four blocks. Tunnel floors feature a strip of Dwarven pillars running down the center, but unlike with non-ruined mines, there are no glowing Dwarven bricks or any other light source in these dreary tunnels. Parts of the support structures will frequently be missing, and cobwebs are a common sight.
Cobwebs strewn about a mining-tunnel.
Ores often generate in the walls of the mining tunnels, making them excellent places to go mining for evil-aligned players. Additionally, every so often, loot chests will generate along the sides of these tunnels. These loot chests often contain valuable loot, such as silver, gold, and even mithril, as well as more common Dwarven loot.
The darkness of these tunnels means that they're usually full of Gundabad Orcs and Gundabad Uruks, making them highly dangerous for good players and other enemies of Gundabad.
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Even if you've got a good sense of direction, it's often difficult to navigate these places. Remember to place torches on only one side of the tunnel when you're exploring. You might also want to bring along a chisel so that you can write on the stone.
Inhabitants[]
Aeugh!
Since ruined Dwarven mines are entirely lightless and are located in the Gundabad-dominated Misty Mountains and Grey Mountains, they serve as excellent spawning grounds for Gundabad Orcs and Gundabad Uruks. Unlike in regular Dwarven mines, there are no traders to be found here.
Loot[]
Inside the ruined mine, one might occasionally find chests containing the same kind of loot as would be found in a Dwarven mine - Dwarven equipment, armour, Dwarven steel, gold, and, on very rare occasions, a mithril ingot.
 The Dwarves of Durin's Folk 
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Dwarf (Axe Thrower, Banner Bearer, Warrior)
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Grey Mountains Foothills
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