More than a century ago, the Cinsina king established the Cold Hard Iron Tribute with the Dwarf of Dwarf Mine. He traded food, service, or other stranger gifts in return for iron from the dwarves. The quantities were always small — a dozen spearheads, or a pair of daggers, or a sword.
Since then the dwarves have approached the Cinsina King, according to some unknown ‘work schedule’ of their devising to offer the Cold Hard Iron Tribute.
The price is often high or difficult to collect, such as the time they demanded a dozen beakers of Scorpion Man venom, but the Cinsina need the iron to fight the Telmori so it is always accepted. The Mostali imply that failure to accept the ‘contract’ when offered might result in it ending.
Because of this deal the Cinsina thanes have more iron weapons than any other tribe in Dragon Pass.