Difference between revisions of "Dwarves"
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Revision as of 16:00, 13 August 2019
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Dwarves (Dwarven: Dwedmar; Raevir: Dwarfskis; Ancient Elven: Bortuan; Blah: Stowts) are a descendant race and the sons of Urguan. Although thought to be native to the Aegisian city of Kal'Urguan, it is often debated that their origin lies in the Hall of Urguan, an ancient ruin hidden in the fallen continent of Athera. Birthed as eight Elder Clans, the dwedmar have endured through their fruitious lines, also forming various lesser clans throughout their history. Dwarfkind is governed by the Kingdom of Agnarum.
Despite being known for their short stature, dwarves have cemented themselves as one of the more formidable descendants, being the only nation that has withstood Orenian imperialism and expansionism. Urguan has never been conquered or owned by an outside entity and was known for defensive innovations in response to greater numbers.
Dwarves reside in grand underground settlements, large metropolises dug into caverns and mountains that serve both as steadfast fortresses and trade hubs. The use of settlements built above ground has lessened considerably since the Siege of Indagolaf, a battle in which Urguan managed to force a bloodied stalemate against adverse numbers using advanced defensive techniques. It was then widely believed by the conglomerate of Indago Stormhammer and succeeding administrations that it was both far more resourceful and practical to make use of mountain holdings.
Akin to the orcs of Krug, dwarves have fashioned their society and culture out of honor, loyalty and valor. Dwed society is comparable to orcish culture in its ideals but sways further towards Oren in its development. From these ideas, they’ve spawned a militaristic and entrepreneurial civilization that follows the morals of The Brathmordakin, the only recognised dwarven religion.
Contents
Appearance
Dwarves are benchmarked for their size, which usually ranges from 3.5 to 5 Feet. Beards are also a defining characteristic of the dwedmar, their facial hair growing considerably faster than that of the other races. Stocky and muscular, dwedmar are built for hard work and manual labor; they spend much of their time in mines and lumber yards, grafting their trade.
Dwedmar were birthed from Urguan as three sub-races, Mountain, Cave and Forest Dwarf. All retain different characteristics specific to their own line, and although their culture and values can differ greatly, they generally live in coalition together.
Mountain Dwarves
Mountain Dwarves generally have a lighter skin tone and are larger in comparison to Cave Dwarves. They are built for outdoor labor such as woodcutting and leatherworking. Dependant on the clan, Mountain Dwarves' hair pigment can range from a Grandaxe red to a Frostbeard black. Whilst in modern times they have dominated the Kingdom with their numbers, Mountain Dwarves have resigned themselves to live in cave settlements purely for defensibility.
Cave Dwarves
Shorter, darker and stockier, Cave Dwarves are built for mining and smithing. Whilst Mountain Dwarves mostly fill the dwarven warbands, Cave Dwarves fill the kingdom’s coffers and are recognized maintainers of kingdom prosperity. This being said, the cave clans also offer strong infantry in times of war. With less exposure to sunlight, Cave Dwarves have murkier and darker skin. It was first credited with soot and coal, but it was eventually discovered that the pigment was inherited.
Forest Dwarves
Similar to that of the Cave Dwarves, Forest Dwarves have a darker skin tone, but their pigment is browner in contrast to the grey/black shade of Cave Dwarves. Of a similar height to Mountain Dwarves, but less muscular. Forest Dwarves reside in woodland realms, it is common to see them living within there dwarf kin in the forest lands.
Dark Dwarves
A dark and mysterious branch of the dwarven races, the Dark Dwarves first appeared as descendants from clan Ireheart and a female Dark elf. They have as skin tone ranging from ashen gray to onyx black, and another unique physical trait: their eye glow with a color ranging from orange to yellow or red. They range between the heights 4ft to 5ft, usually a couple inches taller than their ordinary Dwarven kin. Dark Dwarves tend to be secretive: guarding the knowledge they have acquired and never revealing matters in full. They are the most likely of the Dwarven sub-races to learn arcane magic, thanks to their elven blood, though most of the time opt to become craftsmen and work in the deepest halls of the mountains. It isn't uncommon for Dark Dwarves to build their hidden holds inside the blackened rocks of a volcano.
Language
Though dwarves of the present day have a tendency towards speaking in the Common tongue, many elders of the dwarves still understand their ancient language. Even fewer understand how to write it in its original form, however. This consists of a combination of runic symbols which though rarely written on paper, can often be found inscribed into various works of architecture throughout dwarven cities, as well as works of dwarven smithing. The language is made up of rough sounds, while some letters found in the common language are completely excluded. Though dwarves are intelligent beings, their mouths bind them from certain sounds, such as pronounced H's for example.
Whilst many dwarves have adopted an accent native to Kal’Urguan, however, it isn’t uncommon for a dwarf well versed in literature and of a higher education to speak in common.
Clans
Urguan’s eight sons fathered eight elder Clans from which all dwedmar are spawned. Eventually, bastard lines and lesser clans were conceived, dividing the clans into the status of either Elder or Low-born.
Elder Clans
Ironborn (Shunned)
Whilst there were once ‘Great Clans’ - an honor that could be achieved through merit, the title is no longer recognized. The Low-born clans can be traced back to the Elder clans, all at one time were once of that particular bloodline or perhaps a concoction of multiple.
Low-born Clans
Metalfist (Former Clan)
Blackaxe (Former Clan)
Government
All dwarven government stems from the First Kingdom of Urguan. Coined after its ruler, it is the first recorded hierarchy in Dwarven society. Following the Eternal Cold, the rise and fall of the Empire of Khorvad and the Second Kingdom of Urguan, the First Grand Kingdom was founded by Thorik Grandaxe. Different embodiments of modern society have risen through governmental reform, including the Empire of Urguan, however, none have endured and prospered for as long as the Grand Kingdom.
After the eternal cold, a seizure of power fronted by the Iblees worshipping Ironborn led to the formation of the Empire of Khorvad. This dynasty oversaw the greatest purge of dwarven knowledge in known history, clearing all literary works regarding history and expertise, nullifying centuries of dwarven progress. In the same dynasty, dwedmar were subject to genocide and unlawful killings in what is considered the darkest period in its history. The aggravation eventually led to a successful uprising from the northern mountains of Aegis led by Simmpa, who established the Second Kingdom of Urguan.
Initially, the King would name his successor, but following the formation of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan an elective monarchy was instated. Thorik Grandaxe moved Urguan away from its secular ways and established it as a powerhouse in the first dwarf-orc wars.
After the election of Kjell Ireheart, the First Empire of Urguan was formed. Urguan held dominion over the Kingdom of Alras, Kingdom of Aroch'Nor, Kingdom of Holm, and segments of the Kingdom of Salvus. Following Kjells reign, the dwarves prospered as three separate settlements in Asulon, the competition between the three driving the dwedmar to grow considerably before its unification.
Upon the Urguanite unification, Thorik Grandaxe returned to spawn the second Grand Kingdom, an embodiment of the kingdom that would later become the dwedmar’s longest living and perhaps most successful government (Despite its later decline). Rulers such as Omithiel Strongbrow, Wulfgar Grandaxe, Thorin Grandaxe and Balek Irongut notable for heralding strong societies.
Under Thorin Grandaxe the Second Grand Kingdom became a ruling superpower over the other descendant races, often regarded to be one of the most successful regimes in modern history. Comparable to the reformed Orenian Imperium, Urguan held dominion over the human kingdoms and elven states. All land was ceded by Thorin upon his death.
Since the reign of Dizzy Irongrinder in the second Grand Kingdom, dwarven culture has primarily centered around non-expansionist militarism. Numerous wars with various incarnations of the human nation of Oren have ensued since, resulting in several bitter stalemates and two decisive victories for Urguan. Whilst Urguan may have lost greater quantities of land, it has never been conquered or surrendered.
The closest an outside entity came to defeating the dwarves was a campaign led by the then Emperor John Horen I, who was killed in the battle of Rhewengrad.
In 1636, Urguan finally fell and gave way to the new Dwarven Kingdom, the Kingdom of Kaz'Ulrah headed by High King Verthaik II Frostbeard.
Religion
Main article: The Brathmordakin
Dwarven religion is a complex, yet widely accepted norm among dwarven society. Religious beliefs revolve around a pantheon of gods, they call the Brathmordakin, led by a Creator known as Yemekar. They believe Yemekar forged their world and that the dwarven race was the chosen among all his creations. In return, at Yemekar's will, they would act as the foundations that uphold the world, preserving a state of balance among all the mortal races. There is no greater sin in the dwarven faith than the desire for power and conquest, beliefs they attribute largely towards the fallen Daemon, Khorvad. Dwarves further believe that upon their deaths, their souls are carried by Dungrimm to the moon where they are judged for their actions throughout life. In an event known as the Auction of the Dead, Aenguls, and Daemons of the Brathmordakin place bids upon souls, to be taken with them to the dwarven afterlife, known as Khaz'A'Dentrumm. Dwarves who fail to gain are bid are cast into the void, otherwise known as Vuur'Dor in the dwarven language. Here, they are forced to endure an eternity of suffering and despair.
Worship of the Brathmordakin is led by Da Kirkja Dverga, the Holy Order in the language of the common tongue. Otherwise known as the dwarven clergy, they are led by a High Preceptor and his council of Preceptors. Worship consists largely of offerings, sermons, and preaching, as well as the establishment of temples and shrines across the lands. Most dwarves choose one of the gods who they identify with most to become their patron. Dwarves who have achieved vast greatness throughout their lives and have shown an unending loyalty to the Brathmordakin are named Paragons of the dwarven faith. These individuals are said to feast alongside the gods, ruling over the dwarven afterlife from Khaz'A'Dentrumm.
Curse
"Urguan, your greed, and lust shall overcome you, you are not worthy of the height the Creator gave you, your descendants shall be short, squalid and ugly. You will always seek to find Gold and Gems in the deep underground of the earth, your hunger never satisfied." So said Iblees, according to the works of the Wandering Wizard. The curse of Iblees means that dwarves are driven to dig deeper into the earth to seek out precious treasures. Dwarves can also display their greed by hoarding other items, including food and ale. Dwarves will as well always remain short, making even half-breeds such as halflings remain with both the curse of greed and shortness. "Urguan, may your descendants be hardy, strong hearted and strong of mind." Although the curse could not be lifted, through Aengul blessing the dwarves were gifted with certain traits. Honor and strength of mind and body are found in the dwarves.
Dwarven Rulers
The First Kingdom of Urguan
The First Empire of Khorvad
The First Grand Kingdom of Urguan
The Dwarven Triumverate
Broski Grandaxe
The First Empire of Urguan
The Dwarven Coalition of Holds
The Third Kingdom of Urguan
Hiebe Irongut
The Second Grand Kingdom of Urguan
Thorik Grandaxe
The Second Empire of Urguan
The Third Grand Kingdom of Urguan
Full Lore
The Dwarves are a descendant race, the children of Urguan. Native to Kal'Urguan in Aegis, the Dwarves are known to create grand underground cities. Dwarves are best known for their honor, love of war and constant acquisition of food and ale. Although quick to anger, Dwarves show compassion and love to their friends and kin. They are notable for being among the shortest of all beings, usually only three to five feet tall. Dwarves are known for adapting to the underground, though some Dwarves, particularly Mountain Dwarves, prefer living on top of great mountains. Most Dwarves can mine great ores from the ground, craft the finest of armor, and slay the most horrific monsters. The most important thing to a Dwarf is his honor. That being said, they stick to their word. The Dwarves have a mutual hatred and respect for the Orcs because of their strength and might. Dwarves live much longer than Humans. They can live hundreds of years before they finally die out, though not as long as Elves. Most Dwarves, however, tend to die in battle or through mining accidents before they get old. The Dwarves mature in a different way than most other races. Dwarves have a unique outlook on the outside world, due in part to their strong adherence to the ways of their gods, more known commonly as the Brathmordakin. They believe themselves to be the chosen among the mortal races brought into the world by the Creator, acting as guardians of the world's natural state of balance.#
AppearanceDwarves are short, generally with long beards of many dark colors. Dwarves are well suited to their mines, and while short, they can be very stocky and muscular. In addition to their beards, they can be incredibly hairy. It is very rare to see a female dwarf (or perhaps their females simply enjoy beards). Mountain DwarvesMountain Dwarves have a lighter tone of skin, but a bit more muscles on their shoulders. The majority of Mountain Dwarves have fiery red hair. If you are a Mountain Dwarf who is weak but have fiery red hair, you will get shunned. Usually, the red hair attracts others of their kind. Mountain Dwarves make the bulk of any dwarven Warband and often make the finest leaders. Mountain Dwarves are also regarded as fine hunters, and because of this excel in leatherworking. Cave DwarvesCave Dwarves are known to have greyish skin and darker beards. Their beards are usually seen with braids, keeping their length from interfering with their work. A fashion trend for Cave Dwarves is weaving precious stones and gems into their beard and hair. Finally, their eyes are usually golden, or amber. Cave Dwarves excel in labor such as mining, blacksmithing, and stone-masonry. Often times a cave would would rather be underground than above ground due to their sensitive eyes. Forest DwarvesForest Dwarves have brown, earth-like skin. Their beards are often unkept and messy, with leaves and pines stuck in them. Forest Dwarves are also more compact, or closely united, to each other, unlike the other sub-races. Forest Dwarves are usually skilled in outdoor labor, such as lumberjacking, farming, and fishing. Many will pass the time in their forest dens by smoking various forest substances or even try substances from far off lands. ReligionDwarven religion is a complex, yet widely accepted norm among dwarven society. Religious beliefs revolve around a pantheon of gods, they call the Brathmordakin, led by a Creator known as Yemekar. They believe Yemekar forged their world and that the dwarven race was the chosen among all his creations. In return, at Yemekar's will, they would act as the foundations that uphold the world, preserving a state of balance among all the mortal races. There is no greater sin in the dwarven faith than the desire for power and conquest, beliefs they attribute largely towards the fallen Daemon, Khorvad. Dwarves further believe that upon their deaths, their souls are carried by Dungrimm to the moon where they are judged for their actions throughout life. In an event known as the Auction of the Dead, Aenguls, and Daemons of the Brathmordakin place bids upon souls, to be taken with them to the dwarven afterlife, known as Khaz'A'Dentrumm. Dwarves who fail to gain are bid are cast into the void, otherwise known as Vuur'Dor in the dwarven language. Here, they are forced to endure an eternity of suffering and despair. Worship of the Brathmordakin is led by the Kirkja Dverga, the Holy Order in the language of the common tongue. Otherwise known as the dwarven clergy, they are led by a High Prophet and his council of Prophets, each representing one of the gods among the Brathmordakin. Worship consists largely of offerings, sermons, and preaching, as well as the establishment of temples and shrines across the lands. Most dwarves choose one of the gods who they identify with most to become their patron. Dwarves who have achieved vast greatness throughout their lives and have shown an unending loyalty to the Brathmordakin are named Paragons of the dwarven faith. These individuals are said to feast alongside the gods, ruling over the dwarven afterlife from Khaz'A'Dentrumm. Upon death, all dwarven bodies are buried beneath the ground in great catacombs, usually among members of the same clan. It is seen as an abomination for any dwarf to have shaved their beard, and they are often prosecuted as a heretic. Curse"Urguan, your greed, and lust shall overcome you, you are not worthy of the height The Creator gave you, your descendants shall be short, squalid and ugly. You will always seek to find Gold and Gems in the deep underground of the earth, your hunger never satisfied." So said Iblees, according to the works of the Wandering Wizard. The curse of Iblees means that Dwarves are driven to dig deeper into the earth to seek out precious treasures. Dwarves can also display their greed by hoarding other items, including food and ale. Dwarves will as well always remain short, making even half-breeds such as halflings remain with both the curse of greed and shortness. "Urguan, may your descendants be hardy, strong hearted and strong of mind." Although the curse could not be lifted, through Aengul blessing the Dwarves were gifted with certain traits. Honor and strength of mind and body are found in the Dwarves. |
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