Dwarf
~ Draken Darkstone,
Chosen of Matunas
The Vanderhelm Scrolls
4,450 DA
Chosen of Matunas
The Vanderhelm Scrolls
4,450 DA
Description
Dwarves are a stout and hearty humanoid race, although smaller in stature than most. Many of the modern communities excel in stone carving and metalworking, choosing to dedicate themselves to perfecting a specific craft. Dwarves originate from the three matron Clans of Forn and predominantly inhabit the continents of Pathriam and Mortéglace, as well as the country of Undai. Typically, dwarves grow to heights of nearly 5 feet and can weigh up to 250 lbs. Those born south of Mortéglace often have a darker brown complexion, while the northern dwarves tend to have pale pinkish skin. Brown, earth-colored eyes are the most commonly shared trait among dwarves, while hair color and styles vary greatly. Those who choose to maintain their hair or beard often keep them long, occasionally featuring elaborate braids. Recently, there has been a growing trend among younger dwarves to be clean-shaven, seeking to avoid the fuss. It is not uncommon for dwarves to live up to 450 years, reaching maturity at the age of 50.
Societies
The name Forn comes from the original Matron clan, and has become synonymous with dwarven life. To worship Forn as the dwarves do is to follow Stone Oaths and embrace one's Calling. The Stone Oaths: Learn & Mentor, Blood & Stone, Tool & Resource, Devotion & Unity, and Authority & Freedom. These tenets formed the original basis for the major dwarven societies. Alongside the oaths, The Calling is the most commonly followed religion among the clans. Dwarves, once a united people, now live fractured across Dromaria, playing active roles in societies. They heavily concentrate in four distinct areas, with each area following The Calling in its own way.
Ander Clan
The Anders are a fierce and proud group of dwarves who refuse to live under the rule of others, preferring their isolated lives on the dangerous continent of Mortéglace. Due to the deadly environment, Ander dwarves have earned a reputation for being protective of their territory and for their excellent martial prowess.
In the harsh northern land, with no formal ruling party in place, the dwarves of the Ander Clan effectively serve as the de facto ruling authority. They maintain order and provide for the needs of the few neighboring communities, making them the closest thing there is to a ruling party in the region.
The bloodline of the Ander King has ruled over the clan since settling on the continent, although the position operates more as a champion than as an authoritarian ruler.
Ander Clan dwarf
Rakankrak Clan
The Rakankrak are friendly and boisterous dwarves who reside in the kingdom of Rakankrak's Den in the country of Bohdan. The Rakankrak dwarves are hailed for their deep connection to the earth, often choosing to live beneath the surface. Many of the citizens dedicate themselves to mining and crafting, embracing The Calling to improve and enhance the Den whenever possible. The act of providing for the greater whole, using the resources found in their mountains, serves to fulfill The Calling and brings enrichment to both their community and themselves.
The Rakankrak dwarves are ruled by King Grammek Rakankrak and Queen Taslinn Rakankrak, who work closely with the neighboring orcs in Ugarth.
Rakankrak Dwarf
Undain Clan
Stoic and solemn, the dwarves of the Undain are the most traditional of the clans, their many betrayals and battles making them more withdrawn and less interested in the outside world. They choose to live their own lives in their kingdom of Un-Dain in the mountains of Erindor and focus on their Calling of stone carving.
The Undain operate under a traditional caste system involving tattoos, where the greater the deed or Calling achieved, the more grandiose the tattoo becomes. Those with the most tattoos earn a higher standing in society. The tattooed dwarves dedicate themselves to teaching others, while those who strive for a higher social standing often do whatever they can to enable their superiors and gain their attention.
Three Kings of Un-Dain rule the Undain.
Undain Clan dwarf
Undai
Residing in the country of Undai are the ancestors of refugees who sought the shelter of The Dragon's Peace during the Age of Horror. The melting pot that makes up the Undai clans causes the dwarves to be more open and friendly, as they seek unity with friends and allies. Under the peaceful rule of the dragons, the dwarves are seldom under threat, choosing to devote their time to faith, often teaching The Calling to others or delving deeper into the spiritual aspects of religion itself. Many dwarves of Undai faithfully worship the goddess Vale as a muse, dedicating their great works to her divine beauty.
No single leader rules the dwarven clans. Instead the Scaled Assembly, a group of elected officials governs the country. Their primary task is to handle diplomatic responsibilities towards the dragons.
Undai dwarf
Dwarf walking away from the capital city of Ania.Other Dwarven Gatherings
Many dwarves split off from the core dwarven clans, establishing their own societies and homes. The most prominent among these groups are the Darkstone Clan who reside in the Tritos Dominion, although there are many such smaller clans across Dromaria.
The eldest King Ander of Ander Hall watches over his kingdom for the last time.
History
Long ago the dwarves originated from the nation of Forn on the world of Magnon. There, they were ruled by the three matron clans: Ander, Rakankrak , and the Undain. After their journey to Dromaria and the initial conflict with the dragons had been put aside thanks to The Covenant, it became time for the dwarves of Forn to leave the homeland of Zan'deil. However, the clans found themselves at odds. The Ander dwarves were uninterested in living under the rule of The Covenant, choosing to take their chances in a more dangerous land of Mortéglace in order to maintain their freedom. The Ander Clan pleaded for their brothers to join them, but the others were unwilling to walk away from the peace treaty they fought so hard for, resulting in the division of the united dwarves. With the departure of the Ander dwarves, there was nothing left to keep the Rakankrak and the Undain together, and with that the two remaining clans went their own ways. The Rakankrak settled down in what is now the country of Bohdan and the Undain found a home in the mountains of Erindor. The Age of Horror was hard on the dwarves, driving the clans who had settled on Pathriam to the safety of the dragon continent Erimata. Some refused to flee, choosing to fight for their homeland beside the others mortals who had remained. In the north the Ander Clan weathered their own battles, defending the land they still claim to this day.
The resting place of Rakkar Rakankrak.
Dwarven Backgrounds
Here are a few Dromaria specific backgrounds associated with dwarves: While these represent the clans themselves, dwarves from anywhere could easily find themselves with a similar backstory to their distant cousins.
The "God" Forn
Those outside the dwarven kingdoms view Forn differently. The deity is regularly seen as a dwarven champion, a singular entity taking on the deeds of the entire clan. It is common to find tales of the mighty Forn fighting alongside the Ancestors in ancient texts, and as time has moved forward this depiction has only grown.
A depiction of Forn watching over the Crystalcap Mountains.
"To worship Forn, is to worship dwarven ancestry. Forn is the dwarven Calling, it is their heart, and it is their nature."
~ Seinaru Kotodama
Dwarven Traits
The dwarves of Dromaria have the same in-game statistics as found in the Player's Handbook. The common dwarven terms such as "Hill Dwarf" are not typically used on Dromaria, although some of the clans do fit similar themes. The Undain and Ander Clans are closest to mountain dwarves, while the Undai and Darkstone Clans would be hill dwarves, with the Rakankrak's being a mixture of mountain dwarf and duergar. These are of course merely guidelines. Dwarves of all nations and creeds can be found all across Dromaria.
An ancient version of the Ternary Summit, holy symbol of Forn.
Cultural Tidbits
The name Ander is the most popular name on the continent of Mortéglace.
It is said in dwarven folk tales that the unity of Undai makes them especially connected to The Calling. Many religious dwarves view the city of Tao as a holy land.
Despite the title being the word "king", the Three Kings who rule Un-Dain have been split between men and women almost evenly throughout history.