Dwarf: Difference between revisions

Stout and hearty dwarves are the masters of the subterranean realm where their ingenuity and natural affinity with the earth see them digging mighty underground cities and building long lasting civilizations. Endless dangers prowl the lightless caverns and dwarves have developed their mastery of trap and defense against all manner of threats both above and below. Dwarven fortresses are some of the most impenetrable bastions in the known world. While many dwarves took to subterranean dwellings as a way to avoid the horrendous scourge of Kaijan during the first supereon, an intrepid nation of dwarves stayed on the surface and fought back. Those mighty dwarves that killed a fearsome Kaijan and used an ancient, mysterious artifact to turn the Kaijan’s corpse into the first dragon are often held in reverie by other dwarven nations. Dwarves are generally distinguished by three sublineages: the mountain dwarf, crag dwarf, and deep dwarf. Mountain dwarves, or “Strugar”, carve their homes in the tallest peaks and laud their thick beards and natural [[resistance]] to the coldest heights. Crag dwarves, or “Kharn’Khan” build their cities within massive canyons, both natural and dwarf-made, where each layer is carefully excavated and then settled. Lastly, the beardless, pale- skinned deep dwarves, or “Uhn’Gunder”, settle within the deepest caves of the earth where stories of “daylight” are told to frighten children.

Mountain dwarves celebrate rare metals and gems, often using them to embellish their crafts and structures. As such, dwarvish goods are highly valued in trade. They make their homes in and on mountains, both building surface towns and building subterranean urban centers that can be easily and quickly accessed through well-maintained cave entrances. Although not quite as common as crag dwarves, mountain dwarves are often deeply involved in international trade.  

Crag dwarves are well known for their massive canyon cities built within miles-deep crevices carved by time and dwarven hands. Here great waterfalls spin massive turbines that send elevator lifts hurtling upward and downward between hundreds of stone bridges that crisscross every possible level and gap. Crag dwarves dig their settlements by quarrying the dirt and stone in long layers parallel to streams and rivers, often uncovering long-buried ancient dwarven or elven ruins from ages past. They then rebuild such ruins, reinforcing previous fortifications and repurposing structures as they see fit.  In addition, their clothes and creations are an integration of long-forgotten styles found there. Crag dwarves tend to focus their societies around ancient ruins and archeological treasures found in their mines. They are well known for their clay crafts and stonework. Lastly, the crag dwarves are the most surface-adapted dwarves and often extend their territory into nearby forests and plains where farmlands or hunted game can supplement their stone and clay crafts.  

Deep dwarves are naturally the most isolated of the sublineages and tend to be wary of outside influences. Their dangerous environments leave them little room for arts or frivolity and their societies focus more on survival than long-term legacy. They have a particular affinity for the ancient technologies and structures found below the earth and have absorbed much of their discoveries into their own societies. In fact, many deep dwarf nations have large populations of remnants, as well as smaller but notable populations of [[raedeen]].