Dwarves
Dwarves are short, stocky humanoids that live in and around mountains. They are best known as some of the best blacksmiths on Totania, and have almost always been one of the major races in the world, holding a nearly unshakeable influence on the world.
The Generals of each Squad have a fairly major influence over the elections of Prime Ministers, as each one runs a newspaper for their Squad. These newspapers often have propaganda that supports the political views of each General.
For example, General Melmin of the White Wolves, also the traitorous King of the Maevell Dynasty, started the first newspaper, Wolf Mail. Wolf Mail publishes crazy conspiracy theories to make people paranoid. With this, Melmin can lead them more easily into whatever his agenda is, as his newspaper shows him and his readers as the only rational ones. This was enough to found an entire Kingdom, showing just how much sway the Generals have. So when it comes to influencing elections, that is a simple task.
Lift the pints of ale!
But don't be fool, in all the lands,
This game you mustn't fail! Twist your arms around and round, so right is on the left
With pint in hand, and left on right, with your beer be deft
For you must drink both left and right without a breath between
And with your hands on either side, you'll cause quite a scene
Your right arm raised over the left, and left under the right
Your beard all raised up with your glass, oh this is quite a sight! Drink, drink, drink, drink, drink, drink, drink!
Drink, drink, drink, drink, drink, drink, burp!
Government Structure
The Dwarven Kingdom is a form of Elective Monarchy, though this has a small caveat to it. Alongside this, there is a system of Military Squads, run by Dwarven Generals.The Elective Monarchy
The Kingdom is ruled by a King, and there are elections held every five years. During these elections, however, one is not electing the King. The King is in power until they die. Instead, elections are held to elect a Prime Minister. The Dwarven populace votes for one representative to do much of the heavy lifting in terms of foreign affairs. Most people would meet with the Prime Minister rather than the King, since the King handles internal affairs. Then, after five years, the Prime Minister is reelected. However, when the King dies, the title is not passed onto their children. Dwarves consider family to be too sacred to leave a hereditary burden like that. Instead, it is passed onto the current Prime Minister at the time. Even if they were just recently elected, or were close to being ousted from their position, they become King, as they were elected to that office in case of the King's death. In this case, another election will happen, and a new Prime Minister is elected. These elections are often considered rushed, causing many to dislike them and say they should wait. Still, they cannot wait, because the King could die before the next Prime Minister is elected, and then they would have to elect both a King and a Prime Minister. That could prove to be a problem, if it were to ever happen.The Dwarven Squads
There are ten Dwarven Squads led by the ten Dwarven Generals. These Squads protect areas of Dwarven Territory, as well as being both a friendly face and a group that runs the districts of the territory for the King. This way, the King does not have to worry about every small issue in the Kingdom. The Squads are:- The Golden Automatons- A Squad dedicated to forging weapons and armor.
- The Silver Angels- A Squad that keeps the peace, policing the capital of Ironforge.
- The Orange Phoenixes- A Squad that studies Magic and its practical uses.
- The Red Dragons- A Squad that protects the Southern Border with the Draconians
- The Green Ghosts- A Squad that protects the Eastern Border with the Elves.
- The Violet Vipers- A Squad that protects the Western Border with the Humans and the World Court.
- The White Wolves- A Squad that protects the Northern Border with the Humans.
- The Blue Devils- A Squad that guards the Goblin and Dark Elven Caves.
- The Black Boars- A Squad of super soldiers for wars only.
- The Yellow Hornets- A Squad of Assassins and Thieves sanctioned by the King.
Settlements
There are many cities and villages under the Dwarves control. Dwarven Territory is one of the largest land-spanning empires in the world, up there with the Orcs, Humans, Elves, Gnomes, and Draconians.Ironforge
Ironforge is the Dwarven Capital city, home to the King, Prime Minister, the Orange Phoenixes, Silver Angels, and Golden Automatons Squads, and the largest concentrated population of Dwarves in the world. A quarter of the city is made up of the prestigious Ironforge University. Here, one can find the most blacksmiths in the world, all hoping to become famous and, even moreso, wealthy. Money is always a sign of prosperity to Dwarves, as it helps them keep their families fed and sheltered. Therefore, most Dwarven weapons, especially in Ironforge, have a hefty price tag on them. Castle Ironforge, where the King and Prime Minister live, is one of the greatest fortresses in the world. Filled with weapons, armor, and built with some of the sturdiest architecture in the world, anyone who intends to attack or break in would be fighting an uphill battle.Gansernfeld
Gansernfeld is the second largest Dwarven City, home to the Violet Vipers and a large amount of Dwarven nobility. Dwarves who were made rich off of various industries, now sitting in the lap of luxury and doing absolutely no work. They are contrary to many things in Dwarven culture, but they care little. To them, the money is all that matters, so why bother with work? Gansernfeld sits on the western border, a peaceful border with very few surrounding settlements from the Humans. The only ones around it are Martinau and the technically shared Dwarven village of Avippes. Avippes The largest population of Dwarves who live outside of Dwarven territory live in Avippes (if one does not count Alzirgos). It is technically a village controlled by the Kingdom of Man, but the Dwarves dispute this just because there are some Dwarves that live there.Ebreichzell
The City on the Southern Border, as it is called, it was once the Draconian Village of Zeldarr, founded by Bortan in -1750. It was taken back by the Dwarves, and has been fought over ever since. More battles are fought here than nearly anywhere else, between Dwarves, Elves, and Draconians. It has a large Draconian quarter, filled with buildings in the Bortan architectural style. The rest has been built out with Dwarven architecture, and they refuse to let any Draconian stay there. It is home to the Red Dragons Squad, who protects against any invading Draconian forces.Claurode and Lengenmold
Twin Villages, Claurode and Lengenmold are neighboring settlements towards the eastern edge of Dwarven Territory. Claurode is nestled atop a mountain, surrounded by other mountains that rise even higher above it. It is one of the quintessential mountain settlements in Dwarven Territory, and an absolutely beautiful place. But its beauty is nothing in comparison to Lengenmold, a village beneath it in the Valley. It is at the source of a river, with mountains towering over it from the north, a river to the south, and a forest to its southeast, Lengenmold is considered the most beautiful place in Dwarven Territory, and even the world as a whole.Landhelm
Built atop a mountain, Landhelm is a treacherous place with few ways in our out other than to climb a dangerous trail to the top. However, it is most famous for being the founding location and Headquarters of Vreslo. Schmeelon Cunkuck created Hot Airships there, and it is the hub of all Hot Airship travel. Due to this, it is much easier to get there, and it brings in plenty of money and tourism.Feldweg
Feldweg is a mountain settlement on the Northern Border, most famous for its Feldweg Cannon, a large cannon that is used to defend the city. It is also famous for the mountain it sits on, the Helagsfjället.Narn Buldar
Built on the Eastern Border, Narn Buldar is one of the few coastal villages, being on the same river as Lengenmold. This is one of the few ports and also one of the most dangerous places, as it is prone to Elven attack. This is why it is home to the Green Ghosts Squad of the Dwarven Army.Schmallug
Schmallug is a Dwarven settlement towards the Western border. It has a famous reputation of kindness, being called the Nicest Border Territory and even just the Nicest Dwarven City. They welcome in any outsiders, letting them taste their famous Schmallug Soup. Due to their hospitality, the Dwarven Royalty often ignores them in most legislation. However, the hospitality is not hated by the Dwarves, just believed to be misplaced.Koningwald
The only location with access to rich soil, Koningwald is the singular source of all Dwarven crops. Due to this, it is a well protected location, with both Red Dragons and Violet Vipers. It is also where most Goats are raised for purposes of meat and Goat Milk, things that are very important to the continued existence of Dwarven society and culture.Culture
Dwarven Culture is fairly secluded, with very little of it seeping out past their mountains. It is heavily centered on the family, on creating things that will last even beyond their hundreds of years of life, of military, and of drinking. Family is the most important thing. Everything Dwarves do is for their family, and those not in a family find themselves cast out of society. Alongside this, Beards are heavily important. One shares a general Beard Style with their family, which is a sign of a familial bond that is very important to the Dwarves. If one were to not have a Beard, then they would be perceived as not having a family. Dwarven Ale is a large export of the Dwarves, though even more of it is kept in basically every building in Dwarven Territory. Dwarves are allowed to drink at the age of 15, and from then on it is something that is done to celebrate basically any achievement. Anything is an excuse to drink, and the Dwarves love excuses, and they love drinking. In Gansernfeld, however, they produce and drink Wine instead. There is a large martial culture in Dwarven Society which stems from their hostile relationship with both the Elves and the Draconians. Due to this, physical combat prowess and honor are things that are heavily valued by the Dwarves. It is part of why they have such an impressive military: it is well funded and valued by the people in charge. When it comes to creation, this is where blacksmiths come into play. Blacksmithing is the most valued career in Dwarven society, even above the military itself. The Dwarves also value architects, or really anyone who can make something beautiful, sturdy, and long lasting. They want even future generations to see it, which could take a long time given how long Dwarves live. When it comes to creation, this is where blacksmiths come into play. Blacksmithing is the most valued career in Dwarven society, even above the military itself. The Dwarves also value architects, or really anyone who can make something beautiful, sturdy, and long lasting. They want even future generations to see it, which could take a long time given how long Dwarves live.Art
Dwarven Art is very angular and often has sharp edges to it. Paintings and carvings are often square or rectangular in shape, and any sculptures are always sharp enough to stab or cut someone with them if necessary. This even applies to their architecture, with heavy angles and violent shapes. Their music is equally violent at times, though other times it is highly celebratory. The most famous Dwarven songs are drinking songs, like "Raise Your Beard." Here is an excerpt from a translation of Raise Your Beard.Raise Your Beard
Grab a glass in both your hands,Lift the pints of ale!
But don't be fool, in all the lands,
This game you mustn't fail! Twist your arms around and round, so right is on the left
With pint in hand, and left on right, with your beer be deft
For you must drink both left and right without a breath between
And with your hands on either side, you'll cause quite a scene
Your right arm raised over the left, and left under the right
Your beard all raised up with your glass, oh this is quite a sight! Drink, drink, drink, drink, drink, drink, drink!
Drink, drink, drink, drink, drink, drink, burp!
Language
Dwarvish has a sing-songy rhythm to it, with a tonal pitch accent. Some even call it melodic or bouncy. Definite articles are placed after the nouns in Dwarvish, giving it a differing tone to many surrounding languages.Trade
The Dwarves are known for having a massive trade network. Even though they are threatening and heavily active with their military, the nations around them still trade with them. It is nearly impossible to survive without the resources of the Dwarves. Dwarves are known for their rich mines, with things like Thorasite and other minerals being found within them. Aside from the Fuccium-rich Jihdi town of Suzuishan, the Dwarves export almost all metals in the world. Therefore, most weapons and armor are made from their metals. It is not just the metal, however. The weapons, armor, and even tools are also made in Dwarven territory more often than not. Dwarven blacksmiths are famous, and their handiwork is sought after by people of all sorts. If a warrior is not wielding a Dwarven blade, they are often seen as lesser because they are so finely crafted. Dwarves trade heavily with the Jihdi, as they need Fuccium. It is an ore they do not have in their land, yet it is stronger than anything they have. They also trade with the Humans and the Draconians, mostly for crops. There are very few crops they can grow in their mountainous terrain, so they need outside help to survive. Dwarves and Elves rarely trade. They are always at odds with each other, so any trade between the two is often just an excuse to fight. They can attack a trade caravan, and then get revenge on the people who attacked their merchants. With this, they can have a battle without starting a full-blown war.Current Leaders
Dwarven Territory is in a bit of a mess after the Grand Crowning, ending up in a civil war. They have various nation states vying for power, all led by Dwarven Generals, or at least supported by them. These are the leaders and their nations:- Krankyl- The Dwarven Kingdom
- Harbek- Automatia
- Schmeelon Cunkuck- The Capital Kingdom of Vreslo
- Melmin- The Maevell Dynasty
- Rotbrek- The True Dwarven Kingdom
- Thargrun- Dwarvome
- Bromdrus- The Felldragon
- Nysnura- The Kingdom of Zwergenberg
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