Tanikaz-Dwarves Ethnicity in Adynía | World Anvil
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Tanikaz-Dwarves

Tanikaz-Dwarves are descendants of Zameltoníans, an ancient culture that established the world's earliest civilization and were a major power during Adynía's bronze age. When Zameltonía collapsed due to invasions from northern Adynía, many of the inhabitants fled eastwards and founded Katargysía in western Gysikan, while those left behind became subjects of the various city-states that formed afterwards.
The vast majority of these dwarves were shepherds, weavers and smiths, whom the new lords spared to make use of their renowned skills, and to this day these professions form an important part of the tanikaz-dwarves' identity. During the Paþarían Empire, many still lived on the northern Meldon Plain, but nowadays most have migrated to Gedirkía (which they call Fjaas Þúl, City of the Hawk), capital of the Sikíron Empire which now rules central Adynía.

Culture

Art

Many tanikaz-dwarves make a living by making jewelry in varying styles resembling that of the ancient zameltoníans, usually made of bronze or gold. Some also make amulets engraved with zameltonían hieroglyphs, the meaning of which is lost to the makers as tanikaz-dwarves are descended from lower class zameltoníans. Instead, each hieroglyph is treated as a magic symbol, believed to imbue the wearer with special powers or keep away evil spirits.
Woolen cloaks and blankets are also adorned with traditional designs, and according to ancient custom are only dyed with ochre and other mineral-based dyes.

Cuisine

Traditional tanikazian cuisine is generally similar to that of Sikíronians on the Meldon Plain, characterized by mutton, onion, garlic and cheese, but the most distinctive feature is borrol, a mixture of wine and milk. This drink is mostly served during celebrations such as weddings, but some families also sell it on the Market of Metvía.

Religion

Tanikazian religious practices vary between families, many have adopted the common syncretic religion of the Sikíron Empire to some extend or even entirely, while others still observe certain customs dating back to bronze age. Examples of the latter are depicting various deities in animal rather than humanoid form, writing prayers on pebbles and storing them in special niches, or placing said stones under a pillow to hasten recovery from illnesses.

Notable tanikaz-dwarves

  • Irtún: A sculptress who specializes in fountains.
  • Parent ethnicities
    Encompassed species
    Languages spoken

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