Durkhar

Overview

The Dark Dwarves, known as the Durkhar, are a resilient and industrious race that inhabit the subterranean realm of Vallar Gundull alongside the Drow. Their society is built on the principles of craftsmanship, mining, and mutual cooperation, creating a symbiotic relationship with their dark elven neighbors. The Durkhar are known for their exceptional skills in metalwork and stonecraft, producing some of the finest weapons, armor, and architectural marvels in Asiendal.

Physical Appearance

Durkhar dwarves are stout and muscular, with a height typically ranging from 4 to 5 feet. Their skin tones vary from deep gray to almost black, reflecting their adaptation to the underground environment. They have thick, coarse hair, often dark in color, which they wear in elaborate braids or knots. Their eyes are adapted to low-light conditions, exhibiting shades of silver, blue, or green, and they possess excellent night vision.

Key Features:

• Height: 4 to 5 feet
• Skin: Deep gray to black
• Hair: Thick, coarse, usually dark; often styled in braids or knots
• Eyes: Silver, blue, or green; excellent night vision

Society and Culture

Durkhar society is organized into clans, each led by a chieftain who oversees the clan's activities and ensures the welfare of its members. These clans are fiercely loyal and maintain a strong sense of identity and pride. The Durkhar value hard work, loyalty, and craftsmanship, with each clan specializing in different trades such as smithing, mining, or stone carving.

Social Structure:

• Chieftains: Leaders of the clans, responsible for governance and decision-making
• Craftsmen: Highly skilled artisans specializing in various trades
• Miners: The backbone of Durkhar society, responsible for extracting precious minerals and gems
• Warriors: Trained fighters who protect their cities and interests

Cultural Practices:

• Clan Loyalty: Fierce loyalty to one's clan is paramount; inter-clan rivalries are common but generally non-violent.
• Craftsmanship: Artisanship is highly respected, with intricate metalwork, stone carvings, and gem cutting being common trades.
• Festivals: Celebrations often involve feasting, storytelling, and displaying the clan's latest creations.

Major Settlements

• Durkhalad: The primary stronghold and capital of the Durkhar, known for its massive forges and workshops. Durkhalad is a fortified city built into the heart of a mountain, renowned for its impenetrable defenses and exceptional craftsmanship.
• Grimstone: A secondary city famous for its mining operations. It is a crucial supplier of precious minerals and gems, which are traded with both the Drow and surface dwellers.

Economy and Trade

The Durkhar economy is heavily based on mining and craftsmanship. They are expert miners, extracting valuable minerals such as iron, gold, and mithril, as well as precious gems like Heartjade. Their forges produce high-quality weapons and armor, which are highly sought after throughout Asiendal.

Trade Relations:

With the Drow: The Durkhar and Drow have a symbiotic trade relationship, exchanging metals and crafted goods for magical artifacts and rare alchemical ingredients.
With Surface Dwellers: Trade caravans occasionally venture to the surface to exchange goods, bringing back foodstuffs and materials not available underground.

Relations with the Drow

The Durkhar and Drow share a complex but generally peaceful relationship. Both races benefit from mutual cooperation and trade, and they often unite against common threats. While there are occasional tensions, the Durkhar respect the Drow for their magical prowess and strategic acumen, while the Drow admire the Durkhar's craftsmanship and resilience.

Religion and Beliefs

The Durkhar worship a pantheon of deities associated with the earth, craftsmanship, and protection. Their main deity is Gundor, the god of the forge and protector of miners. Temples to Gundor and other deities are common in Durkhar cities, often built directly into the rock and adorned with intricate carvings and precious metals.

Key Deities:

• Gundor: God of the forge, mining, and protection
• Maelin: Goddess of craftsmanship and artistry
• Drakmar: God of war and defense

Notable Figures

Thrain Ironheart: The chieftain of Durkhalad, known for his wisdom and leadership in times of conflict.
Mara Stonehammer: A legendary blacksmith whose creations are revered as masterpieces of Durkhar craftsmanship.
Borak Deepdelver: A famed explorer and miner who discovered some of the richest mineral veins in Vallar Gundull.

Mystical and Dangerous Elements

While the Durkhar are adept at surviving in the Shadowdepths, they face numerous dangers from both the environment and creatures that inhabit it. Giant insects, Shadow Beasts, and the mysterious tentacles emerging from underground seas pose constant threats.

Common Threats:

• Shadow Beasts: Predatory creatures that hunt in the darkness
• Cave-ins: A constant danger in mining operations
• Ancient Guardians: Magical constructs left by previous civilizations

Conclusion

The Durkhar of Vallar Gundull are a resilient and industrious race, whose society thrives on craftsmanship, mining, and mutual cooperation with the Drow. Their fortified cities, rich culture, and exceptional skills make them a vital part of the underground ecosystem of Asiendal. Despite the many dangers they face, the Durkhar continue to forge a prosperous and enduring civilization in the depths of the earth.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Dwarves

Scientific Name

Dwarvus Dommos

Origin/Ancestry

Dwarves

Lifespan

200 - 300 Years

Average Height

1.30 - 1.44 m

Average Weight

50 - 70 kg

Geographic Distribution

• Aurien
• Underground Region

Related Organizations

• Kingdom of Asiendal