Dovmek, the Deep Empire of the Dwarves

The Last Bastion

Of the original empires from the Age of Betrayal, the Dovmek Empire is the last figurehead of a bygone era. With the fall of Ravessus, the decline of Xi'anZhou, and the defeat of AhinRaj, the Dovmek Empire stands alone. The Dov, however, are undaunted by their sudden lack of allies and rise of fledgling nations. Hidden amongst the passages and darkness of the Black Warrens, and sealed behind the walls of their great cities, the Dov stand steadfast and immovable, determined to rise to the occasion and seize power in the sudden vacuum. Already word is spreading that the great forges of the hidden city of Mithardumm have again awoken and spew fire and iron night and day. The Dov already begin to construct their great trump card, working industriously to cement their ancient power in the new world. The Dovmek Empire is one of industry. Fire is in their blood and iron upon their skin and breath, but those who understand the Dov know that while industry is their forte, fury is their focus. The Dov are a mighty people, squat in stature but sturdy in heart they were always at the forefront of any conflict, knotting their beards with trophies taken from enemies and story-rings to hold their braided beards tight. Even know they breathe promises of revenge and domination and grit their teeth in grand anticipation.

A Hidden Empire

Hidden deep within the Black Warrens the Dov make their empire a place of industry. Perhaps the reason they have survived so long, when other empires have fallen, is because of their carefully guarded secrets and well-hidden cities. The hidden capital of Mithardumm (The Heart Below) is the city that most vexes and irks the The Holy Dracan Empire in its search to conquer and dominate this ancient empire. While the hidden capital is sought after, many make trade with the open capital of Utulon (Iron Hall) located in the northernmost section of The Atlas Peaks. The Dovmek Empire's relationships with the other current powers is tenuous because of their many secrets and great constructions. However, they have managed a furtive peace with Mashhad, Korinthos and The Aegeans. The Dov do not associate with, and will indeed attack on sight, the Yuan-Ti of Xi'anZhou, the high elves of The Holy Dracan Empire, and the tieflings of the AhinRaj. Those who have sought to pry the secrets of the Dov hidden cities, forcing them to lead them into the Black Warrens, have often found themselves hopelessly lost, lead into traps and ambushes, or taken to the dens of ancient monstrosities to be devoured. The Dov would die before betraying their kin and empire.

Antagonizers

The Dov have a . . . history, of starting conflicts. The Dov attribute this to their great courage and mighty hearts. However, they are a prideful and furious people who are quick to jump on perceived insults and rush to a "glorious end." To the Dov, nothing is more valuable than creating a new wonder through invention and fighting an impossible battle to victory or death and, if it is the latter that comes, dying worthily. In many ways the Dov emulate the better aspects of the denizens of Valklema, proving themselves hardy and capable. However, they also emulate the worst aspects of the frigid north. It might be for this purpose that many of the Dov find themselves working as mercenaries, guarding cities or merchant caravans, or joining the adopted families of The Korinthian Guard after proving themselves capable warriors. The Dov are loyal to a fault however, and will keep their word even upon their own imminent deaths. They only disobey orders from a respected commander or one to whom they've sworn an oath if they are asked to do something dishonorable or "weak" in their eyes. The Dov are wonderfully inventive and loyal people, brave and foolhardy to a fault.

Dovmek Military Units and Factions

The IronSkulls: Heavy frontline infantry and basic military unit of the Dov.
The Thrice Damned: Veteran military unit. Shock troops and saboteurs of the Dov, trained in a wide range of military procedures and protocols such as espionage, sabotage, shock-and-awe, etc.
The Horned Host: Basic mounted unit of the Dov, highly trained Ram Riders that are so versed in their mounts and have such trust that they've been known to scale city walls and impossible mountain passes.
StoneWards: Geomancers and spellcasters of the Dov. StoneWard is a "catch-all" term for a Dov spellcaster and is actually broken down into three categories. True StoneWards, those who practice the art of geomancy and natural magics. Invokers, those who practice typical arcane traditions such as wizards and sorcerers. The Chosen, those who have made a pact with Moradin, the Stone Father, and are Warlocks, Paladins, or Clerics.
Wurm Wardens: Often called the Mad Riders, Wyrm Wardens are those Dov who were brave enough to venture into the deepest pits of the Black Warren to tame, or steal, a great Wurm of the depths. These Mad Riders represent a devastatingly powerful branch of the military.
Moradin's Makers: The artificers and creators of the Dov military. Moradin's Makers create weapons and things of war, but also improve city infrastructure and quality of life. They are both engineers and inventors.