The Dov, Masters of Creation
Born of Clay and Fire
The Dov, or the Dwarves as some are wont to call them, are often referred to as the Children of Clay and Fire. It is said that, in the early days of the world, Moradin sculpted his children from clay, but found them too soft and easily destroyed by the creations of other gods. So, in his desire to make his children resilient, he cast the clay into the fire, burning them in the process but making them stronger and more capable for their initial pain. Thus, the Dov believe in creation and know that pain can lead to great reward.
The Dov are a hardy people who are quick to anger, slow to forget friendship, and fierce in the defense of what they hold dear. Most of all, they are creators who hold the act in the highest of esteem. Many Dov are inventors in their own right, designing new ways to irrigate crops, constructing great works of architecture, and assembling mechanical apparatuses that many marvel at. However, when the time for war arrives every Dov pitches in how they can, assembling great hosts and armadas and machines to combat their enemy with. It is perhaps for this reason that they are the last remaining original Great Empire of the Age of Betrayal. Now, alone and without allies, they stand facing an overwhelming tide with bravery and raw anger.
The Tri-Kin Nation
The people of the Dov are three in name and purpose. The Mora (mountain dwarves named after Moradin) are those who live in great stone fortresses and construct engines of war within The Black Warrens. The Din (hill dwarves named after Moradin too) are those who construct great cities of commerce, rich farmlands, and areas of extreme economy on the surface. The last, and most despised of the dwarven Tri-kin, are the Hain (duergar dwarves - Hain is dwarvish for Traitor) who forsook Moradin's path and instead raid, pillage, plunder, and enslave both the lands above and the warrens below. The path of the Hain is one of destruction, directly opposing the desires and purpose of Moradin.
This nation of three kin is one rife with disagreements and disputes. In fact, one event called The War of the Broken Forge, happened nearly three centuries ago and almost lead to the destruction of all three nations. There was no clear winner, however, all three nations came to the table of peace and made deals and agreements. Many Dov are still bitter with one another today over this ordeal.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Each of the Tri-nations have an elected sovereign that rules as Moradin's voice piece and guide. The sovereign of the Hain, however, is not chosen as Moradin's voice but instead as the best warrior or general. Directly beneath the Sovereign are the Pactbearers, who serve as legislative and religious leaders; military leaders in the case of the Hain. Beneath the Pactbearers you have the working class and military class who share a social class. Beneath them you have those who have no house or family (but are not dishonored). And finally you have the Shorn, those who have been shaved and outcast for their crimes or dealings with their fellow Dov.
Facial characteristics
Most Dov choose to sport huge braided beards tied and wrapped with ceremonial bands of gold, silver, or brass. These beards represent their adherence to Moradin's faith. A shaven dwarf is one that has either committed great crime, been greatly dishonored, or shown extreme cowardice. A dwarf without rings or bracelets in their beard is one without house or family, whether destroyed or disowned it is not known.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Dov names typically follow this given pattern. First name, middle name (house name or father's name with no house and mother's name if father is not present), last name.
Example: Burak Steelhammer Demir
Example: Burak Steelhammer Demir
Lifespan
200 years
Average Height
5ft
Average Weight
200 lbs
Geographic Distribution
Major Dovmek Houses
Mora
Din
Hain
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