Desert Dwarves

These Dwarves make their communities in deserts and wastelands. Their sprawling cities rise out of shifting sands, climb up the sides of cliff faces (and into them) or a combination. Their resiliency is based on standing fast when that is an option, but adapting and shifting when that would prove to be the better option.

Opposite of typical dwarven custom, many of these communities actually eschew alcohol for various practical and ideological reasons. Some see it as a possible hazard in a harsh environment while others think that a clouded judgment is not becoming of a proud people.

The two bastions of desert dwarf culture reside within the Zin Zareth cities of Bactran and Draman though other smaller communities exist at other locales of the Zin Zareth and elsewhere.

Two and a Half Castes

Desert dwarf culture has been built around a two caste system for their social structure. A majority of the population exists in the lower caste. This lower caste is socially unnamed but academically is referred to as the Commons or the Lessers. The upper caste is a group know as the Mahas ("The Greats") and are either addressed as such or have the title "Maha" placed before their name when being addressed. Movement between the castes is exceedingly difficult as a new Maha can only be named through other Mahas elevating a Lesser. Maha is not an inherited title though it is commonplace for an heir to be granted their parent's title and position due to the wealth and social standing that comes with growing up in proximity. The nature of having a predetermined set of individuals ready to be elevated to Maha is responsible for a phantom caste to exist between the Mahas and the Lessers. Demotion from Maha to lesser is equivalent to complete excommunication from the society and is almost unheard of.

A desert dwarf society is ruled by the Maha caste. The Mahas govern through accumulated wealth, power, and recognition. Political struggles exist between Mahas of the same society but warfare is a rare thing between them. Mahas are exempt from many laws of desert dwarf society despite the division being a societally decided one. Civil wars would do nothing but reduce public opinion of the Mahas in question. Instead, Mahas fight for public support through civil works. Whether it is improving water supplies and sewage, providing entertainment, or providing protection from street crime in their wards, Mahas buttress their position based on how they use their wealth. Despite this, most do not go out of their way to provide these services. They only have to do enough for the neighborhoods nearest their estates. Citizens living at the outskirts of two different Maha territories often find themselves without either's support because neither side wants the other to get credit for their good works.

Rites

There are many traditional laws that dictate desert dwarf culture. The traditions look different between the two major cities but the principles are the same. Some of the core fundamental rites include:
The Rite of Station: Society divides itself and those divisions are not to be infringed upon (the basis for Mahas being above many laws)
The Rite of Offense: If a crime is committed against you, you may forgo greater hearings to take justice into your own hands. All you must do is clearly claim the rite in public. The actions taken must be generally within the punishments a magistrate could ordain. You may be subject to other Rites of Offense and have immediate bias against you if you find yourself before a magistrate if your actions bring offense to non-offenders.
The Rite of Hospitality: If an individual welcomes another into their home, they are responsible for sheltering and feeding them until the guest chooses to leave.