Dwarf
The Dwarves are a hardy and ancient race, originating from the rugged mountains of the Khelreach Range. Known for their short stature, stocky build, and remarkable endurance, Dwarves have carved out a legacy of resilience and craftsmanship unmatched by any other race. However, the presence of Dwarves in the North has grown increasingly rare as their once-mighty kingdoms have fallen silent over the centuries. By 201IE, only the Dwarves of Khel Doran remain actively engaged with the wider world, their stronghold standing as the last great bastion of Dwarven civilization.
Dwarves of Khel Doran
Khel Doran is the crown jewel of Dwarven heritage, a fortress-city nestled deep within the Khelreach Range. It is renowned across the world for its unparalleled mines and masterful metalwork, producing the finest arms, armor, and artisanal goods ever fielded in war or trade. The Dwarves of Khel Doran are equally famous for their elite warriors, whose prowess in battle has made them a sought-after force, particularly by Holzreich. Despite its external grandeur, Khel Doran is not without its challenges. Internally, the city is governed by a Council of Clan Leaders, a system that ensures representation for all major clans but also leads to frequent political unrest. Debates between the clans, particularly when concerning trade and military contracts, can occasionally erupt into heated disputes that threaten the city’s stability.Basic Information
Anatomy
Dwarves are easily recognized by their stout build and rugged features. Standing no taller than five feet, they are a compact and powerful people, with broad shoulders and sinewy limbs honed by a life of labor and conflict. Their skin tones range from pale to deep bronze, reflecting their subterranean origins. Long, intricately braided beards are a hallmark of Dwarven culture, often adorned with metal clasps and beads that denote their clan or personal achievements.
Civilization and Culture
Culture and Cultural Heritage
The culture of the Dwarves is one of tradition, pride, and unyielding discipline. They are a martial people, trained in the art of war from a young age. However, their identity extends far beyond the battlefield. They are master craftsmen, creating works of art from stone and metal, each piece a testament to their skill and patience. The forges of Khel Doran burn day and night, producing tools, weapons, and artifacts that are celebrated across the world.
Their society is deeply rooted in the clan system, with each Dwarf finding identity and purpose within their kinship group. Clan rivalries, while fierce, often drive innovation and progress. Beyond their industriousness, the Dwarves are also scholars and minstrels, preserving their history through rich oral traditions and detailed chronicles.
History
During the Mortal Interregnum, the Dwarves remained largely isolated, avoiding much of the chaos that consumed the surface. Their strongholds served as sanctuaries for refugees, forging early alliances with Humans that later proved pivotal during the Human Rebellion. However, even as the surface world stabilized, an unsettling silence began to spread across the once-thriving Dwarven strongholds.
Legends speak of an unknown calamity that swept through the Khelreach Range, devastating the Dwarven kingdoms. The exact nature of this calamity remains a mystery, shrouded in myth and speculation. Some believe it was an ancient curse awakened by their relentless mining, while others whisper of a malevolent force rising from the depths of the earth. Expeditions into the abandoned strongholds often end in disaster, with survivors returning pale and shaken, unwilling to speak of what they encountered.
This calamity is widely believed to be the reason why most Dwarven cities have fallen silent, leaving Khel Doran as the last bastion of their once-great civilization. Governed by a council of clans, the Dwarves of Khel Doran continue to thrive through their unmatched craftsmanship, trade, and military expertise, standing as a lone beacon of their enduring legacy in a world that has moved on from their peak.
The shadow of the calamity lingers over their history, fueling both fear and curiosity about what truly lies in the silent depths of the abandoned strongholds—a mystery that may yet hold answers to the Dwarves' decline and their future.
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