Dwarven Naming Culture

Smelting - Traditional Clans (e.g. Iron Clan)

• Iron Clan dwarves are born with the surname “Chamosite” (an unrefined iron ore) and must earn the honor of the Iron Clan prefix.
• When one earns their clan name, they go through a ceremony called their “Smelting”
• The clan name earned is related to the extraordinary feats performed. The most common examples are:

1. Ironforge – Smithing
2. Ironarm – Strength or offensive battle
3. Ironshield – Protection or endurance
4. Ironwill – Spellcasting

• Any monosyllable can follow the Iron- prefix if the corresponding deed is worthy of Smelting. A common Iron Clan tavern joke goes, “Oh, you manage to finish that drink and you’ll get Smelted ‘Irongut,’ harhar!”
• Most humans don’t understand dwarven naming culture.

1. Outsiders often confuse “Chamosite,” “Ironforge,” “Ironshield,” etc for completely different groups.
2. Other times they will refer to the whole Iron Clan as “Ironforge” since metalwork is the clan’s primary export and dwarven smiths are more likely to settle among humans than other dwarves

Exultation - Star Clan

The free-spirited Star Clan eschews the tradition of Smelting in favor of Exultations - Joyous declarations of one's embrace of the Star Clan, accompanied by a chosen clan name. In the Star Clan this is seen as a right of passage into adulthood, whereas in traditional clans Smelting is an honor that not all adults earn.

Name Progression

• Starchild - Initiates into the Star Clan, whether that be a baby born to it or an outsider exploring joining, is given the surname "Starchild."
• Childhood Name - When a child is able to speak, or when an outside initiate decides they are ready, they give themselves a new childhood surname that includes the word "Star."
• Exultation - When an adult member of the clan feels moved to declare their full embrace of the Star clan, they choose a new surname starting with the word "Star." This is event is a cause for celebration throughout the clan. While many Star Clan members stick with their original Exulted Name for life, none would bat an eye at changing it later on as you change with life. This does not affect one's status in the clan.