Storm Dwarves

Dwarves that make their home on Arathel within the caverns to either side of the Storm Rift are known as Storm Dwarves. Physically similar to many other dwarves on Quel, Storm Dwarves have a unique society and culture forged by hundreds of years of war against the now extinct Arathelian Orcs and the dwarves' chosen home in the Storm Rift. Well known aspects of Storm Dwarf society and culture include a strongly caste-based social system, immense pride in dwarven military prowess and architecture, a general uneasiness and mistrust of humans, and their homegrown liquor Scorch. Storm Dwarves can be found all over Arathel, but are concentrated in settlements within the Storm Rift located in the NE of the continent.

A Caste-Based Social Structure

The long war with the Orcs shaped Storm Dwarf society and culture; Paladins and Priests who called upon the the Gods to defeat the Orcs and save their people became revered. Viewed as saviors of the dwarven people, they now sit atop a strongly caste-based society as members of the "Anointed" (Paladins) and "Called" (priests) castes. Other high castes include normal warriors ("Dedicated" caste) and others whose ancestors directly supported the war effort in the field. All members of these upper castes can trace their family lineage back to one or more dwarves who fought to eradicate the Orcs from Arathel thousands of years ago. Those whose ancestors stayed in settlements away from the fighting are relegated to lower castes. Miners, who not only stayed home but "hid deep underground", are viewed with the most disdain and constitute the lowest caste, the "Delver" caste. Lowest of all, the clanless, are those who have been cast out of society and are alternatively viewed with pity or disgust.
Coming out of either the Anointed or Called Castes, but regarded as standing a half step above, is the royal family and the royal councilors. The royal family comes from among a select few families (who each provide a royal councilor) within the Anointed and Called who can trace their lineage directly to the exalted hero of the Orc Wars, Togar Sparkhammer.

Royal Succession

When a ruler dies without a direct heir (i.e., within the nuclear family), a new ruler and royal family must be chosen. Amongst the royal councilors, those who wish to claim the throne are “given to the gods” in an elaborate ceremony. It is believed that the gods exert their will during the ceremony, thereby choosing the next ruler. This transition is rare, however. Royal families tend to have many children to avoid a loss of power. For example, the current royal family has been in power for nearly 1200 years, with the current King being the 8th ruler in that line and having 6 living children. Indeed, this is only the fourth changeover in royal family since the Battle of Arguk ended the Orc infestation.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

First names tend to be rather freeform in the Storm Dwarf society, with some choosing names with special significance and others going for beauty or a general feel of the name.  In contrast, last names indicate both clan and general caste level in society.  For example, the lowest caste of miners tend to have clan names that speak to specific rock types or talk about digging into rocks.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Both male and female dwarves grow hair upon the tops of their heads rapidly and tend to braid or corral that hair in one way or another. It is very common to use metal rings to hold the ends of braids with each metal ring representing something of significance to the owner. Often, these rings represent family members, a promise to someone close to them, or a dream or desire of the owner; the rings are meant to serve as reminders to the wearer and a show of connection to society to others.

History

Before the arrival of Humans on Arathel, the Storm Dwarves were allied with the Gnomes of Tanglemoor in a long-running war against the Orcs. The war stretched for hundreds of years and finally came to an end in 153 PR at the Decimation of Arguk,  when the final settlement of Orcs was annihilated by the Dwarves.
The war finally ended after generations of fighting, the Dwarves were left with a Kingdom in shambles, with all wealth dedicated to military logistics and support systems. To avoid collapse, the Dwarves retreated to smaller and smaller areas. The retreat was accelerated by the arrival and spread of humans across Arathel; the humans were not hostile, but competitive and numerous. Finally, by ~700 SR, the Dwarves had locked themselves away within the natural fortress formed by the Storm Rift, claiming the land within and beneath as their Kingdom and home.

Historical Figures

Perhaps the most powerful Storm Dwarf warrior ever born, Togar Sparkhammer was a devotee of Keres and spent his life fighting the Orcs across numerous campaigns and military actions. Legend says that in a time of great need, Togar called upon Keres for aid and Keres responded. In the heat of battle, a bolt of purple-hued lightning flashed down from a cloudless sky, striking his hammer and causing it to glow with divine power. Thereafter, Togar carried his magical warhammer (the Sparkhammer) into battle against the Orcs who feared and despised the weapon and its carrier.

Common Myths and Legends

The Fall of Togar Sparkhammer

In the final battle against the Orcs, Togar Sparkhammer was vanquished before the battle even began. He was killed by a single arrow that passed straight through his eye and into his brain. The arrow was loosed by a young Orc scout ranging in the area around Arguk. The fall of Sparkhammer briefly paralyzed the Storm Dwarf military force – Togar was the heart of morale in the unit. Yet, on this occasion, Togar’s sister, Ivaldi was part of the strike force; she stepped forward and raised the Sparkhammer to the sky, causing a cascade of purple lightning bolts to arc above the dwarven warriors. Her actions cheered raised shouts of celebration and determination to rise up from the other dwarves even as tears streamed down her face. The strikeforce then moved forward to finish the Orcs.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Intimate relations are looked down upon by Storm Dwarf society. Those who participate in such interspecies romances tend to be shunned by their relatives and friends, forcing them to live on the edges of Dwarven society or, more commonly, outside of Dwarven settlements.