Dwarves
The origins of the Dwarves are lost to time and turmoil, but they have always maintained they were the only ethnicity to have survived some major calamity mostly whole, while the entire rest of the world literally burned and rained fire..
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Names are not differentiated by gender.
Masculine names
Names are not differentiated by gender.
Unisex names
They are almost universally unisex, except when the dwarf is walking 'above'
Family names
Bain, Dir, Nim, and more, but many dwarves are known more by from whence they came.
Other names
Dwarfs have no compunction making up names on the spot, and it is perfectly normal.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Dwarfish is spoken universally, although they are all taught Common at a very young age.
Culture and cultural heritage
There is an unofficial caste system within dwarven society, that many of the more 'woke' dwarves are loudly protesting.
Shared customary codes and values
Dwarves are doughty warriors and fierce combatants, but there are healers and rogues among them as well. Their social mannerisms revolve the idea of pure, unadulterated honesty. To each other. Only to each other.
Average technological level
Very advanced, architecturally and artisanally.
Common Etiquette rules
Dwarves are very polite. To each other. To surface dwellers, they seem quite gruff as a general rule.
Common Dress code
There is no formalized dress code, however, it is customary to wear a small, polished stone as a pendant whenever they have dealings 'Up above'.
Art & Architecture
Lifelike statuary and the world's best masons come from Dwavenholme. Dwarven architects will venture 'above' for the right price, and are never shy to tell one that all of the structures they have built 'atop', throughout time, are still standing.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
- Customarily, dwarves are expected to 'leave the den' at the age of 35, if they have not already done so. The now errant dwarf will spend some years 'making their fortune' before returning to Dwarvenholme. It is referred to as Santoeg . Many dwarfs are never seen again.
- Dwarfs love celebrations, good cheer, and good beer. Many a dispute has been settled by a barrel of good ale. Customarily, however, they will end their workday or adventure by enjoying a few rounds at a pub, whether they are above ground or below.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
Dwarves get pregnant only infrequently, and children are revered and coddled in their infancy. Formal education is afforded them...with or without the dwarf's consent.
Coming of Age Rites
Once a year, on the 1st of the eldest dwarf in Dwarvenholme will make a short speech to an assembled group of young dwarves, urging them to be their best and never forget where they came from, and that they could do absolutely anything if they just applied themselves hard enough. There is an epic party following the speech, and oftentimes the elder giving the speech goes on for as long as he can, just to needle the impatient youngsters wanting to go party with their friends.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Dwarves reproduce only very slowly, so the death of a dwarf is taken very seriously and that shows in their funeral rites. It is very solemn, but varies depending upon the gods they worship. Universally, however, they all need to be interned within the earth.
Common Taboos
- Wine...but it is a pretty loosely followed taboo.
- Tattooing one's face or neck
- The placement of a dwarf's body tattoos are as important as the image rendered. A dwarf will never tattoo his or her body with a symbol for death, or undeath, or necromancy. Dwarves hate necromancers
Historical figures
- Carl Brannaghan, known as 'the Builder'
- Durin of Dain, known as 'the Saint'
- Alda the Wise, known as 'the Healer'
- Corrigan of Unterhaille, known as 'the Rogue'
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Stone of any kind calls to dwarves, who longingly wish to transform subterranean spaces into beautiful mansions with running water and esplanades.
Gender Ideals
Dwarves are not interested in sex with anyone who is not interested in them.
Courtship Ideals
Generally, the dwarf with the nerve to begin a courtship will make something of dazzling beauty as both a gift and a statement of intent.
Relationship Ideals
Dwarves are monogamous, but they do get just as freaky as the rest of us.
Major organizations
The Dwarven East Aidni Company is a merchant's guild on a smaller scale that the Merchant and Sailors' Guild , but incredibly influential, nonetheless.
The Dwarfish language reference and dictionary.
Parent ethnicities
Related Organizations
Related Locations
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