Northern Dwarf
The Northern Dwarves hail from the brutal land of Brondheim. Dozens of generations ago, several clans left the Drakor Mountains and headed west because the slow reproducing dwarves could not continue to compete with the ever increasing numbers of the rapidly spawning orcs and goblins for resources and land. Most of them settled into the Peaks of Dawn, but a few other clans kept traveling north, and settled in the land known as Brondheim. There the clans were almost wiped out as the land was too frozen and hard to mine and dig deep into to build a dwarven hall, so the dwarves were forced to live mostly above ground and here they would have frozen to death or died from starvation. Nearing extinction, the dwarves reached out for help from nearby tribes of barbaric humans. The humans taught the dwarves to fish (dwarves generally don't like open water), and to trap and hunt northern game. They taught the dwarves how to survive the brutal climate of the north, and how to build wooden longhouses above ground. Over the centuries, the dwarves have been mostly assimilated into the barbarian culture of the Northmen, even going so far as worshipping the Northmen's pantheon of gods-the Aesir, and combining the human's language with their own.
The Mountain Dwarves scoff at their northern cousins and do not not consider the northerners to be "true dwarves." Some older mountain dwarves consider the Northern Dwarves to be "race traitors," as the northerners are considered to have abandoned dwarven tradition, dwarven life, the dwarven god, and even the dwarven language; while a growing number of younger Mountain Dwarves think the barbaric dwarves from Brondheim to be merely legend as the two peoples rarely mingle and the northern dwarves don't often leave the frozen wastes.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Audhild, Bardryn, Oagnal, Oiesa, Eldeth, Falkrunn, Finellen, Gunnloda, Gurdis, Helja, Hlin, Kathra, Lide, Liftrasa, Riswynn, Sannl, Torbera, Torgga.
Masculine names
Adrik, Brottor, Bruenor, Oain, Oelg, Fargrim, Flint, Harbek, Rangrim, Rurik, Thoradin, Thorin, Ulfgar, Veit, Vondal
Family names
Northern Dwarves do not have clan or family names, and their full name will feature their given name and their lineage. For example, Ulfgar, son of Durginn. Sometimes these names will go back a few generations.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The primary language of the Northern Dwarves is Northerner, a robust and gritty tongue that reflects their rugged lifestyle and the harsh environment of Brondheim. Northerner is a blend of the ancient Brondheim dialect, once spoken by the region's earliest inhabitants, and the traditional Dwarven language, which has been adapted over generations to suit the unique culture and experiences of the Northern Dwarves.
In its spoken form, Northerner incorporates a variety of guttural sounds and sharp consonants, often resembling the gruff speech of the Northmen with whom the dwarves share their land. The vocabulary is rich with terms related to survival, combat, and the natural world, reflecting the daily lives and struggles of the Northern Dwarves.
The written form of Northerner has evolved into crudely drawn runes, inspired by traditional dwarven script but simplified to accommodate the practical needs of their society. These runes often convey more than just language; they serve as symbols of clan identity and personal achievements, with each dwarf adding their unique marks to the language as a form of self-expression.
While Northerner is the predominant language, many Northern Dwarves also speak Trade, the common tongue that facilitates communication with outsiders and allies. However, the use of Trade is often limited to necessary interactions, as the Northern Dwarves take great pride in their native language and cultural heritage.
Culture and cultural heritage
The Northern Dwarves are a people of resilience, shaped by a world that seeks to break them at every turn. Their culture is one of survival, strength, and an unshakable sense of honor—values instilled from birth and reinforced throughout their lives.
Oral Tradition & Songs of Glory
] Unlike their Mountain Dwarf cousins, who rely on stone-carved records and meticulous archives, Northern Dwarves pass down their history through oral tradition. Great deeds are immortalized in songs, sagas, and boasts told around roaring hearthfires. These tales are exaggerated over generations, turning warriors into legends and battles into epics. A Northern Dwarf who dies without a song is considered truly forgotten.The Warrior’s Path
While every dwarf is expected to fight, those who embrace the warrior’s path are held in the highest regard. Raiding and battle are not just survival tactics but sacred pursuits. Those who fall in battle are honored with great feasts, and the most heroic are given burial rites that elevate them to near-mythic status. Weapons are not just tools but companions, often named and passed down through generations.Brotherhood of the Clans
Northern Dwarves are fiercely independent but hold clan loyalty above all else. Blood feuds between clans do occur, but when an external threat arises—be it an orc horde, a frost giant warband, or even the Mountain Dwarves looking to reassert their "lost kin"—they unite with terrifying efficiency. Oaths of loyalty are sacred, and betrayal is the worst crime imaginable.The Call of the Wild
Years of exposure to the brutal elements have given Northern Dwarves a deep reverence for the land. They see nature not as something to be tamed, but as a force to be respected and endured. Many dwarves take on the pelts and bones of their greatest kills as both armor and trophies, believing they gain the strength of the beasts they slay.A People Set Apart
To the Mountain Dwarves, the Northerners are barely dwarves at all. To the Northmen of Brondheim, they are honored battle-brothers. The Northern Dwarves do not seek approval from either. They are what the land has made them—harsh, unyielding, and utterly fearless.Shared customary codes and values
The Northern Dwarves uphold a robust code of conduct shaped by their harsh environment and the survivalist mentality forged through generations of struggle. Key values include:
Survival Above All: Every dwarf, regardless of gender, is expected to contribute to the clan's survival. This ethos promotes a sense of communal responsibility, where each member's strengths are leveraged for the greater good.
Honor in Combat: Combat is viewed as an honorable endeavor. Northern Dwarves are taught to fight with bravery and integrity, adhering to a code that respects both allies and foes. Betrayal, especially in battle, is met with severe consequences.
Loyalty to Kin and Allies: Loyalty is paramount, particularly towards family and the Northmen, who are seen as their saviors and allies. The bond between Northern Dwarves and Northmen is deep-rooted, with mutual respect and support essential for their coexistence.
Resilience and Toughness: Emphasizing physical and emotional resilience, Northern Dwarves take pride in enduring the harshness of their environment. They believe that suffering builds character and fortitude, and those who can withstand pain are honored.
Camaraderie and Celebration: Festivals and gatherings are crucial for reinforcing community bonds. The Northern Dwarves celebrate victories, share stories of valor, and honor fallen comrades, emphasizing the importance of unity in facing adversity.
Respect for the Past: Although they have assimilated aspects of Northmen culture, Northern Dwarves maintain a reverence for their ancestral traditions and the sacrifices made by their forebears. This respect informs their identity and fosters a connection to their heritage.
Average technological level
The Northern Dwarves have developed a unique blend of technological and survival skills suited for their harsh, frozen environment. Drawing upon their ancestral knowledge of mining and craftsmanship, they have adapted these skills to their new surroundings, resulting in several key advancements:
Woodworking and Construction: Unlike their Mountain Dwarf cousins, who primarily focus on stonework, Northern Dwarves have become skilled woodworkers. They build sturdy longhouses from the abundant timber found in their surroundings, reinforcing these structures against the biting cold and harsh winds. Their designs incorporate thick walls and slanted roofs to prevent snow accumulation.
Weaponry and Armor: Northern Dwarves excel in crafting weapons and armor that are specifically designed for battle in frozen landscapes. They forge axes, spears, and other weapons from metal they mine and repurpose from their ancestral traditions, while also incorporating bones and materials from defeated foes into their designs for added symbolism and functionality.
Hunting and Fishing Tools: Influenced by their human allies, Northern Dwarves have developed various tools for hunting and fishing, including traps, nets, and spears suited for the icy waters. They use their knowledge of the terrain to create effective hunting techniques that maximize their chances of survival.
Survival Techniques: Through their experiences in Brondheim, Northern Dwarves have become experts in survival skills, including building fires that can withstand strong winds, finding shelter in the snow, and preserving food for the long winter months. They utilize every part of the animals they hunt, demonstrating a resourcefulness that reflects their respect for nature.
Cultural Innovations: The integration of Northern Dwarves with Northmen has led to the exchange of knowledge and technologies, including shipbuilding techniques adapted to their cold environment, allowing for limited travel on frozen waters.
While they may not match the Mountain Dwarves in terms of sheer stonecrafting, the Northern Dwarves have created a technological identity that suits their unique environment, enabling them to thrive in a land that once threatened their existence.
Common Etiquette rules
The common etiquette of Northern Dwarves is shaped by their harsh environment and the brutal realities of life in Brondheim, leading to a code of conduct that values strength, honesty, and communal bonds. While they share some customs with their Mountain Dwarf cousins, several distinct practices set them apart:
Directness and Honesty: Northern Dwarves value straightforward communication. They are blunt and to the point, believing that honesty is a sign of respect. Deception or beating around the bush is frowned upon, and a dwarf who fails to speak the truth may be considered cowardly.
Respect for Strength: Physical prowess and bravery are highly regarded among Northern Dwarves. Demonstrating strength in both body and spirit earns respect, and those who show cowardice or weakness are often shunned. This respect extends to both men and women, as all are expected to contribute to the clan's survival.
Feasting and Hospitality: Feasts are central to Northern Dwarven culture, serving as both celebration and community bonding. When hosting guests, it is customary to offer the best food and drink available. Refusing a drink or food can be seen as an insult, while finishing your plate is a sign of appreciation.
Battle Companionship: In battle, camaraderie is paramount. Northern Dwarves are expected to fight alongside their kin, and to abandon a comrade in need is seen as the gravest betrayal. After a battle, it is customary to toast fallen warriors, honoring their sacrifices with shared stories and memories.
Tattoo Significance: Tattoos hold great meaning in Northern Dwarven society. Each design represents personal achievements, tributes to lost comrades, or even family lineage. Showing one's tattoos during social gatherings is a way of expressing pride and fostering connections among clan members.
Ritual Greetings: Greetings among Northern Dwarves often involve a firm handshake and direct eye contact, signifying strength and sincerity. The exchange of friendly insults or boasts may also be common, as humor and bravado are important aspects of social interactions.
Gift Exchange: It is customary to bring gifts when visiting another clan's hall, particularly items crafted or foraged by oneself. Gifts symbolize goodwill and respect, and their value is often measured by the effort put into them rather than their material worth.
Common Dress code
he Northern Dwarves dress for survival first and status second. Their homeland, Brondheim, is a land of relentless ice, bitter winds, and scarce resources, so their clothing is built for resilience and warmth. Unlike their Mountain Dwarf cousins, who favor finely woven fabrics and intricate metalwork, Northern Dwarves wear practical, heavily layered garments crafted from furs, hides, and wool. Their attire is rough-hewn but well-made, built to endure both the elements and battle.
Boots are sturdy, made of thick leather reinforced with fur lining and often wrapped in cloth bindings to keep the cold out.
Armor is primarily composed of hardened leather, layered hides, or scavenged iron plates, but chainmail is rare due to the difficulty of metalworking in Brondheim’s frozen conditions.
Some warriors wear war-pelts—stripped hides of beasts they have slain in battle—to display their hunting prowess.
Like the men, they wear trousers and thick boots, though some favor long skirts over trousers for ceremonial occasions.
Fur-lined cloaks or shawls are common, especially in colder months.
Women also wear armor when needed, though it is usually tailored to allow greater movement, as many serve as scouts, hunters, or raiders.
Due to the harsh climate, children are wrapped in additional furs during their earliest years to protect them from the cold.
Trophies & Trinkets – Instead of gold and jewels, Northern Dwarves decorate themselves with bones, teeth, and metal tokens taken from slain enemies or mighty beasts. Warriors often braid small trophies into their beards or hair.
War Paint & Tattoos – Before battle, many Northern Dwarves paint their faces and bodies with crude pigments made from crushed minerals and blood. This enhances their already fearsome appearance, making them look like specters of death on the battlefield. Tattoos, often black or blue, are carved into the skin with bone needles, marking a warrior’s achievements, oaths, or ancestry.
Helms & Headgear – While full helmets are rare, many wear open-faced iron or leather helms lined with fur. Some carve bone or metal charms into their headgear as protective totems.
Men’s Attire
Northern Dwarf men wear thick tunics made of wool or leather, often lined with fur to provide warmth. The tunics are secured with broad belts, and many wear heavy cloaks fastened by bone or iron clasps. Trousers are made from durable leather or wool and are often wrapped with strips of fur or hide for extra insulation.Boots are sturdy, made of thick leather reinforced with fur lining and often wrapped in cloth bindings to keep the cold out.
Armor is primarily composed of hardened leather, layered hides, or scavenged iron plates, but chainmail is rare due to the difficulty of metalworking in Brondheim’s frozen conditions.
Some warriors wear war-pelts—stripped hides of beasts they have slain in battle—to display their hunting prowess.
Women’s Attire
Women wear similar tunics to men, often longer, reaching mid-thigh or knee-length, but always practical and warm. They also secure their clothing with belts, from which hang pouches, tools, or weapons.Like the men, they wear trousers and thick boots, though some favor long skirts over trousers for ceremonial occasions.
Fur-lined cloaks or shawls are common, especially in colder months.
Women also wear armor when needed, though it is usually tailored to allow greater movement, as many serve as scouts, hunters, or raiders.
Children’s Attire
Young Northern Dwarves dress much like their elders but in simpler, more practical forms. Their clothing is often hand-me-downs from older siblings or parents, repurposed until worn beyond use.Due to the harsh climate, children are wrapped in additional furs during their earliest years to protect them from the cold.
Adornments and Accessories
Pelts & Hides – Furs from wolves, bears, and other northern beasts are prized for warmth and status. The more dangerous the beast, the more honor in wearing its pelt.Trophies & Trinkets – Instead of gold and jewels, Northern Dwarves decorate themselves with bones, teeth, and metal tokens taken from slain enemies or mighty beasts. Warriors often braid small trophies into their beards or hair.
War Paint & Tattoos – Before battle, many Northern Dwarves paint their faces and bodies with crude pigments made from crushed minerals and blood. This enhances their already fearsome appearance, making them look like specters of death on the battlefield. Tattoos, often black or blue, are carved into the skin with bone needles, marking a warrior’s achievements, oaths, or ancestry.
Helms & Headgear – While full helmets are rare, many wear open-faced iron or leather helms lined with fur. Some carve bone or metal charms into their headgear as protective totems.
Cultural Significance
Unlike their Mountain Dwarf kin, Northern Dwarves see little need for delicate embroidery or gilded finery. Their clothing is a reflection of their way of life—practical, rugged, and battle-worn. A warrior’s furs tell of their hunts, their scars tell of their battles, and their trophies tell of their victories. In the frozen land of Brondheim, to dress soft is to die, and the Northern Dwarves embrace their savage beauty with pride.Art & Architecture
Northern Dwarves see art not as frivolous decoration but as a reflection of survival, conquest, and legacy. Their most common artistic expressions come in the form of intricate carvings etched into weapons, armor, and longhouse beams—each telling a tale of battle, honor, or ancestral lineage. Their tattoos, often crude and jagged, serve as living murals of their greatest achievements, hardships, and oaths.
Their architecture is brutalist in function yet steeped in tradition. Unlike their mountain-dwelling cousins, Northern Dwarves rarely build deep underground, as the permafrost makes excavation nearly impossible. Instead, they construct fortified wooden longhouses, reinforced with stone foundations and thick hides to keep out the cold. The interiors are adorned with trophies from past hunts and raids—be it the skulls of slain beasts, the shields of fallen foes, or banners taken from rival clans.
Massive carved pillars often support the halls of prominent warriors and chieftains, each pillar telling the saga of their victories. The most honored among them may have their exploits woven into tapestries crafted by their kin, ensuring their deeds live on even after death.
Wherever Northern Dwarves settle, one can always find a great hearth at the heart of their gathering places—a beacon of warmth against the frozen wastes and a reminder that survival is won through fire, steel, and brotherhood.
Foods & Cuisine
urvival in Brondheim demands a diet as rugged as the land itself. Northern Dwarves are hunters, fishers, and scavengers first and foremost, with agriculture being nearly nonexistent in the frozen wastes. Their meals are heavy, hearty, and high in fat to sustain them through brutal winters and long battles.
The staple of their diet is meat—seal, elk, bear, mammoth, and even whale when possible. Fresh kills are roasted over open flames, while surplus meat is preserved through smoking, drying, or fermenting in ice-packed pits. Blood pudding and bone marrow broth are common, as no part of an animal is wasted.
Despite their aversion to the sea, fish and seafood are crucial to their diet, thanks to the survival teachings of their Northmen allies. Salted cod, smoked trout, and pickled herring are common fare, alongside seaweed and kelp when available.
Dairy is a rare but treasured commodity, with fermented goat’s milk and strong, pungent cheeses made from hardy mountain goats. Northern Dwarves are known to brew their own fermented drinks, crafting thick, honey-laden mead and powerful, gut-warming ale that fuels both feasts and war parties alike.
Foraged foods include lichen, moss, winter berries, and roots, though these are often eaten out of necessity rather than enjoyment. A Northern Dwarf’s feast is not complete without blood sausages, charred meats, and a roaring fire—all consumed among comrades, with tankards raised in raucous toasts to victory and survival.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
The Northern Dwarves are a people forged in hardship, their traditions steeped in the brutality of survival and the unbreakable bonds of kinship. Every custom they follow serves a purpose—whether to prepare for war, endure the merciless cold, or strengthen the ties that bind clan and comrade.
The Winter Cull – The Path to Valhalla
Life in Brondheim is merciless, and the Northern Dwarves show no quarter to weakness. When winter sets in and food grows scarce, the old, the infirm, and the mortally wounded take up their weapons for one final battle. It is tradition for these dwarves to hunt the deadliest creatures in the frozen wastes or raid an enemy camp, seeking a warrior’s death rather than wasting away. Those who fall in battle are believed to be chosen by the war gods of the Aesir, their spirits carried by the Valkyries to feast forever in Valhalla. Their names are carved into the great stone pillars of their clanholds, ensuring they are never forgotten. However, those who return victorious prove they still have strength, earning the right to live another year. If a dwarf is too weak to fight, they are given a blade and expected to carve their own path to the afterlife—better to die by steel than by starvation.The Blood Oath
Words mean little in the frozen north, but blood binds deeper than any contract. When a dwarf swears a mighty vow—to avenge a wrong, to repay a debt, or to cement an alliance—it is done with a bloodletting ritual. Each party to the oath cuts their palm and presses it to the other’s, mingling their lifeblood. Breaking such an oath is one of the gravest dishonors a dwarf can commit and marks the oathbreaker as an outcast, shunned even by their own kin.The Reaving Season
During the brief summer, when the ice thaws just enough to make long journeys feasible, the Northern Dwarves set sail alongside their human allies on great longships. They raid rival clans, human villages, or even the coastlines of distant lands. For many dwarves, reaving is not just for plunder—it is a rite of passage, a test of one's mettle. A young warrior who returns without at least one new scar or trophy from a fallen foe is mocked as untested and soft.The Mammoth Hunt
One of the most honored traditions among the Northern Dwarves is the mammoth hunt. When a clan seeks to prove its strength, they track down one of these behemoths in the frozen wastes. The kill must be made with steel and spear alone—no magic, no cowardly traps. The hunters who land the fatal blow carve their names into the beast’s skull, which is then displayed in the clan’s great hall as a mark of glory.The Feast of the Fallen
Northern Dwarves do not mourn the dead with weeping and wailing. When a warrior falls, their kin drink, feast, and tell tales of their deeds, ensuring their name lives on. The finest cut of the funeral feast is reserved for the closest kin, who must eat it raw and bloody to take in the strength of the fallen. Only when the last mug of mead is drained, and the last song is sung, do the dwarves finally lay their dead to rest.The Frostbrand Trial
Tattoos are sacred among the Northern Dwarves, and the first major marking of a warrior is earned through the Frostbrand Trial. On their tenth winter, a young dwarf must endure the searing pain of a frozen brand pressed against their skin, marking them as full members of the clan. The design represents their first great deed—be it a kill, a survival feat, or an act of cunning. Those who cry out in pain are considered weak, though not dishonored. Those who endure in silence earn deeper respect.The Trial of Storm and Stone
Before a dwarf can take their place among the elders, they must endure a harrowing trial. Clad only in furs, they are sent alone into the storm-choked mountains with nothing but an axe. For seven nights, they must survive on their own, fighting off the cold, wild beasts, and whatever dangers the land throws at them. Those who return carry the marks of their struggle—whether scars, broken bones, or missing fingers—but they return as legends.Coming of Age Rites
The Trial of Blood and Ice
A Northern Dwarf is not truly recognized as an adult until they survive The Trial of Blood and Ice—a brutal test of endurance, skill, and sheer willpower. When a dwarf reaches their 16th winter, they are sent out alone into the frozen wilderness, armed with only a single weapon of their choice and the furs on their back. Their task? Survive for one full moon cycle and return with proof of their worth. This proof varies depending on the dwarf:- Hunters return with the pelt of a beast they slew.
- Warriors may return with the head or weapon of an enemy.[/li\
- Survivalists bring back a crafted tool, showing their ability to thrive in the wild.
Funerary and Memorial customs
To the Northern Dwarves, death is not the end—it is merely the beginning of a warrior’s final journey. They believe that those who die with courage in their hearts and steel in their hands are taken by the valkyries to the Great Mead Hall of the Aesir, where they will feast and fight alongside the gods until the end of days. Those who die in disgrace—cowards, oathbreakers, or the weak—are left to wander the frozen wastes as forgotten spirits, never to find rest.
When a warrior of worth falls, their body is laid atop a great funeral pyre, built upon a longship or a massive wooden bier. Their weapons, armor, and personal trophies are placed beside them, so they may carry their strength into the afterlife. A slain warrior’s finest kill—be it a frost giant’s skull, a great beast’s pelt, or an enemy’s severed head—may be placed at their feet as proof of their glory.
Once the pyre is prepared, the clan gathers, drinking deep from horns of mead, recounting the deeds of the fallen in loud, raucous celebration. There are no somber goodbyes—only praise for a life well fought. When the final toast is made, the funeral pyre is set ablaze, either on land or atop a ship pushed out onto the frozen sea. If the flames burn bright and fierce, it is said that the gods have accepted the fallen into their halls.
For those too poor or unproven to warrant a pyre, their bodies are given to the ice—buried beneath the permafrost or cast into the sea, their fate left to the will of the gods. But for the disgraced, the oathbreakers, and the cowards? There is no honor in death. Their bodies are left to rot, unburned and unburied, denied even the cold embrace of the earth.
Common Taboos
The Northern Dwarves live by an unyielding code of honor, and to break from this code is to invite shame, exile, or even death. While they tolerate hardship and bloodshed as facts of life, there are certain lines that no Northern Dwarf would dare cross without consequence.
Cowardice in Battle – To flee from combat, abandon one’s shield-brothers, or refuse a challenge is an unthinkable disgrace. A dwarf who is deemed a coward is stripped of their name, their weapons shattered, and they are cast out into the frozen wastes. To die alone and forgotten is considered the worst fate imaginable.
Oathbreaking – A Northern Dwarf’s word is their bond, and to break an oath is to sever the thread of one’s honor. Sworn oaths, whether made to kin, allies, or even enemies, must be upheld. A known oathbreaker will find themselves shunned, if not outright executed by their own kin.
Harming Kin or Clan – To strike down another dwarf in cold blood, betray the clan, or bring harm to one's own kin without just cause is an act of treason. Feuds do exist among the clans, but disputes are settled through trial by combat or arbitration, not treachery. A dwarf who murders their own without cause is slain or exiled.
Desecrating the Fallen – The dead must be honored, even those of one’s enemies. Looting a fallen foe’s weapons, armor, or tokens of valor is accepted, but leaving a warrior’s body to rot, defiling their remains, or stealing their burial treasures is a cursed act that invites misfortune upon the thief and their entire line.
Refusing Hospitality – The frozen lands of Brondheim are unforgiving, and survival depends on community. To refuse food, shelter, or aid to a traveler in need—especially a fellow dwarf—is an insult to the gods. Even an enemy, if they come to one’s hall seeking refuge in good faith, must be granted a seat by the fire until the terms of their departure are set.
Disrespecting the Gods – The Aesir demand reverence, and to mock, scorn, or turn one’s back on them is an affront that brings only misfortune. Shrines must be tended, offerings made, and great deeds spoken of in their honor. To deny the gods is to deny one’s own fate and place in the world.
Refusing a Duel – Strength and skill are the measures of a dwarf, and when challenged, one must answer. To refuse a duel without just cause is seen as weakness. Whether by fist, axe, or wit, a challenge must be met, for it is through struggle that a dwarf proves their worth.
The Mark of the Weak – Those who fail their trials of adulthood three times are considered dead to the clan. They are given no further chances and are either exiled or, if they refuse to leave, slain outright. To allow the weak to remain is to weaken the clan itself.
Common Myths and Legends
The Northern Dwarves of Brondheim have a rich tapestry of myths and legends that reflect their arduous journey and the trials they faced in their harsh new homeland. Central to their lore is the story of their migration from the Drakor Mountains, a tale that has been passed down through generations.
The Great Exodus
In the dim past, the dwarven clans of the Drakor Mountains faced a dire threat from the relentless hordes of orcs and goblins. As the numbers of their enemies swelled, the clans made the difficult decision to leave their ancestral home in search of a safer refuge. This exodus was not merely a flight from danger; it was a testament to the dwarves' resilience and their commitment to survival. As they ventured westward, they carried with them their traditions, hopes, and a shared determination to forge a new life.The Frozen Wastes
Upon reaching the Peaks of Dawn and eventually the unforgiving land of Brondheim, the Northern Dwarves encountered a hostile environment. The harsh winters and frozen terrain challenged their skills and ingenuity, forcing them to adapt in ways they never anticipated. Legends speak of the "Trial of Frost," where the first settlers endured the biting cold and the scarcity of food, demonstrating their tenacity. Many dwarves perished in this brutal landscape, and their sacrifices are honored in songs and stories.The Rescue of the Northmen
As the Northern Dwarves faced extinction, their plight did not go unnoticed. In their darkest hour, they reached out to the nearby tribes of barbaric humans—the Northmen. The legend of "The Alliance of the Ice" tells of how these fierce warriors taught the dwarves essential survival skills, from fishing in icy waters to hunting the northern game. In return, the dwarves shared their craftsmanship, forging bonds that would last for centuries. This alliance is celebrated in the annual "Feast of Frost," where dwarves and Northmen gather to honor their ancestors and reaffirm their commitment to each other. The tale of the rescue embodies the spirit of unity and loyalty, reinforcing the Northern Dwarves' values.The Fall and Ascendancy to Valhalla
In the Northern Dwarven culture, death is not seen as the end but as a passage to Valhalla, where the bravest souls reside among the Aesir. The "Winter Culling" is a significant event in which warriors who have proven their valor in battle are honored. Those who fall during this rite are believed to join their ancestors in the great halls of the gods, feasting and fighting for eternity. Legends recount how the spirits of these fallen heroes guide their kin, granting them strength in battle and protection in their endeavors. The Northern Dwarves take great pride in these myths, as they not only connect them to their ancestry but also inspire future generations to embody the same courage and resilience.Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Unlike their mountain-dwelling cousins, Northern Dwarves care little for meticulous grooming or ornate decoration. Their beauty is not measured by refinement, but by resilience, ferocity, and the scars of survival.
Male dwarves still grow their beards, but rather than meticulously braiding and adorning them with gems and gold, they weave trophies of battle into their thick facial hair—fangs, bones, and even the teeth of slain enemies. Their beards are not just a point of pride but a testament to their prowess in battle.
Northern dwarf women follow similar traditions, adorning their thick tresses with trinkets and charms, though their hair is often kept at a more practical length. While some women wear their hair long, others shear it short, valuing function over vanity in the brutal cold of Brondheim.
Both men and women mark their bodies—and sometimes their faces—with crude, ritualistic tattoos. These markings are not merely for decoration but serve to strike fear into their enemies and signal their endurance. The more elaborate the tattoos, the more pain the dwarf has withstood, making them more desirable as mates. Scars, whether from battle or ritualistic branding, are equally respected. To bear both ink and wounds is to carry the story of one’s survival upon their skin.
Gender Ideals
mong the Northern Dwarves, men and women stand as equals in all aspects of life, bound by the harsh realities of Brondheim. Strength, resilience, and the will to endure are the only measures of worth, regardless of gender. A male dwarf is just as likely to be found scavenging and foraging in the frozen tundra as a female dwarf is to be wielding an axe in the midst of a raiding party. Every member of a clan is expected to contribute, whether by hunting, crafting, fighting, or ensuring the survival of their kin.
This egalitarian approach is not born of philosophy but of necessity. In the brutal north, weakness is death, and survival demands the effort of all. From a young age, both boys and girls are trained in combat, hunting, and the ways of the wild, for the frozen wastes show no mercy to those who cannot fend for themselves. The Northern Dwarves hold no patience for idle hands, nor do they believe in coddling their own—only through struggle can one prove their worth.
While roles are shared, certain traditions remain. Men often take up the mantle of warleaders, their decorated beards marking them as veterans of many battles, while women frequently lead their clans in matters of hearth and home, their wisdom guiding the survival of their people. Yet, these are fluid roles, and a warrior’s valor is measured by their deeds, not their lineage or gender. In Brondheim, there is no room for division—only the strong endure.
Courtship Ideals
Courtship among the Northern Dwarves is as fierce and unyielding as the land they call home. Romance is not a delicate dance but a brutal contest, where strength, endurance, and skill determine the worth of a potential mate. Traditionally, a suitor—regardless of gender—must prove their mettle by performing great feats, such as hunting dangerous beasts, enduring harsh elements without complaint, or besting rivals in contests of combat or physical endurance.
Scars and tattoos serve as badges of honor, with intricate designs signifying past glories and personal triumphs. A particularly daring show of affection involves lovers gifting each other trophies taken from enemies—the larger and more fearsome the trophy, the deeper the devotion. Some even challenge their intended in ritual combat, for it is said that true love is forged in the heat of battle.
Though such courtship might seem brutal to outsiders, Northern Dwarves view it as a necessary trial. Love is not merely an emotion; it is a bond tempered in hardship, a promise that one's partner will stand strong through the storms and bloodshed that life in Brondheim guarantees. Only those who can fight and endure together are seen as worthy of building a future.
Relationship Ideals
Loyalty is the cornerstone of relationships among the Northern Dwarves. Their bonds are forged through shared struggles, mutual respect, and a fierce sense of duty to one another. This loyalty extends beyond immediate family, encompassing their clans and the Northmen of Brondheim, who helped their ancestors survive in the harsh northern climate. The Northern Dwarves honor the sacrifices made by these humans and maintain strong alliances, often participating in raids and battles side by side.
Friendship among Northern Dwarves is often tested through trials of strength and skill, with those who prove themselves earning the right to forge deeper connections. Romantic relationships are similarly grounded in loyalty; partners are expected to support one another in both battle and daily life. Betrayal is met with severe repercussions, as trust is a hard-earned commodity in the unforgiving land of Brondheim.
In the eyes of the Northern Dwarves, relationships are not merely about affection but about commitment, resilience, and standing together against the odds. They believe that true love is forged in the fires of shared experience and hardship, making their bonds all the more precious.
Use the racial abilities for Dwarf found in the Player's Handbook to build your northern dwarf character. Add the traits for the Northern Dwarf found in your D&D Beyond Campaign, or use the statblock below.
by Generated by Malekoth using Image Creator from Microsoft Designer via Bing
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