Among the hills by the Sun Soul Monastery are the adventurous dwarves of Cemen Zerin who live in the hills surrounding Mt. Yamin. These dwarves spend their days panning for gold in the many streams of the Gelek Ceman Hills. The Zerina dwarves are acknowledged to be the most skillful in the crafting of precious metals and above-ground structures, and are ferocious hagglers when signing contracts.
Government
The Zerina dwarves are led by a Qiral who oversees the hold of Cemen Zerin and administers the Bazara Zer where the gold mined in the Gelek Ceman Hills is exchanged. The Qiral is advised by a council composed of a Minister of Trade, Minister of Faith, Minister of Hearth, Minister of Law, and Minister of Battle. The Qiral holds sway over debates between ministers and their word is law.
Known Qiral
- Midas Earthcarver (as of 139 AL)
Society
The Zerina dwarves primarily reside on the hold of Cemen Zerin on the slopes of Mt. Yamin at the center of the Gelek Ceman Hills. The dwarves have created many workers' societies that take in young dwarves and train them in a trade. Even the Qiral and Ministers tread carefully if the societies disagree with their views. Some of the most prominent societies are the smiths, prospectors, merchants, farmers, brewers, and builders.
Many societies have been led by the same families for generations whose legacy and honor are tied to their workers' well-being. While the Prospector's Society lead the efforts to coax gold from streams and hillsides, most Zerina dwarves will spend some of their free time walking the hills to find a likely spot to pan for gold to pass the time.
To protect the heart of Cemen Zerin, the Bazara Zer, Qirals of old have paid the Builders’ Society to craft a fortress unlike any other on the face of Kauvet. They claim that even if the war gods were to lead an army against its wall, a river of blood would wash away the earth to reveal even greater riches for the Zerina to claim after the host was defeated.
Builders’ Society
The most worldly of the Zerina dwarves, the Builder’s Society is one of the few who welcome visitors from the outside world. They have designed and built many of the great castles in Kauvet including the Lavandin family estate and the abandoned fortress of Tasa Seri in the swamps of Eastern Kauvet.
Army
The Zerina are protected by the Gelek Destan of the Qiral. This elite force numbers 1,000 strong at all times and are marked by the gilded masks and armor they wear during their service. The Gelek Destan guard the Bazara Zer in times of peace and march under the Qirals banner in times of war. Led by the Minister of War and their golden halberd, the Mirina Zerin, the Gelek Destan have held the walls of Cemen Zerin against any foe which has ever tested them. Their motto is “Each life is more precious than gold."
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