Dwarrow of Ngdheim
Dwarrow are discerned according to the Halls in which they live. The Dwarrow of Ngdheim are those Dwarrow who live in the famed mansion of Ngdheim. They have their own looks, culture, architecture, and beliefs distinct from any of the other Dwarrowish peoples.
Major organizations
Summary
The Dwarrow of Ngdheim are what most people think of when the word 'Dwarf' is mentioned. The frenzied rage and marble halls of Tyrandoth; the gloom of Pokhrazad; the One-mansion and the seething hatred of the Blue Dwarrow; the wooden mansions of the Felegosti; they are Dwarrow, too, but the small red furnace, the jolly, bearded faces, the singing, the beer, the grand yet cozy halls, and the delight in craftsmanship are what most think of when Dwarf is said -- and the Dwarrow of Ngdheim exemplify all of these traits, though there are still notable differences that veer from the stereotype. The Dwarrow of Ngdheim are a jolly lot, and it would do well for everyone to visit this hall of the Dwarrow at least once. The world would be a cheerier place.
The Dwarrow of Ngdheim are great friends of the Gnome-folk. The Gnomes always delight in visiting the City of Ten Thousand Mills and Rivers.The Dwarrow of Ngdheim themselves love clockwork and fun contraptions. Indeed, their toy making business invites many nobles to come and to buy presents for their children.
Appearance
The Dwarrow of Ngdheim are born fair skinned. They are quite short - second in shortness only to the Dwarrow of Tyrandoth - and usually are modestly rotund. Their noses are large and bulbous, and their cheekbones are high. Hair is red or brown, and the aged have white. Their beards are thick, long, and curled. Their beards are rarely decorated but are extremely well cared for -- the mark of a well-bred Dwarf of Ngdheim is his beard. Their eyebrows grow out long and often droop, framing their eyes.
Skills and Likings
The Dwarrow of Ngdheim are masters of smaller contraptions and mechanical works. Though they are not terrible with armor or weaponsmithing, their Pokhrazadi cousins are much better. Ngdheim's mansions are loud with the sounds of clocks and mills and gears that make life both convenient and charming. The architecture is free and flowing. The Ngdheim architectural style is characterized by the Dwarrows' use of their many rivers and waterways. These coursing waterways are used to decorate magnificent architectural pieces with glowing veils of murmuring liquid -- sometimes they are used for waterwheels, though these too become aesthetic feats. The free style of construction has made the Halls of Ngdheim one of the wonders of the Dwarrow mind. Gems decorate archways, and gold and silver leaf are laid across the high ceilings; but stonework, water-crafting, and gear making are what a Dwarf of Ngdheim loves most of all.
The Waterwheel Arkteel and Smithies
The most famous of the works of the Dwarrow of Ngdheim is the great waterwheel Arkteel. It is a massive wheel fitted with hundreds of smaller gears. These gears power the clockface fitted on the waterwheel, letting it tell the time of day in the dark underground lairs of Ngdheim. Its sound is echoed out through tubes, so that all Dwarrow may keep accurate time. The river Pirgen falls over this waterwheel and turns it. The wheel's turning powers the central halls of Ngdheim. In the center of Arkteel are twelve gears affectionately called the Gears of Time. They are carved out of incredibly large gemstones - each wider than the arm span of an average man - and they lay at the center of the great waterwheel. These items were crafted by the greatest of the Ngdheim smiths, Renkal, and are a national treasure.
Each Dwarf of Ngdheim enjoys his own private smithy. It is a community custom to invite one's neighbors to enjoy a feast and then to be brought to one's private smithy, where a Dwarf may show off his latest contraptions. There is a central, state managd smithy, but it is only used for large projects and is often left out to cool.
Enemies
The Dwarrow of Ngdheim are enemies of the Goblin-kin, and they have had many troubles dealing with these monsters. They are more open than most Dwarrow with the inner workings of their culture, though they are still very protective of their women. The Dwarrow of Ngdheim are not a warlike people, and they would prefer to forever be at peace. Still, trouble often comes knocking at the gates of Gunvalad, and the Dwarrow of Ngdheim are no strangers to battle. Many nobles of Juraedon have tried to - despite imperial decree - raid the wealth of Ngdheim. And though their raids sometimes succeed, more often noble bodies are staked outside of Ngdheim's gates as a warning to all future incursions.
As for Dragons, the Dwarrow of Ngdheim were once invaded by Kures the Black. Those were dark decades, and the Dwarrow of Ngdheim were rendered nomads for a long while. But then, with the help of an adventuring party, the ancient dragon was slain and the Dwarrow retook their halls. Today is not untroubled, but they are happier days than before.
Temperament
The Dwarrow of Ngdheim are loud and happy. They are quick to joke and enjoy a good smoke and a brown beer. They desire greatly the recipe of Pokhrazad's Greengrot ale, but in the meantime have concocted their own unique and delicious recipes. A Dwarf of Ngdheim in the outside world will introduce himself in his own language, first, and then will speak in Common to introduce his craft, his greatest deed, and then his name.
A Dwarf of Ngdheim will sing in battle. It will not be a death chant, though; it will be a song of the home they are defending; and then they will list out the many traits they find most loveable about Ngdheim.
The Dwarrow of Ngdheim have little love for the Giants and have come into conflict with the Giants many times over the years.
Nominal Overlords
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