Stone Dwarves

Stone Dwarves are proudly the first people to explore the north. Before The Scourge , these Dwarves hid within the Akasa Mountains, kept safe in the deep caverns and stone cities. Currently, they are generally integrated into the Estean Empire, having their ancient homes in the mountain encroached upon. They are slowly moving away from second-class citizenship and most likely to have children with humans. Their strongest cultural ties are to the Akasa Mountain, dotted with several villages and towns that are deeply rooted in dwarven traditions.

Appearance

Stone Dwarves have light to medium skin tones and hair in shades of brown and grey. Stones and gems are fashioned into accessories worn in their beards.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Tsering, Repa, Nyima

Masculine names

Tsemo, Rigzin, Thaye

Unisex names

Tenzin, Yonten, Sangyal

Family names

Dramuktsang, Gyaktsen, Kyidtodpa

Culture

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Kato Ina

The Kato Ina, centers of Dwarven communities, are common even in Estea. For Stone Dwarves, their Kato Ina are carved stone statues or a giant mass of crystals. They are usually placed in the middle of their village squares.

Religion

Stone Dwarven regularly follow The Order of Martalia, but still participate in their Dwarven Ancestor Worship.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

Nor Wairuna

A dwarven rite that celebrates the birth of a child. Stone shamans bless babies by giving them a specially selected stone or crystal fashioned into jewelry. These accessories are worn as necklaces or earrings, then fashioned into beard jewelry in adulthood.

Coming of Age Rites

Daratag Nadaad

A common rite in dwarven circles that involves coming of age tattoos. It occurs when a dwarf achieves their first milestone of adulthood. Stone dwarves come of age when they complete a task given by an elder, usually involving going the big cities or deep into the mountains. Their tattoos are angular and mountain-like.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Stone Dwarves prefer the look of very long beards, well groomed and brushed. They may intricately decorate their beards with beads and gems, a way to show off their braiding skills and wealth.

Gender Ideals

The tradition of atale and nongender assignment in children is not as prevalent in Stone Dwarf communities, especially if they live in cities with large human populations. In smaller, isolated villages, these nonbinary genders are more welcome, not yet lost.

Encompassed species