mateolog 1552 Share Posted February 1, 2023 Culture of the Forest Dwarves [source] [!] A close-up portrait of a forest dwarf ᚚᚐᚌᚓ ᚁᚏᚓᚐᚊ ᚊᚐᚓᚏᚁ ᚓᚌᚐᚚ Short History *For a more detailed history check the history of the forest dwarves* The forest dwarves are a subrace of dwarves born from Gloin Treebeard, the founder of the Treebeards and one of Urguan’s eldest sons. They possess a great love of nature, their families and the gods. However, due to their stark difference in culture, appearance, way of life and affinity for other races and nature, Gloin and his children were expelled from the kingdom of dwarves after the disappearance of Urguan. In exile, the Treebeards split into disparate groups that settled around the realms. Some kept the name Treebeard, while others differentiated into new distinct clans, tribes, and families. These clans engaged with the other descendants, sharing the knowledge of nature with them. Though inevitably, with time, some forest dwarves forgot parts of their origins and culture because of their exile, an example of this being the halflings When the Blood Age of dwarves started, The Ironborn Empire culled and enslaved all those dwarves who opposed them. The few who escaped persecution fled into the forest dwarf territories, and thus bloodlines of the various dwarves mixed somewhat. Under the rule of the Ironborn, one of the main branches of the Treebeard clan was entirely enslaved and their ancient knowledge was lost. After the collapse of the Ironborn Empire, marking the end of the Blood Age, forest dwarves could be seen appearing more frequently, though they were still nomadic and scarce. In Atlas, after generations of disunity, the first polity of the forest dwarves was created. Through it, the forest dwarves helped with the creation of the Confederation of Hammers, and later with the recreation of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan. This allowed the dwarven subraces to be united for the first time since Gloin’s exile. Due to their history, the forest dwarves have a polycentric culture, language, and spirituality, something that shines through in all their forms of being. ᚚᚐᚌᚓ ᚁᚏᚓᚐᚊ ᚊᚐᚓᚏᚁ ᚓᚌᚐᚚ Social and Cultural Norms [source][!] A Treebeard taking part in ritual hunting. Forest dwarves, having had many clans and families appear throughout the ages, possess many varying cultures, beliefs and perspectives on the world. Though, due to their common ancestry, nature, and union, there is a baseline of sociocultural norms that they all follow: -Communal Greed- It is the cornerstone of the forest dwarves and the core teaching of Gloin, and one reason why he might have been exiled. Forest dwarves believe the collective is more important than the individual and that greed is only adequate when it benefits the whole forest dwarf community. This teaching not only originated from Gloin but as an instinct for survival. Many forest dwarf tribes had only survived in the wilderness through Communal Greed since a single greedy dwarf prioritizing themselves in the rough woods could have brought down an entire clan. With the manifestation of Hefrumm (the first union of Forest Dwarves), this Communal Greed coalesced into a greater form. The core teaching of Gloin was applied not to each clan within Hefrumm individually, but to Hefrumm as a whole, which has granted it longevity in the face of many external threats such as raids by the Frostbeard Kingdom Kaz’Ulrah. In the olden days, Communal Greed resulted in practices such as communal living, not owning currency, and collective allocation of resources, which were very unpopular amongst Cave & Mountain dwarves. Heffumm’s interactions with them, however, resulted in adaption with time, since the forest dwarves were expected to follow the laws of Urguan and to pay taxes. -Inclination towards self-government- The principal reason forest dwarves cherish their autonomy as a polity is their unique history, which they do not share with their mountain and cave brethren. The forest dwarves, being descendants of Gloin who was exiled, long harboured a sense of separation from the rest of their brethren. This has led to a strong sense of independence and self-reliance among the forest dwarves. The genocide of dwarves during the Blood Age resulted in many forest dwarves being murdered or enslaved by the clans working under the Empire of Khorvad. Those that escaped, hid in the forests or merged with other populations of descendants. This further reinforced the forest dwarves as an exiled people. The Eternal Exile ended in Atlas with the formation of Hefrumm, the nation of forest dwarves. This marked a major turning point in their history. The High Chief Bjor Cottonwood was elected as the first leader and later granted a magical crown by Mossbeard the Root Druid, which helped to legitimise Hefrumm. The forest dwarves were determined to protect their nation to avoid eternal solitude, and many other forest dwarf clans joined Hefrumm out of similar sentiments. During this time, Kaz’Ulrah attacked the forest dwarves of Hefrumm to subjugate them, which resonated with their trauma from the Blood Age. Thanks to their unity, the forest dwarves warded off Kaz’Ulrah and thrive. In conclusion, the forest dwarves’ painful history and loss, their unique cultural identity, and their determination to protect their nation have all contributed to their powerful sense of independence and self-rule as a polity. This deep-rooted attachment to their autonomy and self-determination is a core aspect of their culture and identity and is something that they hold dear and cherish. -Dwarven Unity- Despite being aware of the pitfalls of their mountain and cave cousins, the forest dwarves understand that to keep Yemekar’s balance, a united dwarven race is necessary. The collective will of the subraces is the dwarven will, which is as close as one gets to Yemekar’s will. Therefore, despite being hunted down for most of their history and being looked down upon by other dwarves, they helped their cousins in their time of need. When old Urguan was destroyed, it was Hefrumm alongside the Confederation of Hammers and the Grandaxes of Kal’Bogrin that created a new Urguan, uniting the dwarves for the first time since Urguan Silverbeard. ᚚᚐᚌᚓ ᚁᚏᚓᚐᚊ ᚊᚐᚓᚏᚁ ᚓᚌᚐᚚ Art and Entertainment [source] [!] A forest dwedlon bagpipe player. -Storytelling- Because of the centuries-long exile of the forest dwarves, many forest tribes, clans, and families lost their ability to read and write. Despite this, much of their knowledge was passed down through an even more ancient tradition, which was the one of storytelling. Forest dwarves have a habit of gathering around the hearth to honour Anbella and while doing so, they tell the tales, myths, and deeds of their people. -Literature- With the creation of Hefrumm, the literacy rate in Hefrumm skyrocketed. This lead to an increase in forest dwarf writing and became something the forest dwarves cherished and would never take for granted again. Writing is still something that is focused on by some forest dwarf clans in particular, especially the Blackroots, Mossborn, and some Treebeards. Those whose patron is Ogradhad also are quite fond of writing, though it is not always the case. -Bards- Forest dwarves love music. It is admiration for Belka, one of their more beloved Brathmordakin. The forest dwarves have more knowledge of instruments than any other dwarf group as their travels around the mortal realms have allowed them to learn from multiple people groups. -Olog riding- Olog riding is a tradition started by the Blackroot clan. The goal is to survive as long as possible on top of an Olog. Watching this sport speaks to one’s bravery in itself, as the spectators are in as much danger as the rider. These events are done with the consent of the Ologs involved and it is intended as an honourable challenge. -Pig racing- Pig racing is an ancestral tradition of the Cottonwoods. In the olden days, makeshift tracks were made around the village and the racers were made to do laps around the tracks on the back of their boar. Being the victor of a pig race is something brag-worthy among the forest folk, as it shows one’s unity with the animals of Anbella. ᚚᚐᚌᚓ ᚁᚏᚓᚐᚊ ᚊᚐᚓᚏᚁ ᚓᚌᚐᚚ Religion and Spirituality [source] [!] A Hefrumm Seer carrying healing herbs. -Balance of Anbella / Balance of the Tribunal- Anbella is the Brathmordakin of nature, hence all forest dwarves revere her and believe her nature should be protected. Disrespecting nature in one’s day-to-day life, hunting, and causing it harm will result in a curse against the perpetrator. Thusly, forest dwarves act as preservers of nature, and even when hunting, they do so with reverence and consideration. -Auction of the dead- Forest dwarves believe that when they die they go to Khaz’A’Dentrumm, the Halls of the Dead. There, they are bided upon by the Brathmordakin bids for the Dwarf’s soul. The dwarf will then go to whichever realm belongs to the Brathmordakin that has placed the highest bid on the dwarf. Due to this, forest dwarves tend to have some specific patron Brathmordakin which they try to honour in their day to day. Many choose the Tribunal; Anbella (Nature, the hearth, and the home), Belka (youth, art, and travel), Dungrimm (Protection, honour, and death) as they are connected to the forest dwarf way of life and together they depict the natural balance. -Sanctity of the dwarven race- Like all dwarves, the forest dwarves believe the dwarves are holy beings on par with the greatest of Yemekar’s creations. This can lead to arrogance at times, but it also means that they will never kill another dwarf. A dwarf that has killed or has the intent to kin another dwarf is considered a kinslayer, and not a dwarf anymore, leaving them open to retribution from their kin. For this reason, forest dwarves would never attack another dwarf with the intent to kill, and would rather be on the defensive as killing someone that intended to kill you is self-defence and that does not revoke one’s dwarfdom. -Anbella’s Embrace- Forest dwarves see those that are touched by fae as having been blessed by Anbella with her gift. In their eyes, epiphytes are people that have been chosen to serve Anbella’s will be kept in working conditions until it is their time to pass away into her realm. However, it is also affirmed that those dwarven epiphytes that stray away from Anbella’s ways are affected by wood sickness. Wood sickness is the failure of an individual to hear Anbella in the voice of nature, causing them to act in a misguided form unfit of a dwarf. -Yemekar’s Balance- The Balance of Anbella is a part of the larger balance of creation, which is referred to by forest dwarves as Yemekar’s Balance. This concept is shared with all other dwarves and it dictates that the dwarves, being the chosen race of Yemekar, exist to keep the balance in Yemekar’s creation. Forest dwarves interpret this as avoiding violence or expansionism, and instead that they must defend those groups that seek to make the world that Yemekar created a better, kinder, and more connected place. This leads the forest dwarves to be open to all those that seek to work with them, but at the same time gives them an unwavering conviction as they see their ethics and way of seeing the world as Yemekar’s intention. -Sanctity of the Beard- Like all other dwarves, the forest dwarves see the beard as a sign of Yemekar’s favour and a gift to them from him. For this reason, all dwarves are expected to take care of their beard and protect it with their life. ᚚᚐᚌᚓ ᚁᚏᚓᚐᚊ ᚊᚐᚓᚏᚁ ᚓᚌᚐᚚ Food and Cuisine [source] [!] A preparation for a feast -Carrot Ale- Carrot ale was a gift from Paragorn Bjor, the Carrot Druid. It is one of the staple drinks of the forest dwarves and is renowned around the world over for its taste and quality. -Bushmeat- Due to many forest dwarves being hunters, there is a lot of bushmeat in Hefrumm. Any animal hunted in Hefrumm unless it is a sacrifice is expected to be consumed and all parts are given good use. -Fish- Many forest dwarves dedicate their lives to fishing. Depending on where the village of Hefrumm is located, one can expect a variety of different fishes to be available in their shops. -Fermented Honey- The ale of the forest dwarves is considered their pride and joy. The quality of the ale comes from its ingredients, one of them being fermented honey. This honey is not just used in ale but also consumed, as is for food and its health benefits. -Fairy Clouds- Spun sugar is created by forest dwarves by melting sugar in a pan and then using a thin-toothed fork to make strings of sugar over an upside-down bowl. The process would be repeated, and the strings added to a stick to resemble a cloud. ᚚᚐᚌᚓ ᚁᚏᚓᚐᚊ ᚊᚐᚓᚏᚁ ᚓᚌᚐᚚ Language and Communication Forest dwarves possess an affinity for languages due to being much more travelled than the average dwarf, as well as more open-minded to learn from other cultures. These are some of the major languages spoken and written by forest dwarves: -Common- As all descendants on the continent, the forest dwarves speak, write, and understand common. Some forest dwarves, especially those that have been in exile and have not returned to Hefrumm might speak in common instead of dwarven. Speaking in common is not something that is encouraged in forest dwarf society, but it is accepted if one does not speak the Dwarven Common dialect. -Dwarven Dialect- Like all dwarves, the forest dwarves speak in the dwarven dialect of common. -Dwarvish- Most forest dwarves can read, write, and speak in dwarvish. However, with writing, some forest dwarves will prefer the Seer Staves over the runic alphabet. -Forest Dwarvish Dialects- Because of the pluricentric nature of forest dwarves, there are a multitude of dialects of dwarvish that have been influenced by the culture and history of different groups. These dialects are used inside family, clan, and tribe units as a form of differentiation, as with the Mountain Tongue. -Seer Staves- The Seer Staves is a form of writing Dwarvish unique to the forest dwarves. Due to the persecution of the forest dwarves throughout history, the ancients decided that their knowledge needed to be written in another form that was not runic to avoid it falling into the hands of those that persecuted them. With time, this form of writing became the main writing form of the forest dwarf seers and the different sects of it. -Mountain Tongue- The Mountain tongue is a language spoken by those inside the Mountain dwarf clan of the Stormfists. It is a secretive language only spoken by its members and descendants. Forest dwarves that hold ancestry from Stormfist also can know the language to different degrees. ᚚᚐᚌᚓ ᚁᚏᚓᚐᚊ ᚊᚐᚓᚏᚁ ᚓᚌᚐᚚ Fashion and Clothing Clothing is something very intimate to each forest dwarf clan. However, generally, forest dwarves wear earthy colours. In addition to this, different clans wear different attires, Blackroots and Cottonwoods tend to wear bones and pelts from the beings they have hunted to have the blessings of their spirits, and others that have taken in more mountain and cave dwarf culture like the Mossborn and Emberhorns wear armour. A forest dwarf is welcome to wear anything as long as it is respectful to the community and nature. ᚚᚐᚌᚓ ᚁᚏᚓᚐᚊ ᚊᚐᚓᚏᚁ ᚓᚌᚐᚚ Economic and Political Systems All forms of political and economic systems for forest dwarves are centred around collectivity. That is why gathering organizations like the Rings of Hefrumm and the castes of Hefrumm exist and exited. When it comes to political organization, the forest dwarves try to make all decisions possible from the bottom up, through democratic processes, in such a way that all in the community can make use of their voice for the wellbeing of the collective. Forest dwarves are naturally decentralized and prefer creativity and freedom of action. Since the forest dwarves work through the concept of collective greed, there is no real belief anyone in the forest dwarf community will turn against the collective. When one does willingly go against the collective, they are swiftly punished, forgiven, and welcomed back just as quickly. It is not the way of the forest dwarves to hold grudges indefinitely ᚚᚐᚌᚓ ᚁᚏᚓᚐᚊ ᚊᚐᚓᚏᚁ ᚓᚌᚐᚚ Sources History I History II History III Hefrumm Clans Seers I Seers II 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
_RoyalCrafter_ 3356 Share Posted February 1, 2023 Was fun helping out with this! 👍 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mannamannaa 1626 Share Posted February 1, 2023 Spoiler CULTURE POST WOOOOOO! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! GREAT JOB! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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