_RoyalCrafter_ 3258 Share Posted September 10, 2023 (edited) This post is meant to serve as a guide to people looking to play a dwarf, to give them a basic sense of dwarven characteristics and common knowledge to help them get started on their roleplay journey. CONTENTS: I. INTRODUCTION A. Dwarves B. The Grand Kingdom of Urguan II. CHARACTERISTICS A. The Dwarven Character B. The Physical Characteristics C. The Curse of Greed III. LANGUAGE A. Dwed B. Names IV. CULTURE A. Creation B. Honour C. Martial V. FAITH A. The Brathmordakin B. Organised Religion VI. POST INDEX Dwarves The Dwarves, also known as the Dwedmar in their tongue, are a religious folk, and take pride in their knowledge of craftsmanship, trade and technology. They are short and stocky, associating themselves with the ground and the earth deeply within their culture. They all descend from Urguan, the progenitor of the Dwarven Race. The dwarves descend from the First Dwarf, Urguan. The founder of their race is highly respected and venerated. Currently there are 7 elder clans who descend from the 7 sons of Urguan. Though all dwarves are descended from Urguan in some way or another.. The Grand Kingdom of Urguan The Grand Kingdom of Urguan is a constitutional monarchy established to unify and represent the Dwarven race, with power given to the King, who is held in check by a bureaucratic council of hand-picked members who perform different duties within Urguan, such as the Lord Justicar who oversees all legal cases within Urguan, and the High Prophet, who is the religious leader of the Brathmordakin worship. The Grand Kingdom has a tremendous history, being the sole nation of the Dwarves for millennia, leading back to the very first dwarf himself, Urguan Silverbeard. Represented through orange and gray, the nation has united the Dwarves under its banner through common religion, culture, and ideals. The religion of the realm, the Brathmordakin, is a polytheistic religion composed of 7 gods, each representing a different aspect of Dwarven culture. Throughout history, Urguan has been best known for its expert craftsmanship, unique clan diversity, beautiful underground cities, engineering capabilities, and wartime strategy. In the continent of Aevos, the Grand Kingdom remains the home of the Dwarves; the ancient realm is found in the southwest. The Dwarven Character Dwarves are strong in spirit, hardy, secretive, and steadfast in both enmity toward their enemies and loyalty to their friends. The Dwarves are notoriously stubborn as a people. They are a martial race, their fury terrible when roused. Beyond this, they are unparalleled by any other descendants in industriousness. Yet equally, they are known for their greed, driving them to commit rash acts at times in their eternal search for wealth. Physical Characteristics Dwarves are short and stocky, standing between 3”5” - 5” ft. They possess beards which typically appear in a young dwarf by the time they become a beardling at around ten. Depending on which sub-branch a dwarf belongs to, the coloration of their skin, eyes and hair can vary. The potential lifespan of a dwarf reaches beyond their eighth hundredth year, but on average, most of the Dwarves perish before this. There are four dwarven subraces. The Mountain, Cave, Forest and Dark Dwarves. Each subrace has its own unique characteristics and appearances. The Mountain dwarves tend to possess a more barbaric culture. They are tall (for Dwarfs) with some coming to the freakishly tall height of five feet have a more fair appearance compared to the rest of their brethren. The Cave dwarves have a tendency to focus on industry and magic. These dwarves are the ones most comfortable with a subterranean lifestyle. Cave dwarves such as the ones from the Starbreaker clan can have grey stoney skin, while others not so much. The Forest dwarves are those who have a close connection to nature, and have adapted to living in the woods, being burly and more tan and rough. The forest dwarves are more communal with each other. The Dark dwarves are a subrace of mountain dwarves, born as a result between the mixing of mountain dwarf and dark elf blood. They are the youngest subrace, but their features are stark, with ashen dark skin and glowing red eyes The Curse of Greed All descendants have a curse, dwarves being no exception. Their curse is that of greed, which most commonly manifests in the obsessive hoarding of wealth. Driven by their greed, the Dwarves are natural hoarders of their wealth. The Dwarves with the greatest hoard and mightiest treasures are looked upon with immense respect, and will treat those who transgress upon their hoard with unbridled fury. They will defend their home and treasures to the death, for nothing is of greater value to them than their treasure. However, the curse can vary between individuals greatly, what ones defines as "treasure" does not necessarily money. The curse differs between bloodlines and groups as well. Mage dwarves tend to have a greed for knowledge and magical power. Slovenly and gluttonous individuals may desire food above anything else. Some may be entirely self centered in their greed while others may be more communal with their close kin. The Curse of Greed is a broad concept, and there are many ways for it to be expressed. It is a central aspect to a dwarf, essentially part of their fibre of being. It is as much a characteristic as it is a cultural trait. Dwed Though the Dwarves speak the common tongue on a day to day basis, many have a grasp of their ancient language often using select phrases in their conversation. Common Phrases:Dwarves = Dwed / Dwedmar - Khazad / Khazadmar Elves = Elger / Elgus Orcs = Ork / Orkos Humans = Umri / Umros Goblin / Goblins = Grobbi / Grobbins Foreign / Foreigners = Yrrok / Yrrommar Hello - Oz Stark Raving Mad - Tagum Example of Dwarven Speech Dwarves tend to struggle to pronounce letters such as ‘h’ and ‘g.’ An example of a regular sentence is as follows: ‘Hello! How are you doing?’ Whilst, a Dwarf would be more likely to say ‘ello, ‘ow ‘re yeh doin’?’ Names Getting the right name for your dwarf is essential, as such here are examples of names you could use for your new character. Male Ogtan, Merren, Ortal, Merdel, Bamar, Thunor, Tharim, Karlen, Wilan, Bhelen, Voltigan, Trian, Merric, Enryn, Kofrin, Turar, Bhelrim, Vondren, Beltharn, Gremmiir, Thurron, Tornir, Broskar, Agnarr, Alfgeir, Arne, Arnfinn, Arngrimm, Borkvard, Bjorn, Dafi, Dag, Darri, Gorm, Gotar, Hakon, Hrane, Iri, Ivarr, Nali, Ornn, Ottar, Skuli, Thorbrand, Thorfinn, Ulf. Female Rala, Osha, Asa, Aedia, Anva, Rana, Genlo, Nara, Nela, Tavlen, Navrin, Nafrinn, Aralinn, Vindra, Tishri, Runri, Braela, Sindel, Medren, Kara, Tara, Ragna, Brosca, Vakre, Gormlaith, Adis, Afrid, Alfhild, Alvor, Bodil, Dagrun, Dagny, Folka, Grunnhild, Gyla, Idunn, Jora, Kraka, Myrun, Rikissa, Rikvi, Svala, Sloveig, Thora, Thordis, Thyra, Ulfhild, Valdis, Yri, Ysra. Creation Devoted to their creator, Yemekar, the Dwarves have an intense desire toward creation. It is this that drives them to seek precious metals beneath the earth, which they work upon. This natural creative spirit has led to the Dwarves being considered amongst the finest smiths, craftsmen, metalworkers and masons amongst the descendants. And this compels them to create their vast halls under mountains. Manifesting in their culture, the Dwarves hold these arts in great respect, many a monarch and paragon excelling in these specific professions. Honour The Dwarves also hold themselves to a strict sense of honor in their dealings amongst themselves and other races. Promises made are not done lightly, and breaking them is dishonorable. To deceive a dwarf is a grievous slight, and such grievances often manifest themselves in grudges. Recompense is often demanded for such breaches of faith, the severity of the supposed crime deciding how great this recompense can be. Martial Aided by their haridness, the Dwarves are naturally a martial folk. Though they do not seek out war on a whim, once roused their fury and demand for blood to settle feuds with other races can be terrible. To serve in the Legion, the military of the Dwarves, is a great honor. To turn away from a fight, or fail to defend your kin is not easily forgiven. Brathmordakin YEMEKAR The Maker Symbol: Hammer & Anvil Domains: Creation, balance, leader, smithing, protection, metalwork, stonework, the Rhun Yemekar is the father and creator of the dwarven race. Honor him by emulating his principles and workmanship in smithing, stoneworking and other tasks. Wisdom is derived from life and tempered with experience. Advance the dwarven race in all areas of life. Innovate with new processes and skills. Found new kingdoms and clan lands, defending the existing ones from all threats. Lead the dwarves in the traditions laid down by The Maker. Honor your clan leaders as you honor Yemekar. ANBELLA The Hearth Mother Symbol: Two Silver Rings Domains: Safety, honesty, home, healing, marriage, family, fertility, records, oaths, rule of law, hearth, nature, peace Anbella is the wife of Yemekar. Just as dwarven souls are forged on Yemekar's Ruhn-Anvil, they are ever warmed and nurtured by the loving embrace of the Hearth Mother. Tend to hearth, home, and land, drawing strength and safety from truth, tradition and the rule of law. Join with friends, kin and clan in common purpose. Do not succumb to the misery of greed or the evils of strife, but always bring hope. health and cheer to those in need. Once an oath is made, Anbella watches over its keeping - to break it is to wound her sorely. Children must be cherished and guarded well from harm, for they are the future of all dwarvenkind. GRIMDUGAN Lord of Avarice Symbol: Obsidian Dagger Domains: Greed, money, merchant, thieves, shadow, tax collectors, miners, raids The wealth of the world was created for those dwarves crafty enough to capture it by any means necessary. Revel in the possession of all wealth that shines or sparkles, for its form was meant to bring you pleasure. Greed is good, for it motivates the possession and holding of all that is precious. Do not seize wealth from the children of the Brathmordakin however, nor conspire against the favored of Grimdugan, for strife in the name of avarice weakens the clan. ARMAKAK Merchant Father Symbol: A Gold Coin Domains: Wealth, luck, chance, negotiation, merchants, cleverness, the sun The truly blessed are those whose enterprise and zeal brings both wealth and good luck. Work hard, be clever, seek the best bargain and the Merchant Father will shower you with gold. Treat others with respect, but shirk not your responsibility to try and strike a better deal for you and for them. BELKA Lady of Passion Symbol: A Lightning Bolt Domains: Love, romance, youth, dancing, courtship, explorers, travelers, seduction, lightning, sailors, stars Be merciful in speech and deed. Temper your anger and hostility with constructive and charitable endeavor. The children of the dwarves must live in safety and propagate. Love with a fiery passion. Embrace the gift of life with courtship and marriage. Belka restores the fertile seed of dwarven life, while Anbella protects the fruit. OGRADHAD The Lore Master Symbol: An Open Book Domains: Scholarship, invention, discovery, knowledge, magic The secrets of the world are waiting to be discovered. Travel widely, broaden your mind at every opportunity, and pursue the life of a scholar. Cultivate the spirit of intrigue among the young and be teachers to all. Seek to recover lost and arcane knowledge of ages past and apply it to the world today. Try new methods of doing things just for the joy of experimenting. Learn a little of everything, for you never know what might be of use to you down the road. DUNGRIMM Guardian of the Mask Symbol: An Iron Mask Domains: Battle, valor, bravery, honor, defense, the dead, the moon The finest hours of dwarven kind come in the thrusts and feints of war. Seize the opportunity to defend your kin and ensure their victory when conflict erupts. Revel in the challenge of a good fight and never waiver in the face of adversity, no matter how ominous. Lives should never be thrown away foolishly, but the greatest honor is to sacrifice oneself for the cause of the field of battle in service to a righteous cause. Honor the dead and death itself and keep the places of the dead inviolate and well tended; the noble ancestors of our race will neither be robbed nor moved through the actions of thieves and defilers. Abide not undead creatures, especially those that take the form of dwarves, thus mocking the creation of Yemekar. ORGANIZED RELIGION The Dwarves, having eons and eons of history, have had many religious institutions that taught the word of the Brathmordakin. However, the one that has been there since the beginning and has withstood the test of time has been Da Kirkja Dverga, or Holy Clergy. Its power comes and goes throughout the decades, however it has remained as part of the dwarven culture. Though overall, dwarves tend to have very open religious customs, with each Clan different in their own beliefs, preferences and rites. Some even worshipping other deities. There can be great variation on the individual level, with some dwarves being druids and paladins. However, one religious constant that all dwarves agree on is that the Seven Brathmordakin must be worshipped above all other deities and gods, and to disrespect the Brathmordakin or their creeds is heresy. Below is a list of relevant posts to help get more of an idea of the specifics of dwarven cultures and traits. Spoiler GENERAL WIKI RACES CAVE DWARVES DARK DWARVES FOREST DWARVES MOUNTAIN DWARVES CULTURE GRUDGES LANGUAGENAMES ENCYCLOPEDIA RELIGION DA KIRKJA DVERGA OOCI hope this guide has served you well. The intent is to keep it updated overtime, as more guides come out. I also hope you learned something new about the dwarves today with this post. Spoiler Thank you to @UnusualBritfor making the vast majority of this post. Thank you to @Epicethan4and @Jihnynyfor their contributions. Thank you to @Cpt_Noobmanfor doing last minute spell checks. Thank you to the rest of the dwarves who helped with this post. And I hate formating. Edited September 10, 2023 by _RoyalCrafter_ removed a line 21 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterBlitzkrieg 1357 Share Posted September 11, 2023 You forgot to add chronic racism towards elves But +1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myochii 664 Share Posted September 11, 2023 incredibly based very useful and formatted wonderfully! i know this is going to help me a lot on my new dwarf :D 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laeonathan 3982 Share Posted September 11, 2023 39 minutes ago, MisterBlitzkrieg said: You forgot to add chronic racism towards elves But +1 as an elf player I endorse this. I think you've missed a cultural opportunity here, I demand to be discriminated 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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