The Five Dwarven Clans
Who dwells under the mountains?
The Origins
According to their ancient mythology, Dwarves emerged from clay, at the very beginning of times. At first, they were pure and unblemished, but as they faced the harsh realities of the world, they were shaped and molded by their experiences. Their rough appearance is a testament to the hostile events of their past, as they have been attacked by all manner of wild beasts and have been victims of natural disasters. However, despite the hardships they have faced, they have managed to find refuge in the mountains, where they have built their homes and communities.
These communities are known for their tight-knit nature and their strong sense of loyalty to one another. In fact, many Dwarves believe that their strength lies not in their physical prowess, but in their unbreakable bonds of kinship. As a result, they are fiercely protective of their families and their communities, and will stop at nothing to defend them from harm. Despite their reputation as fierce warriors, they are also known for their love of craftsmanship and their ability to create intricate works of art from stone and metal. Whether they are crafting weapons and armor or creating beautiful jewelry and sculptures, Dwarves are known for their attention to detail and their unwavering dedication to the Craft.
Over time, five clans emerged within these communities, and now every dwarf is associated with one of these clans.
The Five Clans
Badagun Clan: Keepers of Mithril
The Clan has made their home deep within the treacherous Badagun range. They are renowned miners, tirelessly digging for ore, with Mithril being the most precious metal found only in their mountains. The Badagun dwarves are obsessed with wealth and precious gems, and their passion lies in uncovering hidden treasures. Their vast network of galleries stretches for thousands of kilometers, creating a true labyrinth that only they know how to navigate. To protect their intricate tunnels from colossal Earthshaker giant beasts that threaten their mines, the Badagun clan maintains a rapid intervention force, ready to face any danger. They are known for their courage, determination, and resilience.
In addition to their prowess as miners, the Badagun dwarves have domesticated Gemback Tortoises, slow-moving reptiles with gemstone-encrusted shells. These tortoises offer protection by sheltering the dwarves under their shells when necessary, companionship in the tunnels' loneliness, and a means of transport through the tunnels, as the dwarves can ride on their backs. The tortoises excellent sense of direction helps them navigate the labyrinths.
The Badagun dwarves' passion for finding rare gems and ores has earned them a reputation for being miserly. Their wealth is a source of pride, and they are always looking for ways to increase it. Their obsession with wealth made them tough negotiators who always look after their own.
Rodion Clan: Merchants of the Moonshadow
In the eastern region of the world, in the Moonshadow Peaks, the Rodian Clan is a group of merchants dwarves who have established their livelihoods on the mountainside surrounded by forests.For hundreds of years, they have cultivated gardens with tall trees and medicinal plants, creating a stark contrast with the typical stone interiors of dwarves. The merchants in this Clan have harnessed the power of mountain streams to drive their tools and industries. This has enabled them to produce a diverse range of goods for export, making them the wealthiest amongst all Clans.
The Rodian Clan is known among the dwarves for having the most contacts with elves, with whom they maintain good relationships. Additionally, they are allied with the Swamp Men, who transport their goods on small boats. For goods that cannot be transported by the Swamp Men, the merchants rely on donkey caravans, as dwarves are not fond of sailing.
Beside the cult of Ancestors, the Rodian clan is also contemplating the Moon with who they have a fond relationship.
Stonehead Clan: Guardians of Ancient Runes
The Stonehead Clan is located in the Silverpeak Mountain and is known for their tenacity. Some members of the clan even have patches of skin as hard as stone, which is a testament to their toughness and resilience.
In addition to their physical strength, the Stonehead Clan is the keeper of the Dwarves' Traditions and is the most religious clan. They are the caretakers of the Ancient Stones, which are engraved with the runes of their ancestors, and take great pride in preserving this important piece of their heritage.
They have a strong affinity with the Earth Element. Their ability to harness the power of the earth makes them formidable opponents in battle and allows them to protect their land from any threats that may arise.
Despite their many admirable qualities, the Stoneheads are known to hold grudges for generations, which often leads to conflicts with their Elf and Human neighbors. Their tenacity in battle make them a force to be reckoned with in the Silverpeak Mountain region, and their influence is felt far and wide.
Burningmounds Clan: Masters of the Craft
The Burning Mounds, located in the northern region of the world, are renowned for their mastery of the Craft. The fire dwelling inside the Burningmounds Mountains serves as their primary source of energy, fueling their forges and enabling them to produce copious amounts of metal. It is no surprise that they have earned a reputation for having the best blacksmiths in the world. Crafting high-quality objects is not just a task for them, but an art, and their Craft Masters are revered within their clan and outside.
The Burningmounds Clan taught the Skinburn Tribe's humans the art of forging, which contributed to their recent rise in civilization.. This act has solidified their alliance and earned them great respect from the Skinburns. Despite their incredible skills, the Burningmounds Clan is often perceived as being detached from the realities of the world due to their obsession with smithing. But the Burningmounds’ dwarves do not care, as they believe it is simply jealousy.
Kagaraz Clan: the Wise Leaders
Kagaraz is the most powerful clan that resides in the Thundercliff Mountains, located in the western part of the world. The clan's name is derived from its capital city, which is also named Kagaraz. They have a rich history of producing Dwarf Kings, and for the last three centuries, all of them have been from the Kagaraz clan.
The Kagaraz clan is highly regarded for its wisdom and stoic thinking, and its leaders have made wise decisions over the years. These decisions have contributed to the clan's dominance. The clan cares deeply about the world and its people, and it values wisdom and intellectual pursuits. Due to their intellectual nature, dwarves of the Kagaraz clan often serve as advisors to the leaders of other clans.
The Kagaraz army is highly organized and is considered to be the best among the five clans. The army has a well-defined hierarchy, and individual initiatives are encouraged within the framework of this hierarchy, making them the most adaptable. The Kagaraz clan is a symbol of strength, wisdom, and leadership in the world of dwarves.
Kagaraz, the Underground Cathedral
The underground city is a marvel of architecture and engineering, a network of stone cathedrals. It was dug beneath a towering mountain, with its immense volume a testament to the tireless efforts of the dwarves who built it. The city boasts countless stone pillars, each one carved from smooth stone and adorned with intricate sculptures.
The Kagaraz dwarves have established numerous institutions to maintain their society and ensure its prosperity. One of the most important events that takes place in this city is the yearly Clan Gathering, where dwarves from all over gather to celebrate their Ancestors and display their most impressive crafts. It is also during this time that the new King is elected, an event that is eagerly anticipated by all who call this city their home.
Despite the hard work needed to maintain the city, the atmosphere is surprisingly calm and peaceful. The dwarves who live here take great pride in their work and always think about what is best for the community.
Crystals of Discord
The dwarves, who hold the Old Ways in high regard, believe that using crystals for power is a waste, as it destroys the gems and poses a danger by corrupting its user and the Earth Element. Despite this, some dwarves still dare to use the crystals in secret. They are aware of the potential consequences of their actions, but they believe that the ends justify the means. However, this has caused a rift, as those who uphold the Old Ways see the use of crystals as a betrayal of their beliefs.