Yamatsu / Mountain Dwarf

Family or clan names are generally not recognized among the lower classes of mountain dwarves. If an individual is related to another, they are likely to know them through a complex web genealogies kept by family elders. The exception to this is with the noble clans. The nobles treat their clan names which near deified reverence. Honouring their ancestors and the gods in the same breath.     While all dwarves use honorifics to denote status, the mountain dwarves frequently change their names and titles to reflect their deeds. These names are often poetic and overly long when translated into the common tongue. Titles such as "Back Breaker of Bears" and "The One who Exorcises Demons with Hemlock" are common. These titles can be changed by a petition to Daimyo or the Shogun himself. Upon confirmation of title change, great feasts are held in honour and even the peasantry will partake in festivities.

The Yamatsu dialect of Dwarven is considered the standard at the national level for the Dwarven Reach. While regional dialects do exist, these accents are usually dropped when giving addresses to other officials or statements to the masses. Interestingly, due to the Hill dwarves propensity to wander outside of the Reach many outsiders assume that the Hill Dwarf accent is the only accent, leading to some confusion when the rare yamatsu ambassadors meet with outsiders.

Mountain dwarves follow strict codes of personal and professional discipline. While different clans have different codes or interpretations, they are rarely lawless by nature. Yamastu are known to play high levels political intrigue that rival if not surpass the High Elves. Though they do tend be more upfront about it.

Yamatsu tend towards silk and linen robes or kimonos when dressing for day-to-day affairs. They always have their social class metal visible both to reduce potential rudeness but also as displays of wealth or standing. A wealthy or successful farmer may wear an intricate copper necklace or belt while an impoverished blacksmith might wear a simple iron ring.

Many behaviours that would be considered mundane by many outsiders are treated with highly ritualized reverence by the Yamatsu. How to enter the house of a guest, how to accept a gift, or even how to cook a meal are often lengthy tasks which require high degrees of focus and nuance. The few outsiders which see these rituals are often asked not to participate as the yamatsu would rather be the presence of ignorance then insult.

Mountain dwarf men regularly wear thick but well groomed and tidy beards. These are often seen as a sign of dignity and personal nobility. Among women, paleness and dignified modesty is considered very attractive.

Males are to be seen as strong, brave, proud while women are meant to be seen as modest and dignified. While women can find employment, this employment is likely to be kept within a family business.

Formality and politeness are considered highly valuable among the Yamatsu. It would be a mistake however, to assume that politeness is the same as kindess. Mountain dwarves are highly paranoid and often weaponize formalities using tone, titles, and implications to put down others or elavate themselves.