Dwarf
The dwarves of Cisum live in a wide variety of environments. Many still live in the ancient mountain and hill cities of the continents, but other have found homes amongst the island regions like the Acapellago. The regions have shaped certain aspects of the dwarves over the centuries, but they do still share some thing in common. Most dwarves are stout of heart and bold in spirit. Many are excellent craftspeople, with their home regions adding a variety to the materials and specialities. Nearly all dwarves are fiercly loyal to their clans and nations. Dwarves are long-lived, though not as long as the elves. Their long lives and often quick tempers can lead to grudges that last for decades.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
A dwarf's name is granted by a clan elder, in accordance with tradition. Every proper dwarf name has been used and reused down through the generations. A dwarf's name belongs to the clan, not the individual. A dwarf who misuses or brings shame to a clan name is stripped of the name and forbidden by law to use any dwarven name in its place.
Male Names: Adrik, Alberich, Baern, Barendd, Brottor, Bruenor, Dain, Darrak, Delg, Eberk, Einkil, Fargrim, Flint, Gardain, Harbek, Kildrak, Morgran, Orsik, Oskar, Rangrim, Rurik, Taklinn, Thoradin, Thorin, Tordek, Traubon, Travok, Ulfgar, Veit, Vondal
Female Names: Amber, Artin, Audhild, Bardryn, Dagnal, Diesa, Eldeth, Falkrunn, Finellen, Gunnloda, Gurdis, Helja, Hlin, Kathra, Kristryd, Ilde, Liftrasa, Mardred, Riswynn, Sannl, Torbera, Torgga, Vistra
Clan Names: Balderk, Battlehammer, Brawnanvil, Dankil, Fireforge, Fishmonger, Frostbeard, Gorunn, Holderhek, Ironfist, Loderr, Lutgehr, Rumnaheim, Saltbeard, Shipwright, Stakeln, Tornn, Ungart
Major Organizations
The Shipwright's Guild runs shipyards on several islands of the Acapellago, as well as some of the ports along the continents. Headquartered on the sentient-made island Synchronicity II, it is currently run by Bylwyn Shipwright. Few ships are made in the Acapellago without the hands of the Shipwright's Guild being involved. Shipwright Guild ships are second only to the precious few ships made by the Oaks and Maples of the Forest.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
The hill and mountain dwarves are often the more traditional-minded. Deeply loyal to their clan or kingdom, it is rare for them to live outside their birth communities. The exception here is if the dwarf marries into clan from another kingdom. Hill and mountain dwarves are most at home on the mainland continents of Cisum, rarely venturing even to the coastal reagions beyond the occasional traveling merchant.
In stark contrast to this, are the island dwarves. Far fewer in number than their hill and mountain cousins, the island dwarves are often more independent of the familiar bonds of a clan. The freedom of the sea often pulls them from their family for weeks or months at a time, and so they are often cordial to non-dwarves. This is especially true of their fellow sailors. Trust in their shipmates is vital to a safe journey.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Dwarves are usually respectful, if cold, towards most other races. They often take a long time to warm up to certain individuals and trust them. There's an old saying among the dwarves: "The difference between an acquaintence and a friend is about a hundred years." While not always true, this often makes it difficult for the shorter-lived races to befriend a dwarf.
Comments