Dwarves

General Physique and Stature

Dwarves, as a whole, are renowned for their compact and sturdy builds. They are generally shorter than humans, typically ranging in height from 4 to 5 feet. However, what they lack in vertical stature, they more than compensate for in sheer density. Their bones are noticeably denser than those of humans, contributing to their impressive resilience and resistance to physical trauma. This density is particularly evident in their limbs, which are proportionally shorter and thicker, granting them exceptional leverage and stability.

Furthermore, dwarves possess a remarkably low center of gravity, making them incredibly difficult to knock off balance. This, coupled with their powerful leg muscles, contributes to their sure-footedness, especially in the uneven terrain they often inhabit, from the forges of Ironroot to the mines of the Mror Holds.

Skeletal Structure

Beyond the aforementioned bone density, the dwarven skeletal structure exhibits other noteworthy features. Their ribcage is wider and deeper than that of humans, providing increased protection for vital organs. Their skulls are also thicker and more robust, offering a degree of natural resistance to head injuries – a useful adaptation for a race often engaged in close-quarters combat and subterranean exploration.

Notably, the dwarves of the Mror Holds exhibit a unique adaptation related to their deep-earth dwelling. While unconfirmed by direct anatomical examination (such inquiries are, understandably, met with considerable resistance), anecdotal evidence and historical texts suggest that their spines are slightly more flexible and adaptable to the narrow tunnels they navigate.

Musculature

The dwarven musculature is undoubtedly one of their most defining characteristics. They possess exceptionally dense and powerful muscles, particularly in their arms, legs, and back. This grants them extraordinary strength for their size, allowing them to wield heavy weapons with ease, operate complex machinery, and endure prolonged periods of strenuous physical activity. Even dwarves not engaged in physically demanding professions maintain a remarkable level of muscle tone, suggesting an inherent genetic predisposition.

Furthermore, the resilience of dwarven muscles is notable. They exhibit a remarkable capacity for rapid recovery from fatigue and injury, allowing them to perform tasks that would quickly exhaust individuals of other races.

Facial Features and Hair

Perhaps the most readily identifiable characteristic of dwarves is their magnificent beards. Both male and female dwarves cultivate and groom their beards with pride, which often serve as both a symbol of status and a testament to their connection to tradition and ancestry. These beards, along with their often thick and bushy eyebrows, contribute to their distinctive and often stern facial expressions.

Their skin tones range from fair to deep brown, reflecting their ancestry and geographical origin. Their eyes are typically dark in color, often displaying a keen and observant gaze. The dwarves of the Ironroot Mountains, for instance, are known for their darker complexions and intense, piercing eyes, honed by generations spent working within the fiery depths.

Internal Organs and Physiology

While I have been unable to conduct direct observations of dwarven internal organs, existing knowledge and anecdotal evidence suggest several interesting points. Their lungs are proportionally larger than those of humans, allowing them to breathe more efficiently in the potentially oxygen-deprived environments of underground mines and forges. Their digestive systems are also remarkably efficient, allowing them to extract maximum nutrition from simple, hearty meals.

Rumors persist of dwarves possessing an increased tolerance to alcohol and other intoxicating substances. While this may be partly attributed to cultural factors and practice, it is plausible that their livers possess enhanced detoxification capabilities.

Physiological Resilience and Lifespan

Dwarven physiology is characterized by remarkable physical fortitude, a direct result of their millennia-long adaptation to subterranean environments and a robust genetic code.

• Skeletal and Muscular Density: Dwarves possess exceptionally dense bone structures and highly developed musculature, conferring superior strength and durability compared to most other humanoids of similar stature. This trait is demonstrably highly heritable within dwarven bloodlines.
• Environmental Adaptation: Their physiology exhibits a natural resistance to extreme temperatures, high atmospheric pressures, and certain common mining-related toxins (such as those found in mineral dust). This resilience is genetically predisposed, manifesting as early as childhood, and is further enhanced by their upbringing within the Mror holds.
• Sensory Acuity: Dwarves possess enhanced darkvision, allowing them to perceive their surroundings in low-light conditions far beyond human capacity. This adaptation, crucial for subterranean survival, is a fundamental genetic trait passed down universally through dwarven lineage.
• Longevity: The average lifespan of a Mror Dwarf ranges from 250 to 350 years, with individuals reaching physical and mental maturity around their 50th year. The aging process is significantly slower than in short-lived races, suggesting a genetic mechanism that decelerates cellular degradation and extends telomere integrity. While external arcane and alchemical interventions can prolong life, dwarven natural longevity is a key genetic characteristic.

Reproductive Dynamics and Clan Perpetuation

Dwarven reproductive patterns are distinct, reflecting a species that prioritizes sustained lineage over rapid population expansion.

• Fertility Cycles: Dwarven females experience less frequent periods of fertility compared to humans or elves, yet these cycles are robust and typically result in successful conception when aligned. The average number of offspring per dwarven couple is generally lower than in human families, contributing to their more stable, less rapidly expanding population growth.
• Maturity for Reproduction: While physically capable earlier, dwarves typically do not begin procreating until they have reached a level of maturity (often past their 70th year) where they are deemed capable of contributing meaningfully to clan prosperity and the raising of robust heirs. This cultural practice aligns with their long lifespans, ensuring experienced parental guidance.
• Strategic Pairings and Clan Exogamy: Marriage and procreation within the Mror society are deeply intertwined with clan politics and the perpetuation of bloodlines. Strategic pairings are common, often negotiated by elders, to strengthen alliances, consolidate resources, and ensure the continuation of specific genetic traits – particularly the potential for dragonmark manifestation. While internal clan marriages occur, there is a strong cultural preference for seeking partners from other Mror clans. This practice of exogamy is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity within the broader dwarven population, preventing inbreeding depression and bolstering the overall resilience of the Mror Holds.
• Multi-Generational Households: Dwarven family units frequently consist of multiple generations living under one roof. This structure provides a stable environment for child-rearing and facilitates the direct transmission of knowledge, skills, and genetic heritage from elders to youth.

Genetic Inheritance and Manifestation

The dwarven genome is remarkably stable, reliably transmitting core racial traits. However, certain unique elements are of particular interest to geneticists.

• The Mark of Kundarak: The most striking and genetically significant aspect of Mror dwarven inheritance is the manifestation of the Mark of Kundarak. This draconic mark is unequivocally a genetically inherited trait, passed down through specific bloodlines within the Kundarak clan and its associated branches.
  • Inheritance Pattern: While the precise mechanisms remain under active study, the inheritance pattern suggests a complex interplay of dominant and recessive genes, with potential environmental or even psychic triggers influencing its final expression. It is not guaranteed to manifest in every child of a marked parent, indicating that it is not a simple dominant allele. The "awakening" of the mark often coincides with periods of significant stress, personal growth, or critical need, suggesting a latent genetic potential that requires specific stimuli to emerge.
  • Phenotypic Expression: The mark's physical manifestation and the powers it grants – related to protection, trade, and banking – are directly encoded within the genetic blueprint of those lines capable of bearing it.
• Beard Growth: The culturally significant and pronounced growth of facial and cranial hair, particularly in males, is a robustly inherited genetic trait. The texture, color, and growth pattern are often key identifiers of familial lines within the Mror Holds. While influenced by nutrition and grooming, the inherent capacity for a full, substantial beard is fundamentally genetic.
• Innate Crafting Affinity: Beyond cultural training, there appears to be a genetic predisposition towards an innate understanding of materials, engineering principles, and a natural aptitude for crafting and artifice. This manifests as a higher prevalence of skilled artisans, smiths, and engineers within dwarven populations compared to other races, even accounting for cultural emphasis.

Environmental and Cultural Shaping of Genetics

While core genetic traits are stable, the unique environment and culture of the Mror Holds have subtly shaped dwarven biology over millennia.

• Subterranean Adaptation: Constant exposure to the unique atmospheric conditions, mineral-rich environments, and pressure variations within the deep delves has reinforced and selected for the aforementioned physiological adaptations. Generations living within the earth have likely solidified these traits in the dwarven gene pool.
• Dietary Influence: The dwarven diet, often rich in subterranean fungi, specially bred cave creatures, and mineral-infused water sources, provides specific nutrients that support their dense bone structure and overall robust health. While not directly altering core genetics, this dietary synergy optimizes the expression of their inherent physical advantages.
• Martial and Artisan Culture: The pervasive emphasis on physical training, martial prowess, and dedicated craftsmanship within Mror society acts as a form of cultural selection. Individuals who excel in these areas are often those whose genetic predispositions for strength, resilience, and aptitude for intricate work are most pronounced, leading to their lines being favored in strategic pairings and thus reinforcing these traits over time.

The initial phase of dwarven life, encompassing the first two decades, is characterized by a paradoxically rapid yet ultimately slow physical development. A dwarven infant, often affectionately termed a "Pebble" by its clan, experiences a swift initial growth spurt in its first five years, comparable in proportional terms to a human child. During this period, basic motor skills and rudimentary language acquisition occur. However, around the age of five, this rapid physical expansion significantly decelerates.

From five years to approximately twenty years of age, a young dwarf appears to grow at a pace almost imperceptible to other races. While their bones continue to harden and muscle density increases, visible changes in height and overall stature are minimal. This protracted physical pause allows for an intensive period of foundational learning and societal integration. Children are immersed in the history of their clan, the ethics of the Holds, and the rudiments of various crafts. They learn the value of resilience, the importance of lineage, and the foundational principles of honesty and loyalty that underpin all dwarven dealings.

Culturally, this stage is less about individual achievement and more about absorption. Young dwarves are expected to demonstrate attentiveness, a nascent work ethic, and respect for their elders. Their minds are sharp, absorbing volumes of oral tradition and practical knowledge, preparing them for the more rigorous stages of their development.

This period marks the most significant transition in a dwarf's life, bridging the protected phase of childhood with the responsibilities of true adulthood. Physically, this is when the most discernible changes occur. Between the ages of 20 and 50, dwarves experience a secondary growth phase, where they gradually attain their adult height and considerable muscular bulk. Males begin to develop the iconic dwarven beard, which becomes a profound marker of maturity and status, while females thicken their hair, often beginning intricate braiding patterns that signify their clan and personal achievements.

Societally, this is the stage of rigorous apprenticeship, often termed "The Youthful Vein." A young dwarf is expected to commit fully to mastering a trade – be it mining, smithing, stonecraft, banking, brewing, or soldiery. They dedicate decades to honing their skills under the tutelage of a master, absorbing not just the techniques but the philosophy and discipline inherent in their chosen profession. Challenges are embraced as opportunities for growth, and failures are seen as lessons forged in the fires of experience.

The culmination of this stage is typically marked by a formal "Coming-of-Age" rite, usually around the age of 50. This ceremony often involves a demonstration of their mastered craft, a testament to their physical prowess, or a successful venture that benefits the clan. Upon its completion, the dwarf is formally recognized as an adult, capable of contributing fully to the clan's prosperity and defense. They are granted a larger measure of independence and a voice in clan matters, though still expected to defer to the wisdom of elders.

The vast majority of a dwarf's life is spent in this prolonged stage of robust adulthood, often referred to as "The Deep Stone Years." Physically, dwarves in this age range are at their peak, characterized by immense strength, endurance, and an almost preternatural resistance to the ravages of time. Their bodies are hardened, their senses keen, and their minds sharp. While a human might begin to show signs of decline in their latter decades, a dwarf aged 150 is often as physically capable, if not more so, than a dwarf of 80, having accumulated a century of honed experience.

Culturally, this period is dedicated to the full application of their skills and wisdom. Dwarves establish families, contribute significantly to clan wealth and influence, and often achieve considerable renown in their chosen fields. They may lead expeditions, manage vast enterprises, forge legendary artifacts, or command formidable military units. Their actions directly contribute to the legacy and standing of their clan within the larger structure of the Mror Holds. This is the era of consolidating wealth, building reputation, and extending the clan's influence.

Decision-making and leadership roles increasingly shift to dwarves within this age bracket, particularly in the latter half of this stage, as their accumulated experience and demonstrated reliability become invaluable assets. They are the true backbone of dwarven society, the unwavering heart of the mountain.

Approaching and surpassing the two-and-a-half-century mark, dwarves enter a revered stage of elderhood. While their physical vigor may gradually and subtly diminish over these final decades, it is a decline so slow as to be almost imperceptible to shorter-lived races. Unlike human infirmity, a dwarven elder remains remarkably robust, often capable of strenuous activity well into their final century. Their true value, however, lies not in their physical prowess but in their immense accumulation of wisdom, historical knowledge, and strategic insight.

Elders, often known as "Ancient Veins" or "Stone-Sages," are the living embodiment of dwarven history and tradition. They serve as advisors, judges, chroniclers, and mentors. Their sagacity is sought on matters of inter-clan diplomacy, economic strategy, and the interpretation of ancient laws and prophecies. They are the keepers of the lore, the living memory that binds the past to the present and guides the future. While some may choose quieter lives of contemplation or specialized craft, many remain deeply involved in clan governance, their voices carrying significant weight simply due to their unparalleled perspective.

The passing of an elder dwarf, averaging around 350 years of age, is a solemn occasion, marking not just the loss of an individual but the closing of a chapter of living history. Their long lives are viewed not merely as biological duration, but as an essential component of the stability and enduring strength of dwarven civilization.

Enhanced Sensory Acuity

The most immediately apparent aspect of dwarven physiology lies in their heightened adaptation to subterranean life. Their five primary senses operate with a remarkable precision that surpasses typical human or elven capabilities, allowing them to navigate and dominate environments that would render others blind or disoriented.

• Vision Nocturnal and Subterranean Adaptation: While not truly seeing in absolute darkness, dwarven eyes are acutely adapted to low-light conditions, a trait commonly referred to as "darkvision." This is not a mere cat-like enhancement; their retinal structure and optic nerve pathways allow them to perceive subtle variations in light, shadow, and even residual thermal signatures within the deep earth. They discern shapes, movement, and even textural changes in environments where a human would see only an impenetrable void. This adaptation, however, often renders them somewhat sensitive to sudden, intense light, a minor trade-off for their remarkable nocturnal prowess.
• Hearing Vibrational and Sonic Sensitivity: Dwarven hearing is exceptionally acute, particularly tuned to vibrations through solid matter. They can detect the subtle shifting of rock, the distant rumble of a collapsing tunnel, or the distinct clatter of a pickaxe from surprising distances. Moreover, within the confines of their delves, they navigate complex soundscapes with ease, distinguishing echoes, differentiating between the sounds of various machinery, and even identifying individuals by their footsteps. This sensitivity also makes them formidable in detecting stealthy intrusions.
• Touch Geological Acuity and Craftsmanship: Perhaps no sense is as intimately connected with dwarven identity as their sense of touch. Their hands, often calloused from generations of labor, possess an inherent sensitivity to stone, metal, and crystal. A dwarf can discern the purity of an ore by touch, identify stress fractures in rock that are invisible to the untrained eye, or detect minute imperfections in a piece of intricately worked metal. This tactile understanding extends beyond simple craftsmanship; it is a fundamental aspect of their "stonecunning," allowing them to feel the structure and stability of their environment.
• Smell Mineral and Atmospheric Detection: Deep within the earth, the sense of smell becomes a crucial tool for survival. Dwarves possess a refined olfactory sense that allows them to distinguish between distinct mineral deposits, identify pockets of stagnant or foul air, and detect the subtle scent of approaching creatures that might otherwise remain hidden. They can perceive the metallic tang of iron, the musky odor of mold or fungus, or the acrid scent of certain gases, often long before these elements become a danger.
• Taste Water Purity and Subterranean Flora: While less frequently discussed, dwarven palates are notably attuned to the purity of water sources and the subtle flavors of subterranean fungi and mosses. This ensures they can readily identify potable water in the labyrinthine depths and contributes to their traditional knowledge of edible and medicinal subterranean flora.

Perceptual Depth

Beyond mere sensory input, dwarven perception involves a sophisticated cognitive processing of information, allowing for an advanced level of situational awareness and problem-solving, particularly within their native environment.

• Environmental Contextualization: Dwarves excel at processing sensory data within the context of their environment. They don't just hear a sound; they instinctively know its probable origin point within a tunnel system. They don't just see a rock face; they assess its geological history, structural integrity, and potential for mineral deposits. This holistic understanding makes them unparalleled tunnelers, miners, and defenders of their domains.
• Attention to Detail and Flaw Detection: Their keen senses foster a profound attention to detail. Whether inspecting a newly forged axe, examining a proposed tunnel route, or evaluating the sincerity of a trade partner, dwarves are adept at spotting minute discrepancies, structural flaws, or inconsistencies that others would overlook. This extends to their legendary craftsmanship, where even the slightest imperfection is often unacceptable.
• Security and Threat Assessment: Generations of defending their delves from myriad threats have honed a highly effective perception for security. Dwarves are remarkably observant of their surroundings, noting disruptions in established patterns, subtle signs of intrusion, or changes in the behavior of wildlife. This vigilance, combined with their sensory acuity, makes them exceptional sentinels and guards.

Perhaps the most enigmatic and uniquely dwarven capabilities lie beyond the conventional five senses, delving into realms that might be described as extrasensory or spiritual. These faculties are deeply interwoven with their ancient past and their profound connection to the earth itself.

Stonecunning Innate Geomantic Intuition: What is often described as "stonecunning" is more than just practical knowledge of geology; it verges on an innate, extrasensory connection to the earth. Dwarves possess an intuitive understanding of stone formations, natural and artificial constructions, and the subterranean landscape. This manifests as an uncanny ability to:

• Detect Slopes and Depths: An inherent internal compass and plumb-line that allows them to instinctively know their general depth underground and the direction of slopes, even in unfamiliar territory.
• Identify Anomalies: A subtle "feeling" or "knowing" when something is amiss with a geological formation – a hidden chamber, a weak point, or even a vein of ore, without direct sensory input. This is not seeing through stone, but an almost empathetic understanding of its properties.
• Recall Subterranean Paths: An eidetic memory for underground passages and the layout of caverns, often navigating complex labyrinths with an instinctual certainty.

• Male Names: Bruennen, Durnnam, Greddark, Kellark, Turanank.
• Female Names: Annaka, Gerthin, Karkanna, Menna, Zranakarak.

Long before the rise of Galifar, before the concept of a unified kingdom even flickered in the minds of men, the dwarves were a scattered people, nomadic wanderers scraping a living from the unforgiving tundra of the Frostfell. Our ancestral sagas tell of a great yearning, a dream of a better life that stirred within our hearts. It was this yearning that drove our ancestors to embark on the Great Migration, leaving behind the familiar chill for a land of promise – Khorvaire.

The year was roughly -12,000 by the Galifaran calendar when our forebears first set foot on these shores. We landed in the rugged, northeastern mountains that would become our home, our shield, and our endless source of sustenance. Legends say that our hands, calloused from generations of survival, instinctively reached for the earth, sensing the veins of precious metals and gems that lay hidden within. Mining became not just a profession, but a sacred calling, a way to connect with the very spirit of the mountains.

However, our arrival was not met with open arms. The Jhorash'tar, the native orcs of the mountains, viewed us as invaders, challenging their ancient dominion. The conflict that erupted was brutal and unrelenting, a clash of civilizations that echoed through the valleys and resonated in the depths of the earth. This conflict, born of territorial disputes and cultural misunderstandings, continues to smolder even to this day, a constant reminder of the price of expansion and the enduring nature of grudges.

Internal strife further complicated our existence. The dwarven clans, each fiercely independent and driven by an insatiable thirst for wealth and power, engaged in constant feuds and skirmishes. The mountains echoed not only with the sounds of pickaxes and ore carts, but also with the clang of steel and the cries of war. These inter-clan conflicts, fueled by greed and ancient rivalries, threatened to tear us apart and leave us vulnerable to the relentless attacks of the Jhorash'tar.

Echoes of the Dhakaani Empire

While specific historical records from this highly ancient period are scarce, the presence of the Mror dwarves in Khorvaire long predates the arrival of humanity. Archeological evidence and fragmented linguistic analysis suggest that dwarven cities within the mountains were already complex and well-established before human populations began to spread across the continent. References in ancient Dhakaani dirges, which speak of the "stone warriors of the North," strongly allude to the formidable presence and perhaps even the occasional, albeit limited, interaction between the Dhakaani Empire and the early Mror clans. These brief mentions underscore the profound antiquity of dwarven civilization within their mountain fastnesses.

The Exile of the Twelve

A pivotal moment in the shaping of Mror society occurred during the reign of Lord Kordran Mror. Historical accounts indicate a significant uprising within the deep domains of the dwarves, though the precise causes and full extent of this unrest remain shrouded in historical ambiguity. What is clear, however, is the severity of the rebellion, which was deemed serious enough by Lord Mror to warrant extreme action.

To quell the dissent and impose his authority, Lord Mror banished twelve of the uprising's leading figures. These exiled leaders were commanded to dwell exclusively in the surface areas of the mountains, forever cut off from the elaborate subterranean kingdoms. To enforce this decree, potent magical seals and wards were set in place, designed to prevent the banished dwarves and their descendants from ever returning to the deep domains. Furthermore, a dedicated clan of wardens, later known as the Kundarak, were charged with the solemn duty of maintaining these wards indefinitely, ensuring that the exiled would remain apart until such a time as the Mror people had proven themselves worthy of accessing the ancient kingdom below. These twelve exiled leaders would, in time, become the foundational figures of the twelve great clanlords, whose lineage continues to shape the Mror Holds.

The exiled clanlords, now confined to the surface, spent many years Locked in a fervent competition to prove their individual worth and their clan's superiority. This period saw monumental undertakings, such as the legendary carving of the mighty face of Lord Mror into the mountain itself, a testament to their ambition and skill. Yet, this very competition, fueled by lingering resentments and the desire to regain access to the deep domains, inevitably devolved into renewed infighting, leading to the long-standing feuds that characterized inter-clan relations for centuries.

The Karrn Irruption

For a considerable period after their initial expansion across Khorvaire, human kingdoms paid little heed to the feuding dwarven clans isolated within their mountain redoubts. However, as the Kingdom of Galifar solidified its power, the strategic importance and immense mineral wealth of the Mror Mountains did not escape the notice of its more ambitious scions. Karrn ir'Wynarn, a son of King Galifar I, recognized the potential bounty the mountains offered to the nascent empire.

With his father's permission, Karrn launched a series of aggressive campaigns to raid and subjugate the dwarven strongholds. Weakened by centuries of their own internal feuding and unable to present a united front, the Mror dwarven clans gradually succumbed to Karrn's organized forces. Their lands were formally annexed and integrated into the territories of Karrnath.

Paradoxically, this conquest, initially perceived as a great calamity, proved to be an unexpected boon for the Mror dwarves. The iron fist of Galifar, administered through Karrn, effectively compelled the fractious clans to set aside their petty squabbles and work together under the imposed peace of the king. This forced cooperation unwittingly forged a stronger, more unified dwarven identity, laying the groundwork for their eventual resurgence.

Under the Aegis of Galifar

Having been compelled by external pressures to set aside their ceaseless internal squabbling, the newly unified Mror experienced a profound moment of spiritual and ancestral reconciliation. The Kundarak dwarves, who had diligently maintained the magical wards for centuries, recognized the collective worthiness of their kin. Consequently, they ceremonially released the ancient magical seals, finally granting passage to the long-forbidden "kingdom below"—the true, ancient deep domains of the Mror.

However, the reunion with their ancestral lands was not without its own tragedy. Over the intervening centuries, the inhabitants of the deep domains had not rested idly. They had fought a long and brutal war against the insidious Daelkyr, invaders from Xoriat, the Realm of Madness. This conflict had taken a devastating toll, and much of the ancient, glorious cities of the Mror had fallen, now claimed and corrupted by the Aberrations.

Despite this disheartening discovery, the dwarven clanlords, now united by a common external power and a shared ancestral desire, embarked upon the monumental task of reclaiming the former glory of their people. Even as they poured their combined strength into this endeavor, their loyalty to the Kingdom of Galifar remained steadfast. Having sworn fealty to the kingdom generations prior, their ancestral honor compelled them to uphold their solemn pledge, even as they rebuilt their shattered heritage.

The Last War and the Dawn of Independence

For nearly nine centuries, the dwarves of the Mror Holds remained loyal subjects of Galifar, their economic strength and mining prowess contributing significantly to the kingdom's prosperity. However, the cataclysmic conflict known as the Last War, which tore the Kingdom of Galifar asunder, ultimately released the Mror dwarves from their ancient oaths. With the central authority of Galifar shattered and the kingdom itself effectively defunct, the ancestral pledges of fealty were, by divine and temporal law, rendered null and void.

Seizing this historic opportunity, the dwarven clanlords convened the first meeting of the venerable Iron Council in 914 YK. In a momentous declaration, they formally proclaimed the independence of the Mror Holds from any lingering ties to the fractured remnants of Galifar. This assertive move was later officially recognized by the international community with the signing of the Treaty of Thronehold, solidifying the Mror Holds' status as a sovereign nation.