Gravenholm - Stonesingers

The primary language of the Gravenholm was Dwarvish, but they had developed a distinct dialect characterized by its unique pronunciation and vocabulary. This dialect, often referred to as "Stone Tongue," was rich in metaphors and idioms related to stone, earth, and the natural world.

Gravenholm culture was steeped in tradition and a deep reverence for the past. Their ancestors were honored through elaborate rituals, storytelling, and the preservation of family runes. Music and song played a vital role in their cultural expression, with the unique "stone singing" tradition allowing them to interact with the very earth itself.

The Gravenholm held steadfast to a code of honor that prized loyalty, craftsmanship, and reverence for their ancestors. They valued hard work, resilience, and a deep connection to the earth. Family and clan ties were paramount, and individuals were expected to uphold the honor and traditions of their lineage.

Gravenholm etiquette emphasized respect for elders, deference to authority, and a strong sense of hospitality. Guests were welcomed warmly, offered food and drink, and treated with utmost courtesy. Formal greetings often involved the exchange of clan names and the recitation of ancestral lineage.

Gravenholm attire was practical and durable, reflecting their rugged lifestyle and connection to the earth. Men and women alike wore sturdy boots, thick woolen cloaks, and leather jerkins or aprons. Clan symbols were often embroidered onto clothing or etched into jewelry, signifying family allegiance.

Gravenholm artistry was deeply rooted in their reverence for stone. Their architecture was characterized by massive, angular structures built from locally quarried stone. Intricate carvings adorned the walls of their homes and temples, depicting scenes from their history, mythology, and family sagas.

Gravenholm cuisine was hearty and satisfying, featuring roasted meats, root vegetables, and thick stews. They brewed their own beer, a strong and flavorful beverage often infused with mountain herbs. Communal meals were a central part of their social life, with families and friends gathering to share food and stories.

The Gravenholm observed a variety of customs and traditions throughout the year, many of which centered around the cycles of nature and the changing seasons. They held festivals to celebrate harvests, solstices, and equinoxes, often marked by feasting, singing, and the telling of ancient tales.   One of the most distinctive customs of the Gravenholm was the practice of adorning their faces with clan runes. These intricate markings, unique to each family, were more than mere decoration. They were a symbol of heritage, a connection to ancestors, and a source of pride. The runes were often incorporated into the Gravenholm's "stone singing" tradition, where specific melodies and chants were believed to resonate with the runes and enhance the power of their magic.

The birth of a child was a joyous occasion celebrated with a naming ceremony, during which the newborn was presented with their clan runes and given a name chosen by their parents.

Upon reaching adulthood, young Gravenholm underwent a rite of passage that involved a solo journey into the mountains, where they sought to commune with the spirits of the earth and prove their worthiness to their ancestors.

The Gravenholm honored their dead with elaborate funeral rites, burying their loved ones in stone tombs adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions. Memorial ceremonies were held regularly to remember and celebrate the lives of departed ancestors.

Disrespecting elders, desecrating ancestral tombs, and betraying one's clan were considered grave offenses among the Gravenholm. They also held a deep aversion to necromancy and the manipulation of life and death, viewing it as a perversion of the natural order.