Iastruskin

Name:

Iastruskin

Alternate Name:

Earthkin. Shortfolk, Seawalkers, Sea Dwarves

Description:

Iastruskin, also called Earthkin, claims to have been born when the Earth first met the sea. They are an old race, and pictures of their great barge fleets are among the oldest depicted in the bygone ruins. Dwarves are of an average height, generally 4 to 5 ½ feet in height, and with broad chests and muscles. Males and Female both sport facial hair, often braiding it in elaborate designs. Most dwarves have skin in a range from pink to dark brown, but some other colors can sometimes be seen. Dwarves have thick bones for their size, the better to anchor their additional muscle mass.

History:

There have always been dwarves as far as anyone knows, but they have primarily been found in the great Barge-fleets on the world’s oceans. Only a small number of Iastruskin have ever left the barge-fleets, but those who do have made good homes in small families along the coasts. In history, the Iastruskin have been at the forefront of maintaining the balance of Iatrus’s seas, taking out those they see as opposing the natural order or threatening the ecological balance the barge fleets require to survive.

Culture:

Iastruskin culture is one of stoic gruffness and a readiness to defend family and Iatrus. For one of their kind, there is no difference between defending a beloved mother or sister than defending a shoal of dolphins. Those in the barge fleets know that any disruption to the fragile ecosystem that they rely on can mean an utter loss of the barge’s only food sources. To avoid such tragedies, many Irastuskin join the ranks of the Commandos, an elite marine unit that specializes in taking out mortal threats like poachers and factories under the cover of night. Many a mage lord has awoken to find their seaside fortresses emptied of both arcana and guards, with only a bloody trail left leading to the sea.

The Iastruskin do not brag about their achievements, but instead weave them into their beards using stamped coils and jewelry. They then stay silent on the matter unless asked what each piece of jewelry means, only then freed to share stories of their tragedies and triumphs. Newly met Iastruskin can often while away hours, asking about each other's trinkets, and it is considered polite to do so.