Outcasts

Rune-branded skin and an invaded mind. The Outcasts are those that have suffered greatly in the name of justice. In dwarven society, theft is a crime punishable by exile to the lower levels of a city without repeal. These lower levels origionally are the empty chambers on which dwarven cities are build on top of. They are vast open spaces with little resources to otherwise pull from. The dwarves that find themselves here take whatever scraps of material they can to build rudimentary shelter and tools. The central region at the top of the lower levels is unreachable but has a morbid display illuminated at all times as a continual reminder of their misdeeds and poor circumstance.

One can become an Outcast for a number of reasons but theft of foodstuff is most common. There’s a clear correlation between resource depletion and number of outcasts being recorded but the regal classes of the cities conveniently ignore this statistic. As such, those that have a harder life only end up in the lower regions of the city. Being able to forgive is not a common trait amongst dwarves and the justice system reflects this. If you steal some dried meat one too many times, you’re simply discarded.   The Outcasts of each city are often forced to work in labour camps in the lower depths. Fed and clothed with leftover scraps of those from higher layers. Often these Outcasts are made to face some of the more volatile environments that life underground has to offer. A breakthrough into a water chamber can cause mass flooding. A magma pocket can generate blistering heat that rips through regions until it’s brought under control. Rockquakes cause disruption to the outer walls, giving openings to everything that lies outside of the cities walls.   They’re forced to be labourers. One that is malnourished and without energy or supplies   They’re forced to be militia. One that is unprepared, untrained and scared.   They’re forced to be the first line of defence. One that is easy to break.   They’re little more than generators of wealth for those willing to exploit them. Other than that, they’re an alarm system for when the horrors outside manage to claw their way in.   But they are Dwarves. When they call upon the gods for strength, I hope that they receive the answer.  

This is a submission for my first ever Summer Camp in 2024 - I hope you enjoy my writings and I'm looking forward to hearing your feedback!