Dwarves of Largitas
According to Dwarven belief, The Stonefather, the first Dwarf, was forged in a massive crucible by the gods Ignara, God of Fire and Terran, God of Earth. He then molded the first four clans—each born of different materials: clay, stone, metal, and gem. Some claim that the crucible used to create them still exists, hidden beneath the capital city of Broyoto, in the form of The Forge Heart, a divine machine-furnace that pulses with ancient purpose.
Dwarves consider themselves hand-forged, not evolved, and carry this pride in every aspect of their lives.
Traits & Abilities
- Stone-Deep Resilience: Resistant to poison, extreme pressure, and high heat.
- Forge-Blooded: Dwarves can tolerate temperatures that would be fatal to others; many can sense faint thermal gradients.
- Echo-Sense: Particularly strong among tunnel-dwelling clans, allowing them to navigate blind in underground spaces.
- Craft-Instinct: Dwarves instinctively understand materials like stone, metal, and clay; even untrained Dwarves can spot poor workmanship or flawed ore.
Basic Information
Genetics and Reproduction
Dwarves reproduce slowly; couples often wait decades to have children. Children are not considered full members of their clan until they complete a Coming-of-Craft ritual at 25 years of age.
Ecology and Habitats
Dwarves prefer underground cities, volcanic slopes, and high mountain regions. They are masters of making harsh environments not only livable, but beautiful—with mosaics, carved ceilings, and geothermal forges.
They thrive in:
- Deep Holds: such as Broyoto and (formerly) Kaldur Hollow
- Cliff-Fortresses
- Volcanic Outposts
- Occasionally, surface settlements with rich mineral seams
Behaviour
Dwarves are communal, pragmatic, and tradition-bound, but far from inflexible. The idea of legacy, whether through craft, kin, or record, is deeply important.
- Memory as Bedrock: Stories and memory are as valued as treasure. A Dwarf without a story is a broken tool.
- Stone Laws: All Dwarves are taught the 29 Stone Laws—moral, practical, and cultural guidelines said to have been laid down by the Stonefather himself.
- Spirituality: Worship focuses less on deities and more on ancestral Paragons—epic figures of Dwarven history, such as Korrim Stonebrow, the baker-philosopher.
Civilization and Culture
Major Language Groups and Dialects
- Modern Dwarven: Direct, efficient, and laced with metaphors of stone, fire, and metal
- Stonetongue (Barâd’khazûl): The ancient Dwarven language, used in rituals, laws, and for sacred truths. Many Dwarven idioms come from this language (e.g., “Zar-khul-dum!” – Chisel truth deep!”)
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Clan-Based Structure
Dwarves are organized into Clans, each with their own Hearthhold, ancestral crafts, and crests. While marriages between Clans are common, clan loyalty remains fierce.
Occupation as Identity
Dwarves are known for melding craft and identity. Whether stonemason, cook, brewer, scribe, or smith, one's purpose is treated with reverence.
Secret Softness
Despite their hard exterior, many Dwarves indulge in secret pleasures: sweet treats, poetry, and sentimental keepsakes. Some confections, like the soft Ash-Sugar Pebbles, are kept hidden from outsiders to preserve the image of stoicism.
Common Myths and Legends
Notable Beliefs
- The Stonefather watches all.
- The Forge Heart pulses with our origin.
- The world above is brittle; the world below is true.
- A name carved in stone lasts longer than a crown.
Culinary Notes
Dwarves are known to ferment, salt, smoke, or bake just about anything. Their food is hearty, preservable, and rich in minerals. Some examples include:
- Stonebread (a nutrient-packed survival bread that breaks the teeth of non-Dwarves)
- Embercrust Rolls
- Cave-Hog Cheese
- Molten Pickle Mix
- Bonepaste Soup (a calcium-thickened stew that can double as grout)
Brews & Spirits
If it can rot, Dwarves can brew it. Some of the strongest drinks in Largitas come from Dwarven distilleries, including:
- Tunnelbrine Ale (fermented root beer with salty sediment)
- Glowcap Liquor (bioluminescent mushroom spirit)
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