Domain Dwarves

Castes

Domain dwarves fall into one of four castes. Dwarven culture rigidly adheres to social expectations of behaviour and status and the castes are a prime example of this. Social movement between castes is near-impossible with the exception of being cast down to Drettir as punishment. When an individual dwarf is adopted into a higher family they must leave behind their birth family. Ascension is strictly for a single individual.      

Ventarri

Ventarri are the highest status amongst dwarves. Members of Ventarri families are considered so valuable that they are forbidden from wielding weapons. Ventarri families are the leaders of their respective clans and the largest and most powerful clans will have multiple Ventarri families supporting their primary family.   Ventarri are either descended directly from the original dwarves who sold their people to the Empress or have ascended to join their ranks, a process which involves dangerous magic as well as bureaucracy. By long tradition all Ventarri wear collars though they are often disguised as necklaces or simple golden chains.   Major dwarven cities often fall under the control of a large clan with multiple Ventarri families leading it, while smaller cities might be led by a clan with just a single Ventarri family.  

Gondali

Gondali families take up places near the top of every facet of dwarven life. The highest ranks in the military are held by Gondali and most scholars, guild masters, and artists are of this class. Individual Gondali who serve with distinction may be adopted into a Ventarri family in their clan, one of the limited forms of social mobility available in Dwarven society.   Smaller cities and towns may be run by clans led only by Gondali families. These clans are significantly less powerful than Ventarri-led clans.  

Amerri

Ameri form the bulk of Dwarven skilled tradesmen, low ranks in the military, and the bulk of the mercantile class. It is forbidden for Amerri to practice the magic of scholars though some Amerri find that their personal magic is strong in ways that are appreciated by their clan. When such a thing occurs, the individual may be adopted into a Gondali family.   While Amerri families sometimes find themselves overseeing a small settlement, they are always doing so at the pleasure of their clan.  

Drettir

The lowest in Dwarven society are the Drettir, forbidden from both magic and literacy. One step removed from exiles, Drettir families are both generational and comprised of assigned outcasts.   They are forbidden not only the practice of magic but any form of learning from books. Drettir provide nearly all of the unskilled labor in Dwarven society along with the bulk of foot soldiers for the military. For Drettir men, five years service in the army is mandatory. For Drettir women, five years service as servants in Ventarri houses is required. Drettir may not climb within Dwarven society but other members of Dwarven society may be cast down to live the rest of their days as Drettir.   Drettir labourers are commonly paid slave wages and left to fend for themselves rather than being incorporated in any way into their clan's business.    

Culture

Naming Traditions

All dwarves have a family name within their clan and related to their clan's name. Family names tie the status of the family's caste to their clan, with Ventarri names relating to the ideals that their clan holds in high regard. In contrast Drettir names are specifically chosen as insults.   For example, families within the Deep Sea Spears Clan include Bright Water (Ventarri), Rising Tide (Gondali), Endless Nets (Amerri), and Broken Keel (Drettir).   In marriage typically one member of the union is specifically leaving one family to join another and take a new name. For the Ventarri a family name is never given or taken and the name given to any children is hotly negotiated between the relevant families.  

Organizations

 

Darkest Depths Clan

The Dwarven Domain is currently ruled over by the Darkest Depths Clan and has been for longer than anyone can remember. Led by five Ventarri families, Darkest Depths has seemingly endless resources in the form of rich mines and master craftsmen.  

Eight Fold Mysteries Hall

The Eight Fold Mysteries Hall is the single most powerful Hall in the Dwarven Domain - they occupy an entire island at the heart of the Domain. They are dedicated to the study of elemental and arcane magic and accept only the most talented wizards into their ranks.