Dwarf

History

During the War of Fire dwarves initially opposed the Empire. As the War progressed and it became more and more clear that the dwarves could not win, the leaders threw themselves upon the mercy of the Empress and asked to join her rather than die.   Offering up their entire people, these first dwarves were bound to the Empress in obedience and servitude while the rest of their people were tied to their leaders. Amongst Domain dwarves, these bloodlines have descended into the Ventarri who speak with authority and all others, who follow.   Dwarves who are descended from these ancestors sworn into racial servitude find it hard to disobey the commands of the Ventarri while Ventarri-born dwarves are still sworn to obey the Empress herself.  

Culture

Dwarves in Taethir are divided into two groups: Those who hail from the Domain and those from the Valley.    

Heroism and Leadership

Dwarves venerate legendary heroes who have contributed to their communities in some notable way. Commonly these are great warriors and leaders who push their people to victory in battle or shield them from disaster but master craftspeople are just as revered.   Without fail the people who are worshipped as saviours and heroes are martyrs - people who sacrificed themselves to protect others. This sort of life (and death) are glorified amongst all dwarven cultures and those who aspire to be heroes aim to protect and then die a glorious death.    

Clans

Both in the Valley and the Domain dwarven families are organized into larger and more powerful clans. A clan might be composed of many families in a rough hierarchy with all families committed to serving the interests of their clan. Leadership of a clan might pass between families or it might be held strictly by a single ruling family.   Clans are generally known for a particular skill or interest and largely prepare food flavoured in a consistent way with this interest.    

Halls

As a people who treasure fine craftswork, there is a strong dedication to improvement and learning of one's craft. Halls are schools of learning devoted to a particular art, trade, or other skill. Halls might study a specific style of fighting, mastery over a certain weapon, branch of magic, or way of thinking. Halls might also be dedicated to following the life of a notable hero or story.   The Halls themselves are powerful political entities which are not aligned to any family or clan. They are composed of members of many clans which continue their political manoeuvring within their Hall.