Urthen

Born of stone, the urthen, quite literally, have the power of stone coursing through their veins. These dwarves bear a mark of Stone upon their face known as the Furun. Some claim that these marks are conduits of power from powerful elemental beings, others claim that the marks are natural manifestations of the power of Stone itself, others still claim that the marks are the work of ancient and powerful bindings of the dwarves themselves. Regardless the origin of the Furun, the effect is undeniable. Urthen are bathed in the power of Stone.   Within the children of Urth, the strength of one’s connection to Stone is paramount. It shapes most interactions. The urthen call this connection the Pith. It is the weight of a person, their power and prestige as much as their relationship to the power. Patience, strength, fortitude, quiet and stillness of spirit contribute to one’s Pith. The olde ways of the urthen would resolve conflicts by ‘weighing’ the Piths of the challengers. This is still done today as a ceremony among the urthen, weighing the blazons of those that speak in the scales of speaking.   Some jann and terranesti feel a kinship to certain urthen. It is theorized that the patterns of the marking on each are related in an undefinable mystical sense that transcends the bounds of physical ancestry. As such, there is a secret fear that the urthen serve the Ascendancy of Stone and its rulers.   Urthen craft from the stones of Urth themselves, from the common rock to the most prized gems. If it can be made of stone, then it is. Metal is not shunned, as it too is of Urth, but more often than not, it is used as an accent.   Since the Bladeban, the children of stone turned to the use of the hammer as a favored weapon of war.