Silver Dwarves

Innovators

Throughout history, famous non-dwarven artificers are few and far between. The invention of the chariot, the airship, the crossbow, even the art of artifice itself were all the result of the incredible ingenuity of the Silver Dwarves, a chapter of the dwarven civilization living within Mal Boldor. Rather than royal dynasties or religious leaders, Morn Boldor is a meritocracy based solely around the intelligence and ingenuity of the city's populace. When a monarch reaches their later years, young inventors and artificers are invited to the citadel to demonstrate their creations and essentially pitch their candidacy to be the next monarch. This was how Kaznec Battleborn became the 137th King of Mal Boldor, and went on to become the most important dwarf in recent history. His inventions led to the creation of the Battlebrand Company, a forgehouse initially created simply to help provide defenses for the city before expanding far beyond its walls in the decades to come. Battlebrand products can be seen across the continents, used by some of the largest militaries currently upheld.    Despite this grand name recognition, only 2 kings have ever been chosen from Clan Battleborn, as rather than pitch the inventions in person, the judge committee remains ignorant to who created which invention. This has effectively eliminated the potential for nepotism influencing their decisions, and ensures not only that the best person is chosen for the job, but fosters a spirit of true entrepreneurship amongst the populace. Any smith of any forgehouse has an actual chance to become great, and even those not chosen for the role of monarch may still have their inventions seen by some of the top minds in the city, all but assuring them further opportunities. As a result, many academies have sprung up within city limits that teach the art of artifice. The level of teaching is so high in these academies that young inventors from around the world travel to Mal Boldor for studies, and even the high and mighty Imperial Academy set up an exchange program with them.   

Well Kempt

Outside of a forgehouse, it is rare to see a single hair out of place on a Silver Dwarf's head. Their long hair is rarely braided, instead being shaped and shined with oils and creams, as are their beards. Any ornaments within their beards and hair are minimal, unlike the ostentatious rings and clamps you might find in Morn Dahrim. Instead, Silver Dwarves will often keep their beards rather short to display their clan's carcanet. Tattoos are rare, often scoffed at by the upper class as if they denote something negative about you. Many of the dwarves originating in Mal Boldor often have slightly elvish features such as pointier ears, softer facial expressions, and even smaller frames, as a result of centuries of intermarrying with the nearby Tarrastov elf population.