71% dwarves, 12% duergar, 6% darckhai, 11% other
Deep in the mountains and beneath the earth of Schattenburg lies the dwarven nation of Straegenhammar. One of the first races to walk Zenith, these dwarves have existed in quiet obscurity for generations, leaving their homes only when commanded by the elders of their nation. Human settlement in Orlind and Schattenburg has given rise to a new era in the dwarven nation though, marked with bloody skirmishes, angry territorial disputes, and in some cases all-out war. Once ruled by enigmatic and ancient titans, the dwarves now exist in a flourishing society of wealth and strength.
Government: Straegenhammar is ruled by an imperial line descended from Kandless, the ancient dwarven hero who hammered the nation together from the disparate bickering elder families. This ruler carries the title of Commandant, and is the general of the dwarven armies. This ruler claims his providence by right of prowess and so it is customary for each new Commandant to defeat any would-be challengers to his rule. Over the centuries this has become a ceremonial challenge as few are comfortable with deposing the bloodline of Kandless. The Commandant is advised by a council of elder Darckhai, one from every noble house, who engage in divinations and reclusive study to forge the best path for dwarvenkind. In the past this meant war with the surface races, though recently a strong thread of thought has pushed for more diplomacy, particularly with the Penumbran races. Below the Commandant, each noble house is responsible for policing its own territory in a system that resembles classic feudalism.
Economy: The dwarven homeland is rich in mineral resources, and is one of the most prominent sources of adamantine on Zenith. Their trade agreements with the Rasz’ii Merchant Consortium as well as interest in Penumbra have brought them a staggering amount of wealth. However the dwarves do not value monetary wealth or creature comforts, most of their wealth goes into purchasing rare metals for use in the crafting of armor and weapons. The most impressive weapons and armor in Zenith and Penumbra alike can be found in Straegenhammar. The dwarves rarely take commissions, but when they do the masterpieces they create are almost certainly destined for great glory.
Religion/Spirituality: The dwarves worship Kandless with a dizzying fervor, but they are also prone to worshipping Alezeir Kresch, Fendus, or the divine virtues of Courage and Honor as well. Those with darker bents commonly find pleasure in paying homage to Sarak or other bloodthirsty fiends, but many pay at least lip service to Kandless regardless. Priests of Kandless conduct much of the public services in Straegenhammar, and are also the most likely to seek adventure beyond their kingdom’s walls. Nearly all festivals and feasts begin with a song in honor of Kandless and the Ancient Heroes. Blaspheming against Kandless is a good way to incite a dwarf into a fight.
Lifestyle: Though their culture is heavily immersed in honor, combat, and glory, the dwarves also recognize the necessity for work to keep their society running. Though the mundane tasks of mining and cultivating foodstuffs are left to commoners or slaves, many mighty warriors hold day jobs as crafters, priests, merchants, and other middle-class occupations. Offenses to a dwarf’s honor are commonly met with violence, though this rarely proves fatal unless the offense was particularly egregious. Most dwarves hold a single mate for life, though it is common and accepted for mighty warriors to claim multiple concubines in addition to his married spouse (usually a diplomatic marriage in their case).
Diplomacy: Dwarves are distrusting of just about everyone, though they carry a special contempt for humanity for blatantly sticking their noses in places where they have no business. They have a professional relationship with the Rasz’ii merchant consortium and are generally tolerant of gnolls. They respect the danjir as mighty rivals and frequently seek to do battles with whatever tribes they can find. A strong faction of dwarven society wishes to reignite a war with the humans of Schattenburg for transgressions visited in the past, though as of yet the armies of Straegenhammar have not marched. Straegenhammar is known to host various guests from Penumbra, who they treat with proper respect.
Military/Defense: Straegenhammar’s armies are incredibly impressive, though have a reputation for being somewhat undisciplined as every dwarf seeks to establish his own honor and glory in combat. Few things are respected more than prowess, typically of the physical kind. Though unafraid to go charging headlong into combat, the mightiest faction of Straegenhammar’s armies are the elite Runebolts (Arcane Archers), capable of raining magical death upon their foes with stealth and skill. Each noble house of Straegenhammar has a unique method of training their elite warriors, ranging from mighty spell-slingers to fearsome berserkers.
Geography/Borders: Straegenhammar is a wide sprawling series of interconnecting caverns and tunnels that spans the area beneath eastern Orlind and northwestern Schattenburg. In some ways it resembles a single vast country-sized city as each tunnel was carved by dwarven hands and tamed at one point. Many of the lesser traveled tunnels have been reclaimed by native denizens, providing a healthy (and dangerous) sport for many a dwarven warrior. The labyrinth of tunnels and caverns are also home to several Penumbran portals, providing a link to the Kingdom of Fieras among other places.
- Tower of Kandless – The center of government for Straegenhammar was hollowed out from a massive stone pillar. An impressive fortress (though it has never been assaulted) and a fine example of early dwarven stonecraft, the Tower stands as a beacon of pride for all dwarvenkind. When foreign diplomats visit Straegenhammar, they are provided with quarters in the tower and afforded all manner of dwarven hospitality (which is very different from conventional hospitality).
- Grand Arena – This cavern is as wide as an ocean and is separated into a dizzying array of stadia, rings, and various ranges. They are nearly constantly in use by one clan or another, and frequently the site of many a grand and unscheduled brawl. This is also where many public honor duels are held, where two dwarves engage in bloody and brutal combat for the sake of honor until one perishes. Tournaments are held frequently here, as varied as human festivals, and provide excellent opportunities for young dwarves to claim honor and renown.
- Hall of Songs – Reminiscent of some of Orlind’s lodges, this cavern is a single miles-long feasting hall interspersed with kitchens every few hundred feet. The Hall is almost always in use by a variety of houses or companies, either preparing for their next incursion into the depths of their homeland, or singing the praises of their most recent accomplishments. Twice a year, a huge feast is held here in honor of Kandless and other great heroes.
- The Vault – A deep, sprawling chasm that is said to cross into the Nether Realms, this place is Straegenhammar’s massive prison. The upper levels hold mundane prisoners, criminals of Straegenhammar or captured prisoners of war. However the deeper one goes, more outlandish creatures can be found. The Wardens of the Vault are nearly all Duergar and each swears an oath of solemn duty to the prison, forsaking their own honor and glory to keep the untold horrors of the deep vaults hidden. It is said that in the deepest depths, mighty dragons, giants, and demons are entombed behind ancient powerful dwarven seals.
Variants: In the future more dwarven variants may exist based on various houses.
- Duergar and the Darckhai are custom races that dwell within Straegenhammar.
- The Runebolts are Arcane Archers with all references to bows replaced with crossbows and elves replaced with dwarves.
Prominent Figures:
- Commandant Falkus (Male Duergar Fighter/Bard) – The dwarven ruler holds the rank of Commandant and is the direct descendant of Kandless himself. Though somewhat advanced in age, his ferocity has not abated in the slightest and he still harbors a grudge against the humans of Schattenburg for a defeat delivered to him more than a century ago. However, he is a pragmatist, and is currently working with the elder Darckhai to carve a prosperous path for Straegenhammar. He still claims many honors in the tournaments and has slain at least four would-be challengers to his throne.
- Elisaria Drakeheart (Female Dwarf Sorcerer/Dragon Disciple [Black]) – Exiled from her noble house as a result of bad political moves, Elisaria is a prominent and vocal champion of the common dwarf who commands begrudging respect for her magical prowess at Grand Arena. A vocal proponent of change from the Old Ways and for the conquering of Schattenburg, she has been gathering a strong and growing faction in Straegenhammar for decades.
- Orthon Stonegaze, Warden of the Vault (Male Darckhai Ranger) – The Chief Warden of the Vault is a quiet, somewhat reclusive man who comes up from the vaults only rarely. Though not especially cruel, he is known to be ruthless in upholding his solemn duties, knowing full well that he and his brethren are the first line of defense between the horrors of the Vault and the rest of the world.
Denizens of the Vault:
- Agrell Titanfist (Male Darckhai Fighter) – Centuries ago, Agrell challenged Falkus for the position of Commandant after an argument about strategies against the humans. He was defeated, but as a final insult Falkus denied him an honorable death and condemned him to the Vault. There he remains a political prisoner who commands a small but sizable following amongst other warriors who occasionally petition quietly for his release. Though it has not been proven, it is sure that some of the more recent attempts on Falkus’s life are Agrell’s doing.
- Salia, Queen of Lies (Female Demon Lord) – Entombed in a prison of pure crystal behind many layers of wards and seals lies the deposed Queen of Lies, one of many ambitious lords of the Nether Realms who sought to depose Kaynus from his throne. It is unknown why Kaynus did not enslave her will as he did with so many other would-be usurpers, but it says much that the Hand of the Nether Realms trusts in the security of the Vault to keep such a powerful creature contained.
- The God that Slumbers (Unknown Gender Silver Dragon Ancient Wyrm) – Few know where the ancient silver wyrm came from, or why it is imprisoned within the Vault. Records have even forgotten the name of the beast, but it remains an impressive specimen none-the-less. With more than three-fourths of its body entombed within the rock itself, only its fore claws and head are visible, chained with heavy irons and cursed into perpetual slumber. Even so bound, its might is impressive to all who perceive it.
- Haunce Magmaheart (Male Fire Giant Barbarian) – Sitting calmly amongst adamantine chains lies a titanic giant of fire and brawn. As ancient as Kandless himself, Haunce was once the mighty ruler of a clan of fire giants who was subjugated by Verana when she tamed the Citadel of Frozen Flame. How he ended up in the Vault is a matter of legend lost to the mists of time. Though prone to fits of intense rage and rebellion, the centuries of imprisonment has left him philosophical and disinterested in the rest of the world.