Dwarves: Difference between revisions

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Cleaned up "culture" section spreading info to "Bormar" page
(Added links to Old Dwarven)
(Cleaned up "culture" section spreading info to "Bormar" page)
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Dwarves are the singular playable race on the Dwarves! Server. With a long and storied history stemming from the Bormar Vale and spanning thousands of years, Dwarven culture has since evolved into a vibrant tapestry of tradition that has spread across the known world.
 
Today, the vast majority of these enterprising folk live in the great nation of [[Bormar]], athe dominant nation-state that has become synonymous withof the Dwarven people.   It is here that they continue to thrive as masters of industry and trade. Whilst Dwarves still exist elsewhere, either in the neighboring region of Yeldamor, the underground realms of the Low Kingdoms, the tribes of Vingaborda, or in smaller Outposts dotted around the world, none of them can rival the sheer scope and reach of the Dwarves of Bormar.
 
== Physiology ==
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The balance between the three is the main source of disputes and arguments among Dwarves. Nowadays, every individual Dwarf has their own feelings and opinions on these three cultures that influence them. Some choose to weigh on specific aspects quite heavily, whereas some disregard many historical or geographical ties to a specific mindset.
 
=== Dwarven Core Values ===
 
==== Kinship ====
The world is a dangerous place and, in times of hardship, Dwarves owe a certain level of loyalty to one another. In times of threat, Dwarves are usually expected to fight alongside one another and recognize the value of every Dwarven life in need, regardless of wealth or social standing. This is usually prevalent in far-flung settlements, where the local Dwarven population is vastly outnumbered by other races or threatened by local wildlife or the environment itself.
 
==== Communal Ties ====
In ancient times, Dwarves were born into small, insular communities known as clans. In more recent times, Dwarves are now born into holdings, towns, or villages that are but a small part of a greater Dwarven nation. When asking a Dwarf where they hail from, most will answer ‘Bormar’, but will often follow this by then stating the name of their holding or village.
 
While Dwarves lead their own lives, there is an expectation to act in the common interest, or for the greater good. The grouchiest Dwarf in the largest city can usually be expected to make some effort to contribute for the sake of the greater community, even if this may still be for personal benefit.
 
==== Wealth Is Pride ====
Individual wealth is the defining trait for selection into the Lords and Ladies of Bormar and is an incredibly important aspect to any Dwarf,  and many believe that if their home prospers then everyone will prosper with them. Many rivalries exist between towns and holdings that were once combative in nature, but have now shifted to the economic. While these rivalries are now quite peaceful, they are still incredibly competitive.
 
==== Respect For The Elders ====
Whilst they have no true power today, respect for the wisdom of the yanka remains a crucial part of Dwarven society. Many older Dwarves can find themselves in highly respected positions of advising, consulting, or counseling, in many levels of Dwarven society. Even those who do not hold a profession or job based on their age will still receive a high level of respect from the local population. Many yanka are given cognomen, which marks them above the rest.
 
==== Honour The Work Of The Hands ====
Dwarves are notorious for devoting themselves to their projects and professions. Belittling or demeaning a project that a Dwarf has embarked upon is considered somewhat taboo within Dwarven culture and an incredibly rude gesture if said by other races. To pursue one’s craft unto perfection is one of the highest ideals a Dwarf can aspire to. Similarly, it is considered very rude to shame a Dwarf for their chosen profession.
 
=== Ancient Culture ===
Also known as "clan culture", these now ancient traditions stem from the early days of Dwarven history when clans were a Dwarf’s lifeline. Dwarves were born in small, isolated communities, known as clans and the majority of them held loyalty to that clan for their entire life. These clans settled in what is now called a ‘holding’; a small primary settlement, with an accompanying fortress or hold.
 
Dwarves were born in small, isolated communities, known as clans and the majority of them held loyalty to that clan for their entire life. These clans settled in what is now called a ‘holding’; a small primary settlement, with an accompanying fortress or hold.
 
The power of a clan was determined by the holding’s collective wealth. The more wealth and opulence the holding had, the more powerful the clan was presumed to be in order to maintain control over that wealth. Along with this, any items owned that were of particularly high quality were also seen as a good sign of that clan's wealth. High respect for artisanship has remained to this very day.
 
In addition, each clan was usually led by an elder, known as a yanka in [[Old Dwarven|'''Old Dwarven''']]. These wise, respected Dwarves commanded their holding as they saw fit, with their authority rarely questioned. The role of clan elder was not passed down through a bloodline, nor strangely based on age; it was merely seen as who was considered the wisest among them.
 
Clans usually took their name from a variety of sources: an ancestor of great renown or named for a particular trait that the members had, or perhaps for their professions or homes. Hardheads, Coldpeaks, Steeleye, and Firebeards are just a handful of examples.