Dirge Singer

When a Dwarf passes, then they are mourned only by a Dirge Singer.
Picked for the role at birth, it is a great honor for their families to join the Dirge Singers, foregoing any other life, the young dwarf has no name, identity or even Clan. They are simply a Dirge Singer. After a particular shame or defeat, a Dwarf can petition to join the Dirge Singers, giving up their lives to remove the stain on their dishonor.
Their face is covered at all times by a blank iron mask and they hold a long Urgrosh in their hands.
When attending the funeral rites of a Dwarf, a Dirge Singer will chant out their life deeds, read from the Dwarve's own logs and journals.
After the ending of The Last War, the Dirge Singers have surged in numbers as more and more of their race see this as the end of the Dwarven role in the world. Where before the Holds were guarded by stout Dwarf warriors, now the locked and barred gates to the Dwarf cities are overseen by the Dirge Singers, who methodically chant the history of their people as if at a funeral.

Career

Career Progression

The Dirge Singers have no ranks and no heirarchy, they are simply Dirge Singers. When funerary rites are to be performed, the next available Singer attends that rite.

Payment & Reimbursement

Dirge Singers are called or chosen, every Hold ensures that the Singers are kept comfortable and fed and no payment is ever made, they have given up their need for gold along with their identities.

Perception

Social Status

Set aside from the rest of Dwarven society, they are respected and trusted as keeping the Holds going.

History

Like most of Dwarven culture, the role of the Dirge Singers dates back many thousands of years to the rise of the great Dwarven Empire. It is thought that at the height of their industry, the Dwarves did not want to spend too long mourning the loss of their fellows and yet, a Dwarf bears loss with a heavy heart and can become inconsolable at the death of a loved one. The Dirge Singers were formed to help this, a Dwarf knows they will be remembered and their deeds sung of and their family know they will be mourned. This seems to be enough to the practical Dwarven mentality to move on from the loss and return to working for their Hold.

Alternative Names

Singers, Singers of the Dead