The Dahl

Written by strawberrymoon

The Dahl is a race of strong, hardy men and women who live in the cold northern forest regions. They are mainly hunters and traders, tracking the heavy game that cross through their woods and snowfields. Very little grows there besides the tough vegetables and thick barley.
Women are held in high esteem in the Dahl culture. They are the child givers, and are seen as very wise and nurturing. They hold equal rights in both politics and on the battlefield. A woman also does most of the hunting while her husband cares for the children at home.
The men do lots of ironwork, and fight on the battlefields against the slowly encroaching Pardi invaders. They are a burly bunch, and drink plenty of whiskey and ale. However they are also gentle, as they take care of the children often.
Their houses are made of the sturdy pines that thrive in the North, and their largest city is Dunstromm, a sprawling metropolis and the industrial center of the nation. This is where most of the trade goes on.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dahl have copper-based blue blood, which gives them a pallid appearance. They are tall with long limbs but otherwise very human looking. Being descended from elves, they have pointed ears, but the sharpened teeth are a recent modification due to tough meat they need to chew.

Ecology and Habitats

Dahl live in the cold, perpetually snowing mountains in the North. They live close to water sources, and their capitol is built next to the largest waterfall in the valley. Houses are sturdy and made with the heavy pines trees that only grow in the valley. Most houses have only one room and the occasional second level, while there are smaller huts surrounding the propert for crafting, cooking, etc.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Dahl need lots of meat to survive and very few vegetables or fruits. The only vegetables that grow are tough so farming is very scarce. Hunting and raising animals is more common, but some men also gather tough berries in the surrounding forests while the women hunt.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Dahl have pointed ears and very sharp teeth. Other than that, they look very human.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Spread out among the valley, usually near large water sources such as lakes and rivers.

Average Intelligence

Dahl are as smart as the ancient elves they come from.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Dahl have increased hearing abilities compared to the other races. It is good for detecting prey. Their eyesight is also enhanced.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

The High Council is the main government of the Valley of the Northern Wind. They are elected by the people to represent them. There are various temples dedicated to the Guardians of the Wild. The three major temples to the Elk, Fox, and Owl, are located in the capitol Dunstromm.

Beauty Ideals

Brown eyes are considered exotic and desirable because of their rarity among pure Dahl. Other than that, there are no real beauty ideals.

Gender Ideals

Men and women are expected to be equal in both the home and the battlefield. Women do most of the hunting while men take care of the children and craft necessities.

Relationship Ideals

Dahl love understanding between partners. They want partners they can trust with their secrets and love them all the same.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Their main language is Dahlish, which can be considered a very modern dialect of elvish. Some Dahl have accents depending on which part of the Valley they come from.

Common Etiquette Rules

Honor is a very large part of Dahl culture. Men and women will defend both their own and their friends' honor

Common Dress Code

Unmarried singles can dress however they want, whether modest or more promiscuous. Married couples, however, are expected to cover up because their bodies are only for their partners.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

They inherit a lot of their culture from the ancient eleves

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Women wear headbands representing their social status and age. At the age of 9, they choose a gemstone to represent them which will be wore until death. Men receive a tattoo based off their character or some great achievement at the age of 19.

Common Taboos

Betrayal of any type is considered one of the highest taboos in Dahl culture. Adultery results in a permanent banishment from the town or city they reside in and public scorning at all times.

Historical Figures

King Mstislav, the tyrant of the Diamond Age; Ivla Norling, also known as Ilva the Undaunted, she won the battle against the Pardi

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

They have good relations with the Luminel, Trentalvi, and Humans. However, they have bad relations with the Pardi because of the war.

Origin/Ancestry

Elvish

Lifespan

200 years

Average Height

7'5"

Average Weight

200 lbs.

Average Physique

Dahl are known to have very strong builds, with large muscles on both men and women.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Various skin tones with a blue hue because of their blood.