Mountain's Call

Causes

The Mountain Call is a mental condition that occurs in Dwarven folk, regardless of type, that causes affected Dwarves to seek out the deep, dark reaches of the cave systems that were their origin. The specific cause is unclear, though scholars believe that overexposure to elements on the world's surface (particularly the sunlight) can cause a suppression of certain chemicals in the brain, which in turn drives a longing for the cool darkness of mountainous caves. The condition is less prevalent in younger Hill Dwarves, having lived most of their lives in above ground settlements, though on occasion The Call can affect them as well. Most commonly, Hill Dwarves find the condition triggered after or during an extended visit to a subterranean location, be it Dwarven Kingdom, abandoned dungeon or unexplored cave system.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the Mountain Call can include, but are not limited to: -Mild headaches when in direct sunlight -constant sweating while outdoors -irritated eyes
The condition is easily confused for the sunlight sensitivity of the Duergar, or Dark Dwarves, but is characterized for an unbearable longing to delve deep into caves and dungeons. Some cases of The Call aren't easily recognized, and the longing in particular is difficult to communicate unless there is a known cave system or dungeon within range of the affected. In this case, the subject is often filled with a sudden need to explore the caves in question, though elder Dwarves will often recognize this as The Call.

Treatment

The condition can be mitigated by keeping the dwellings of the affected dwarf particularly dim or cool, though proper treatment often involves a pilgrimage to one of the deep places of the world. Mountain Dwarf kingdoms don't generally find their citizens afflicted, as they live in the mountains themselves, but official delving parties are not uncommon, as most Dwarven communities are more than willing to help their Hill or Dark brethren when it comes to this condition.

Prognosis

The Mountain's Call is not fatal, though left to fester it can become debilitating. Late stage Dwarves may confine themselves to their homes and avoid going out in the sunlight at any cost. At this stage, it appears almost like the Dark Dwarves Sunlight Sensitivity. In some cases, when the affliction hits during a Dwarf's travels, the affected may find themselves unable to restrain themselves when in the presence of an obvious cave opening or dungeon.

Affected Groups

The Mountain's call is an entirely Dwarven condition, though non-dwarves who have made their homes in Mountain Kingdoms have claimed to hear the call on extended periods spent in the surface world.

Cultural Reception

Those affected by the Mountain's Call often find themselves encouraged to make a pilgrimage to their ancestral homes, and the Mountain Kingdoms of the Dwarves often hold regular delves that the afflicted can easily join. Most Dwarves find the Call to be a completely natural part of their lives, and to have a dwarf live their life without experiencing a hint of the Call is unusual. Not so unusual that they become ostracized, but unusual enough that certain elders might question the quality of the life that hasn't heard the Call.

Type

Mental

Origin

Magical

Rarity

Common