Demarker

Demarkers are the dwarves of the Demarchy. Living in mountainhomes throughout the Tarum Mountains, Demarkers are an insular people, rarely venturing above ground. Demarker metalworking is renowned throughout Khalon, with their weapons and armor fetching high prices.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Amber, Artin, Audhild, Bardryn, Dagnal, Diesa, Eldeth, Falkrunn, Finellen, Gunnloda, Gurdis, Helja, Hlin, Ilde, Kathra, Kristryd, Liftrasa, Mardred, Riswynn, Sannl, Torbera, Torgga, Vistra

Masculine names

Adrik, Alberich, Baern, Barendd, Brottor, Bruenor, Dain, Darrak, Delg, Eberk, Einkil, Fargrim, Flint, Gardain, Harbek, Kildrak, Morgran, Orsik, Oskar, Rangrim, Rurik, Taklinn, Thoradin, Thorin, Tordek, Traubon, Travok, Ulfgar, Veit, Vondal

Family names

Balderk, Battlehammer, Brawnanvil, Dankil, Fireforge, Frostbeard, Gorunn, Holderhek, Ironfist, Loderr, Lutgehr, Rumnaheim, Strakeln, Torunn, Ungart

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Demarkers primarily speak Dwarvish, with each mountain having different dialects which are mutually intelligible. The vast majority also are fluent in Elvish, which is taught in primary schools to facilitate trade with the outside world. Particularly entrepreneurial dwarves may also know Gnomish or Hin.

Shared customary codes and values

Family

Dwarven society places a high value on knowledge, with well-educated elders being treated with great respect. Dwarves value family and friendship, forming tight bonds among each other. Demarkers practice a form of ancestor worship, with each dwarven family maintaining a shrine commemorating their ancestors in their home. Many craftsdwarves look to their ancestors for inspiration to produce great works of art. This dedication to family extends to the civic realm, with most Demarkers obediently following the laws set forth by the Demarchy.

Arholiad

A central part of dwarven society is the Arholiad, a series of examinations offered yearly. These exams are offered in a variety of subjects (agriculture, metalworking, law, etc.) and determine the professional advancement for every dwarf. Only those who pass and obtain the highest qualifications are eligible to serve as part of the high leadership of the Demarchy. Dwarves practicing a craft continuously take exams to show their progress, with only the best and brightest passing the most difficult exams.

Craftsmen

Craftsmanship is prized among the dwarves, especially in regards to masonry and metalworking. Dwarven masons are renowned in Khalon and are often contracted for construction projects. Dwarven weapons and armor are prized for their strength and longevity, wearing out extremely slowly. The dwarves are extremely secretive about their metalworking processes, preventing any outsiders from learning the craft. Dwarven artwork made of gold and silver is well-known for its beauty, and is highly desired among other races.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Dwarves have a complex ritual for the dead. Once a dwarf dies, the family hosts a large funeral. The dwarf is then entombed with spores from the megrian polypore. After a year, the tomb is opened and the body has been completely decomposed. These polypores are divided up between family members and close friends. Each dwarven family maintains a fungal shrine, containing mushrooms which contain the memories of their ancestors. When eaten, these mushrooms allow an individual to communicate with deceased family members. This is done sparingly, as the mushrooms grow slowly.