Koredar

The Koredars are an ethnic group of dwarves residing in Kolmark, more specifically in the kingdom of Koredrun, which extends underground within the mountain of the same name. Although their civilisation is ancient and technologically advanced, their numbers are rather small.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The Koredars speak an almost standard Dwarvish dialect but with an immediately recognisable cadence.
They study and preserve their own language with great rigour and, given their relative isolation from other Dwarven civilisations, it is likely that they are not aware of neologisms or idioms common elsewhere.

Shared customary codes and values

The Koredars have a strong sense of community and tradition, and their customary codes and values reflect this. They place great emphasis on family, loyalty, and honour. They believe in the importance of hard work and craftsmanship, and they hold their skills in metalworking and forging in high regard. They also value the protection of their community and the mountain they live in and they hold a deep respect for nature and the elements, particularly fire. They also value the wisdom of their ancestors, and they pass down their customs, traditions, and knowledge through the generations. They believe in the importance of living in harmony with the natural world and their customs reflect this. They value justice and fairness, and they have a strong sense of right and wrong. They believe in living a simple and honest life, and they hold their word as sacred.
They live under the leadership of their king, traditionally elected from among the members of the seven most important families of the city of Koredrun.
In addition to ancestor worship, Koredars have quite a diverse pantheon. The deities they hold in high regard are Avalen, goddess of truth, Arun, god of knowledge, and Imbradin, the dwarven god of fire.

Common Dress code

Koredars wear long beards and hair, as the oldest dwarf tradition dictates. They often tie them up in braids, which they decorate with jewellery.
Men wear trousers and shirts, while women wear long dresses. They love the colours black, gold and crimson.
They do not wear hats, but tiaras are widespread as a symbol of high social status.

Art & Architecture

Koredar architecture is typical of the dwarves, with regular stone buildings. The dwellings of the commoners are all almost identical in size and plan, while those of the rich are more varied and extravagant.
Koredar dwarves have a deep appreciation for the art of forging and metalworking. They use the natural resources of the mountain to create intricate and beautiful pieces of metalwork. They have a unique style that is characterized by the use of intricate patterns and symbols, often depicting scenes from their history and mythology. Their metalworking is considered a sacred art and is passed down through generations.

Foods & Cuisine

The dwarves of Koredar have developed a unique cuisine that is well adapted to their underground environment. They have a deep understanding of how to cultivate food in the limited space available to them and have developed a variety of methods for preserving food for long periods of time. They grow mushrooms, edible roots, and other subterranean plants in the caverns of their underground city. They also raise goats and other small animals for meat and milk. They use the heat from the lava pool to dry fruits and vegetables, allowing them to store them for long periods of time.
Their cuisine is heavily influenced by spices, as they use them to preserve and enhance the flavor of their food. The Koredar dwarves are also known for their hearty stews, soups and breads. They also make use of their underground rivers and lakes to fish, which they smoke and preserve, adding to their food variety. The dwarves of Koredar have a strong tradition of brewing and distilling, creating unique and flavorful beers, meads, and spirits that are often enjoyed during celebrations and festivals.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

The baptismal rites of a newborn Koredar are a joyous and celebratory occasion, typically held in the home of the child's parents. A visit from a cleric is a central aspect of the rite. The priest will bless the child with heated oils made from mineral powders, which are carefully selected and mixed to represent the strength and endurance of the mountain. The heated oils are used to anoint the child's forehead and chest, symbolizing their connection to the earth and its resources. During the ceremony, the parents will also present the child with a small piece of jewelry or tool made by their own hands, symbolizing the important role that metalworking plays in the culture.

Coming of Age Rites

The coming of age rite is known as the Tempering and requires the young dwarf to run through a specially constructed course that includes both fire and water. The course is designed to test the young dwarf's strength, endurance, and courage, and it is considered a rite of passage that must be successfully completed in order to be fully accepted into the community as an adult.
The young dwarf must run the course in a single attempt, and must overcome obstacles that include leaping over flames, crawling through narrow tunnels filled with smoke, and swimming through underground artificial rivers.
One of the most important aspects of the Tempering is the marks that the young dwarf bears on their skin as a result of the fire. These marks are considered to hold important information about their destiny and fate. The marks are considered a badge of honour and are proudly displayed when possible.
The young dwarf who completes the rite is considered an adult and is given more responsibilities and freedom within the community. They are also granted the right to marry and start a family, and are recognized as full members of the Koredar society.

Funerary and Memorial customs

When a Koredar dwarf dies, his body is cremated, the ashes are gathered and placed in a special urn. A feast is then held in honour of the deceased, where family and friends gather to share stories and memories of the person. The feast usually includes traditional Koredar foods and drinks, and the atmosphere is lively and joyous, as the Koredar believe that the spirit of the deceased is present and should be celebrated. The urn containing the ashes is usually placed in a family crypt within the mountain, where it is sealed with a carved stone. This is seen as a way to return the deceased to the mountain and is performed as a way to ensure their spirit is protected and honoured by the mountain.