Stoneborn

"Hold fast, Stoneborn!" Barund called out, his voice steady as he took his place beside his companions. They had run half a day to reach the valley settlement, but their breaths were calm, their bodies unwearied.
The orcs poured down from the hills, expecting an easy fight. But Barund’s eyes, gleaming like emeralds, held no fear. He gripped his rune-carved axe, feeling the familiar surge of power as lightning danced along its blade.
"For Khazadan!" he bellowed, leading the charge. His axe swung in wide arcs, cleaving through orcish ranks with the precision and power of a storm. Around him, his fellow Stoneborn fought with unmatched vigor, each blow a testament to their endurance and might.
As the last orc fell, Barund nodded to his friends, each standing tall and unshaken. "They’ll learn," he said with a grim smile. "The Stoneborn are as unyielding as the mountains we call home."

The Stoneborn, also known as the Earthborn or Khazad, are the dwarves of Tavomia. Known for their resilience and craftsmanship, the Stoneborn are a proud and steadfast people. They are skilled in the arts of war and smithing, creating some of the most magnificent structures and durable weapons in the world. Their homes are nestled within mountains, where they draw strength from the earth and honor their gods with every action. While they prefer to remain within the safety of their homeland, they have played a crucial role in rebuilding the world after the cataclysmic Rebirth, offering their aid to allied races in times of need.

Strong and Dependable

Stoneborn are stout and muscular, standing between four and five feet tall. At birth, their skin has a blend of human-like softness and patches of stone-like texture, interwoven with veins of precious metals such as silver, gold, and copper. As they age, the stone-like patches gradually spread, and their skin hardens, becoming more textured and resembling various stones found in the mountains. By the time they reach elderhood, a Stoneborn’s skin can appear entirely like rock, with the mineral veins becoming more pronounced and vibrant.
Their eyes, the colors of precious gems like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red, glow faintly in the dark, and this glow intensifies with age, symbolizing their deepening connection to their heritage and the earth from which they were crafted.

Of Clan and Home

Stoneborn society is built around large extended families known as clans. These clans typically comprise around one hundred members spanning three to four generations. They are led by the eldest warrior, regardless of gender, as the Stoneborn value equality. They are governed by a council of elders, each representing different aspects of Stoneborn culture, from warrior traditions to crafting guilds.
The capital city, Khazadan, lies within a massive dormant volcano, where the Stoneborn harness the volcanic heat for their renowned smithing, crafting weapons and armor of unmatched quality. Stoneborn settlements can be found in mountain valleys, where they farm goats and crops, or within underground halls built into the mountains, housing their great forges and deep vaults. Although the Stoneborn rarely venture far from their mountain homes, their craftsmanship and reliability have earned them strong alliances with nearby human nations, like Yurvonia, where their assistance in rebuilding efforts has been invaluable.

The Forges of Khazadan

Deep within Khazadan, the Stoneborn forges tap directly into the lava of the volcano. Here, master smiths toil with dedication, creating weapons, armor, tools, and various crafts. They take immense pride in their work, focusing on precision and durability. Many of their creations are reinforced with rune magic, making Stoneborn weapons and armor some of the most sought-after in Tavomia. The forges are sacred spaces where the heat of the earth meets the skill of the artisan, a blend of natural power and crafted expertise.

Religion and Worship

The Stoneborn were created by Ang, the God of Life and Creation, from the stones of the mountains. Later, they were blessed by Ketos, the God of Storms, who admired their bravery in enduring his storms without fear. Stoneborn worship Ketos in a practical and informal manner. While they have priests known as Storm Wardens who provide guidance and interpret omens, the Stoneborn do not engage in structured worship. They make offerings when they seek guidance or aid, believing that surviving and thriving in the harsh mountain environment is itself a tribute to Ketos.

Military and Combat Prowess

Due to the constant threats from wild beasts, orcish raiders, and other monsters, most Stoneborn are trained in combat from a young age. Many become fierce warriors, barbarians, or even paladins dedicated to protecting their hearth and home. Their martial traditions are deeply ingrained in their culture, reflecting their unwavering resolve to defend their way of life. When they do choose to engage with the outside world, it is often to protect their allies or to ensure the stability of their homeland.

Stoneborn Adventurers

Stoneborn are naturally inclined to adventure, often driven by a desire to uncover ancient knowledge and discover new crafting materials. Some Stoneborn adventurers follow the Path of Storms, channeling the power of storms into their weapons and attacks. Adventurers in Khazadan can forge alliances with the Stoneborn, explore ancient tunnels and hidden forges, and learn the secrets of rune magic and black powder weaponry. However, most Stoneborn adventurers prefer to stay close to their homeland, their journeys often bringing them to nearby regions where they can safely return to the mountains they cherish.

Language and Naming

The Stoneborn speak Khazad, a harsh, guttural language well-suited for commands in battle, mining, and crafting. The language is characterized by rolling R's and hard consonants, evoking the sounds of hammering on metal. It is a language born from the mountains, resonating with the strength and resilience of the Stoneborn people.
Stoneborn names are strong and rugged, reflecting their nature. Names often carry meanings related to strength, stone, or the elements, and are chosen to embody the qualities that the Stoneborn admire. Surnames are typically derived from the clan name or are descriptive, reflecting an individual’s deeds or characteristics.
Male Names: Bofri, Harnin, Krogar, Thormir, Drogar, Barund, Gormin, Hronn, Skorin, Ulfar.
Female Names: Ingrid, Kelda, Astrid, Sigrun, Hilda, Greta, Helga, Eirik, Ragna, Thyra.
Clan Names: Ironfist, Stonehearth, Deepdelve, Fireforge, Stormshield.

Stoneborn Racial Traits

Your Stoneborn character has an assortment of abilities that they share with others of their kind.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Age. Stoneborn mature more slowly than humans, reaching adulthood around age eighty. They typically live up to 800 years, during which their bodies gradually transform to resemble stone.
Alignment. Stoneborn tend towards good alignments; their ways can be as chaotic as a storm or as unmoving as a mountain.
Size. Stoneborn are sturdy and strong, standing between four and five feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet. Your speed is not reduced by wearing heavy armor.
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Mountain's Endurance. You have advantage on Constitution saving throws to resist exhaustion. Your speed is not reduced by wearing heavy armor.
Storm's Rage. Once per long rest, you can use a bonus action to release a surge of static energy that crackles and sparks around you. Each creature within 5 feet of you must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Wisdom modifier) or take 1d6 lightning damage. At 5th level, this damage increases to 2d6. The range of this ability increases to 10 feet at 11th level and 15 feet at 17th level.
Stoneborn Resilience. You have advantage on saving throws against lightning and thunder damage.
Mountain Weapon Mastery. You have proficiency with the battleaxe, shortsword, warhammer, and heavy crossbow.
Tool Proficiency. You gain proficiency with one artisan’s tool of your choice: smith’s tools, brewer’s supplies, or mason’s tools.
Stone Cunning. Whenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to the origin of stonework, you are considered proficient in the History skill and add double your proficiency bonus to the check, instead of your normal proficiency bonus.
Stoneborn Climbing. You have a climbing speed of 20 feet.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common, Khazad (Stoneborn), and one other language of your choice.

Famed Masons

Stoneborn masons are considered the most skilled in all of Tavomia, known for their unparalleled craftsmanship in stonework. While they prefer to remain within their mountain homes, the demand for their work has sometimes led them to undertake projects for kings, nobles, and wealthy merchants. To dwell within a building crafted by Stoneborn hands is regarded as a great honor, a symbol of status and the enduring strength of their work. These ventures are rare and typically done when there is a strong reason to leave Khazadan, often bringing wealth and honor back to their homeland, and leaving a legacy in the form of magnificent structures throughout the land.

The Vaults of Khazadan

Hidden deep within the mountain, beneath the city of Khazadan, lie the great vaults of the Stoneborn. These vaults are carved from the rock itself and reinforced by Rune Smiths, sealed with massive doors of stone and steel, and decorated with powerful runes. Within these secure chambers rest the riches of the Stoneborn: gems, precious metals, artifacts, and treasures collected over generations. The vaults are not just a repository of wealth but a testament to the Stoneborn's ability to safeguard their heritage, standing as silent guardians of their past and future.

Stoneborn Attire

Stoneborn attire reflects their practical nature and the harsh conditions of their environment. Men typically wear woolen tunics and trousers, while women wear similar blouses and dresses. Heavy fur cloaks and thick woolen coats, often lined with fur, provide protection from the storms. Children wear similar clothes to the adults but in brighter colors, reflecting the energy and vibrancy of youth. The Stoneborn's clothing is designed for durability and warmth, suitable for their rugged mountain lifestyle.

Children of the Storm

From a young age, Stoneborn children are taught the ways of their people. Learning to wield an axe is a rite of passage, and by adulthood, most are skilled enough to defend themselves and their homes. The early training fosters a sense of readiness and confidence, preparing them for the challenges of their harsh homeland. This upbringing, combined with their natural resilience, makes Stoneborn formidable warriors and steadfast companions on any adventure.

Stoneborn Jewelry

Both men and women of the Stoneborn wear jewelry that is as functional as it is decorative. Metal bands, intricately carved and inlaid with gems, are braided into their hair and beards. Warriors often wear simpler designs, while women may choose more ornate pieces that are still practical for combat and work. This jewelry reflects the Stoneborn's appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship, even in the most functional of objects.

The Way of Storms

Some Stoneborn adventurers are drawn to the Path of Storms, a tradition that channels the power of storms into their weapons and attacks. These warriors are known for their fierce combat style, embodying the raw power of the elements. Following this path is seen as a way to honor Ketos, the God of Storms, and to harness the natural forces that define their homeland. While this path is revered, those who follow it often do so to protect their homeland or allied territories close to their mountain homes, reflecting the Stoneborn’s preference for actions that directly benefit their people or nearby allies.

The Trial of Stone

At around age fifty, young Stoneborn undergo a coming-of-age ceremony known as the Trial of Stone. This ritual involves a journey to the top of Mount Khazadan, where they must face the elements and bring back a stone from the mountain’s peak. This stone is then crafted into a keepsake or weapon by the young Stoneborn under the guidance of a master craftsman, symbolizing their resilience and connection to their heritage.

The Last Vigil

When a Stoneborn feels their time is near, they prepare for the Return to Stone. In their last days, they descend to the ancient vaults beneath the city of Khazadan, where they take their place among the statues of their ancestors. Here, close family members gather to keep vigil, surrounding the elder with flickering candlelight. During this time, they sing a deep, rumbling song recounting the deeds and achievements of the Stoneborn who is returning to the mountain. The song is both proud and reserved, reflecting the strength and endurance of their kin. As the voices of the Stoneborn fill the vault, the very stones seem to reverberate with their song, echoing the life of the one passing into the stone. As they sit in silence, their bodies gradually harden completely, turning back into stone. It is believed that, in death, a Stoneborn’s spirit merges with the stone, becoming part of the mountains that have been their home for centuries.