A Brief History of the Dwarvish Kingdoms

Dwarven history reaches back many thousands of years, and much that which once was is now lost to the legacy of time. However, thanks to their long lives and disposition for writing things down in stone, records of the civilizations, kingdoms and empires of the Dwarves can be found quite easily.
This article goes briefly in to this history, detailing the rise and fall of Dwarven domains and the effects they have had on the world of Varda.

Pre-history Dwarves (Before 4300 BA)

Dwarven archaeologists have uncovered evidence of Dwarves existing before history was recorded. Not much is known about these Dwarves other than they appeared in the depths of mountains, forming small family groups that eventually found the surface and lived a nomadic lifestyle. If this appearance is as a direct result of The Dwarvish Pantheon, evidence has yet to be found.

The Dwarven Clans (4300 BA – 3400 BA)

As culture and technology progressed, so did the Dwarves. Clans are founded, each formed around a single ruling family lineage with claims of direct links to the Dwarven Deities. Rivalries and struggles for resources are common.
Each Clan takes a distinctive view of their divine guardians, and evidence suggests that the Gods and Goddesses frequently visited the Dwarves in this age. New technology in crafts and smithing are learnt with this divine inspiration. The names of the Clans continue well in to the Current Era, with many Dwarves still having last names such as Forgeclaw and Stoneheart. Despite the competition for the riches beneath the earth and resources, disputes between the Clans are never resolved by force. Traditional duels and contests of craftsmanship settle any disagreements; the Dwarves recognising a degree of cooperation is needed in case of outside threats.
The mountain range the Dwarven Clans call home is vast and located in central Astiria. Exploration and expansion comes over the course of many years, with other species and countries of the early world being discovered. Occasional conflicts occur, as do simple trade routes. Humans are met in the form of the old Atrikeru Dynasties, and the Elves of Auraiddmir. With this contact, the Dwarves begin to adapt and integrate with the wider world.

The Old Dwarvish Kingdom (4300 BA – 1100 BA)

The Clans are eventually united when a great leader of the Dwarves rises to power. Historical records of this individual vary greatly, with some claiming it to be one of the Dwarven Gods, others saying a Clan Leader who had visions of greatness, and even of a Dwarf from another part of the world. Despite the various origins and names given to this leader, a great Kingdom under the mountains is formed. Now referred to commonly as “The Old Dwarvish Kingdom”, other names found in records have called it “Dun-Rygar” and “Dyord-ada”.
Influence and visits from the Gods are claimed to still happen in this time, with gifts and knowledge shared, bringing about a golden age of building and advancement. Vast cities are carved in to and under the mountains, with grand routes linking the various Dwarvish settlements. Smithing and mining, always at the heart of Dwarven culture, lead to marvels of innovation; magically-infused tools, subterranean transportation and a mastery over rare and mysterious minerals all lend themselves to heightening Dwarven life.

A New Threat (1800 BA)

With expansion and trade-networks set up, it wasn't long before he Dwarves were known across the continent for their skills. Whilst most of the other species and countries of the world welcomed alliances and trade-agreements, it was only a matter of time before the Dwarven riches were looked at with a jealous eye.
The rise and formation of the First Ogre Empire, far to the south of Astilia, would also begin the start of the decline of The Old Dwarven Kingdom.

The Kandarom Heights (1700 BA - Present Day)

Not content with the riches found in their own mountains, a group of adventurous Dwarves set out to forge their own path. Journeying far and wide, it is to the northern mountain range at the roof of the world the Dwarves find untapped resources ripe for the taking. Settling in the area, The Kandarom Heights are founded, a series of mountain-top cities under Dwarven rule. Separated from the Old Dwarven Kingdom, these Dwarves have gone on to find their independence and own cultural traditions, their isolated civilization lasting for thousands of years.

Venturing to Vastalia (1400 BCE – Present Day)

With the success of another Dwarven realm in the Kandarom Heights, other Dwarves are inspired to venture out in to the world. Ships are built, and a voyage is plotted across The Sapphire Ocean. These Dwarves would come to settle the continent of Vastalia, integrating with the cultures there and also setting up their own civilizations. Originally known as “The Five Clans”, much akin to the origins of the Dwarves of old, they would go on to develop the Empire of Val Gorum.
This Empire would last from 500 BA to roughly 400 AF, all under the guidance of a Grand Emperor of the Dwarves. Despite the success of this branch of Dwarven culture, strife comes time and time again. Fears of plague from the neighbouring Shattered Kingdoms cause a sect of the Empire to leave, going on to for the City of Higdaruhl to the south, away from danger. Higdarahl was officially founded in the year 200 AF, and has lasted until the Current Era.
For those Dwarves that remain in the Empire of Val Gorum, the resulting fallout of the Shattered Kingdoms could not be avoided. Between the years 400 AF and 700 AF, wars, plague, famine and disease all strike the mighty Empire, reducing it to little more than desperate survivors clinging on to what once was.
Not all was lost though, and Dwarven stubbornness is renowned throughout the land. Fighting back against the influences of the outside world, a new country was founded from the ashes of the old. Retaining the name Val Garom Val Gorum, but now being ruled by a Council, the Dwarves have lived on. Officially reconsigned in 700 AF, these Dwarves of Val Gorum are still found in their mighty halls to this day, rebuilding and reforging to once again stand as one of the great Dwarven cultures of the world.

The Ogre Wars (1300 BA – 1100 BA)

Back in The Old Dwarven Kingdom and the continent of Astilia, jealousy and greed lead to war. The Ogres begin raiding the outer Dwarven towns and settlements, taking the riches of the Dwarves with little regard for life. The Dwarves retaliate, beginning the period known as The Ogre Wars. For two hundred years, both sides continue to lose and gain ground from each other, the toughness and resilience of both species bringing about prolonged and unmovable conflict.
With no end to the war in sight, and losses over the centuries uncountable, both the Dwarven Kingdom and Ogre Empire are set to collapse. For the Dwarves, internal conflict leads to upheaval, and the Old Dwarven Kingdom fragments. Grudges are claimed and friendships shatter as Dwarves begin to declare allegiance to varying political factions. The return to the Clans of old is welcomed as the realm is divided up. The attacks from the Ogres, while still a threat, begin to subside, as the Ogre Empire also fails.

The Fractured Dwarves (1100 BA – 700 BA)

With the shift in Dwarven governance away from centralised monarchy, many autonomous city-states and mountain realms arise. Rivalries and alliances are based on shared interests or near-forgotten grudges. A cultural shift towards the trust of outsiders is felt across Dwarven life, and whilst some diplomatic relations and outside trade is kept, it is treated with caution and pragmatism.

The Rise of Rhyk-Durgen (700 BA – Present)

Amidst the broken realm of Dwarves, a visionary leader comes to power; Durgen Stoneheart. Known for his diplomatic and strategic prowess, he begins a campaign with one goal in mind: to unite the Dwarves under a single banner.
Decades of negotiation, alliances and strategic victories commence, Eventually, his task complete Durgen unites the Dwarves, and the Kingdom of Rhyk-Durgen is founded.
The early years of the Kingdom are focused on rebuilding and infrastructure, with the great mountainous halls of the Dwarves being reclaimed. Not all of the Old Dwarven Kingdom is reclaimed, with the settlements to the south of the realm being left well enough alone. A more focused and reclusive tact is taken, fearing that growing threats from outside the Dwarven borders could lead to war once again. Some diplomatic relations are forged with other nations, based upon those of the past, but treated with care and a degree of self-interest.
Over the centuries, conflicts with Ogres arise once again, but never last long. Both nations unwilling to bring about ruin from protracted conflict again. Never-the-less, past grudges are not forgotten, and the hatred that the Dwarves of Rhyk-Durgen hold for Ogres will remain for a long time to come.
Other threats and issues arise over the years, as nations and countries neighbouring Rhyk-Durgen come and go. The Dwarves, isolated in their mountain realm, have weathered these storms with resilience and determination. Keeping to tradition whilst also adapting it to the outside world provides a period of stability. After many years of prosperity bought about by technological innovation and economic growth, Rhyk-Durgen flourishes. Known or its intricate metalwork, superior weapons and advanced mining techniques, the services and Dwarven craftsmanship is sought throughout the land.
Rhyk-Durgen now stands in the Current Era, a powerful and enduring Dwarven Kingdom.

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Rhyk-Durgen and the Dwarves of the Mountains

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