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Dwarves - __denby - 08-19-2024 Dwarves “Vessels of mortal flesh, bound by the aspect of Diligence.” . War burned as flames upon the great tapestry of life that the divine play came to endear. Want and envy drove the great houses of the Elves to one another’s throats, while the races of men like a pestilence, found heart in slaughter, theft and plunder of their warring greaters’ fief. From the cauldron of emotion that dwelt within but a few lords, there could arise suffering and pain on an immense level. In their fractious state, the Godhead had only just began to realize that so much more than a stage of enjoyment and mirth had been set. How many generations had passed since the first life crawled forth from oily sea under blackened sky? Life and Death were but cycles, feeding the eternal flame of creation’s engine - such was the design, but something else corroded the gears and ate away at the foundation. Illumination could feel it. Life lived, life felt, and it felt suffering. Thus in an effort to right the keel of Sangreal, Narrative was inspired with but an emanation of Intent, descended from the Will and Order of the godhead. Needs existed within the forces of the world that, in their lack of fulfillment, caused undue suffering. Men and Elves, craftsmen that they were, simply had aims elsewhere. Thus, springing forth from the riverclay of the Westcontre and taking shape by the aspect of Diligence, the third race of the Grail was born - the Dwarf. Dwarves are rather short, none exceeding four feet and eight inches- though their true nature is not simply defined by their height. Despite being of such short stature, they possess abnormally dense bone and muscle, resulting in their weight and strength being similar to that of the standard human. Dwarves are small, yet strong, but they do not possess the agility and speed of humans due to their size and rather awkward bulk. Facial features of Dwarves are usually heavy, large noses, heavy brows, and thick cheekbones are common features of the average Dwarf, as well as a well-protruding chin. Stocky necks and broad shoulders are equally common, and all attributed to their physical nature. Dwarves have a wide variety of skin-tone, though it is spread usually from pale to Chocolate-Brown, Ebony-Black, and anything in-between. In terms of hair color, Dwarves are fairly generic in this regard- ranging from a very Dark Dirty-Blonde, to a Dark Brown or Black, and anything in-between. In great age, Dwarves may gain the classic Grey to White-haired appearance that goes with age. Nestled in the rugged embrace of Ossus, where the River Caelwe weaves through the spine’s deep valleys, dwarves set about forming their first real city-state. A society of industrious artisans, shrewd merchants, and fiercely loyal clans, the Dwarves of Ossus built a reputation as masterful stewards of wealth. Their culture, steeped in the pursuit of familial prosperity, thrives on the intricate dance of trade, crafting, and clever negotiation. The Ossan Dwarves trace their origins to the First Clans, who delved into the valley's rich veins of silver, gold, and gemstones. Over centuries, they transformed their mountain halls into bustling centers of commerce, with marketplaces carved into the rock and vaults brimming with treasure. The heart of Ossan society is the city of Kragsthal, a sprawling subterranean metropolis where the clink of coin echoes alongside the hammer’s ring. At the core of their culture is the concept of Keldorin, the sacred duty to amass and safeguard familial wealth. To the Ossan Dwarves, the prosperity of the family is paramount, and each clan operates like a small trading house. This drive has made them canny merchants, adept at extracting wealth from humans, elves, and other peoples who come to trade in Ossus or encounter their caravans in distant lands. The Dwarves’ mastery lies in the balance of supply and demand. They are artisans of the highest caliber, crafting fine jewelry, enchanted weapons, and tools of unrivaled durability. These goods, highly sought after by human lords and elven nobles, are sold at exorbitant prices. But the Dwarves are equally adept at importing goods from distant regions—silks, spices, exotic woods—and reselling them to their neighbors at a profit. This web of trade allows them to act as intermediaries, extracting wealth from all sides while revealing little of their own sources. To further their economic dominance, the Ossan Dwarves are not above subtle manipulation. They finance wars between human kingdoms, ensuring demand for their arms and armor while extracting repayments in land, gold, or trade privileges. Elves, though more resistant to Ossan bargains, have been lured into disadvantageous trade pacts through the Dwarves’ careful flattery and unyielding patience. Governance in Ossus reflects their mercantile nature. The Council of Coin, composed of the heads of the wealthiest clans, rules collectively, each decision weighed against its potential profit. Disputes are settled in the Hall of Scales, a grand chamber where arguments are measured as carefully as gold. Though fiercely competitive, the clans are united against outside threats, for they understand that a secure Ossus benefits all. Despite their mercantile cunning, the Ossan Dwarves maintain a strong sense of kinship and tradition. Festivals celebrating clan achievements, the unveiling of masterworks, and the recounting of trade conquests are central to their lives. They honor Thuldin, the Forgekeeper, as their chief deity, offering prayers for ingenuity and prosperity. Through their blend of artistry, economic acumen, and sly maneuvering, the Dwarves of Ossus have become a dominant force in the region, transforming their river-valley into a hub of wealth and influence. In every deal, every finely crafted coin, and every traded treasure, the Ossan Dwarves weave their legacy of mercantile mastery.