Dweorg
| Strain | Dweorg |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🔊 DWORG |
| Scientific name | Homo Pumilius |
| Plural | Dweorges |
| Possessive | Dweorgen |
| Substrains | Beodweorg, Fyldweorg, Haefdweorg, Oradweorg |
| Patron Deity | Woden |
| Eyesight | Lowlight |
| Lifespan | 100 years |
| Language | Common, Dweorgen |
| Climate | Moderate |
| Terrain | Any |
| Height | 4 – 5 ft (120 – 150 cm) |
| Weight | 150 lbs. (68 kg) average |
| Skin Color | Variable |
| Hair Color | Variable |
| Eye Color | Variable |
| Build | Short, Robust |
| Distinctions | Physically durable, insightful, resource focused |
The Dweorges (🔊 DWORG ) inhabit south-central Otan. Legend tells that the first Dweorges were created by Woden the All-Father.
Overview[edit]
The Dweorges inhabit the lands and coastal waters of south-central Otan. The Dweorges maintain that they were created by Woden the All-Father and given their lands in perpetuity to hunt, till, and most importantly mine. The Dweorges are hard-working and resourceful, extracting treasures from land and sea.
The Dweorges awoke on the day of the Great Erasure to learn they had a penchant for collecting natural treasures from the earth and the sea. While some took more of a liking to venues underground, others preferred mountaintops, while still others, the open sea.
Because their penchant for collecting treasures makes for an imbalanced economy, the Dweorges have become expert traders out of necessity. Manufactured goods, clothing, and nearly every commodity that is not made of metal can usually find a buyer in Dweorgen territory.
Society and Culture[edit]
Dweorges have a strong work ethic and you'll find few displaced souls in Dweorgen society. Even the most infirm of the Dweorges can separate chunks of ore on a tray. There is so much work to be done that most Dweorges pray for more time to make more Dweorges.
Dweorgen festivals are celebrated with feasts and games much as any other culture on Otan, however, there is a twist. The honors and prizes are often very numeric in nature. The highest yield of this, or the best ratio of that. The greatest yield increase or fewest work stoppages are feats to be celebrated.
Deeper cultural variances are seen in the substrains which occupy four distinct terrains, the city, the mountains, the mines, and the sea. Each of these will have unique celebrations and traditions following their ways of life.
Physical Characteristics[edit]
Dweorges typically stand about 3/4ths the height of an average human. They can range greatly in girth, however, with some Dweorges looking no different than a miniaturized human. Most Dweorges have an endomorphic physique with stout bodies and limbs that appear overly muscular for their size.
Their complexions can vary from fair to very dark, a feature often determined by their substrain. The Oradweorges in particular have darker skin, which is assumed to offer them protection from radiation in deep mines. Hair and eye color vary from blonde to black with the Oradweorges again providing the exception with white hair; researchers have yet to determine a reason for their white hair.
Natural and Latent Abilities[edit]
Dweorgen physiology is very similar to Humans, leaving Dweorges with few abilities not found in humankind. Oradweorges often possess low-light vision. Those who possess it must protect their eyes in regular light.
Beodweorges are less susceptible to difficulties when breathing in high altitudes and Haefdweorges can swim and hold their breaths for incredible lengths of time underwater
History[edit]
There was little upheaval among Dweorges at the time of the Great Erasure. Dweorges who found themselves in mines continued to mine. These instinctual habits were deeper in them than mere memory. Their bodies knew what to do.
In the 260 years since the Great Erasure the Dweorges have not participated in any major wars outside their borders. Inside their borders, the story has been different. Dweorges have always competed with Giants, the latter who mostly want to be left alone. Unfortunately for the Giants, they often make their homes in places Dweorges wish to mine.
Conflicts between Dweorges have not always led to war. Their territorial disputes sometimes end in trades or other negotiations, though the Dweorges invariably get the better end of most deals. Giants are not shrewd negotiators. In war, however, the Giants fare much better and their high cost in Dweorgen lives leads the Dweorges to negotiate generously when it is an option.
Dweorgen Substrains[edit]
Beodweorg[edit]
The Beodweorges (🔊 BAY-oh-dworg) are a stout folk who keep to the mountains in the League of Dweorgen Miners territory. Dweorges have a sense of humour, but not when their territory is threatened. The distant kin of the Beodweorges can be found in cities, fields, or far off in the ocean.
The Beodweorges have an instinctive desire to seek high ground. Their low center of gravity, strong hands, and enhanced lung capacity make them excellent mountaineers. When travelling, they prefer mountain-bred mounts and pack animals, such as the Mountain Yak. These nimble-footed creatures can carry them into battle or on long treks across mountainous terrain. Their diets, legends, and way of life are centered around high altitudes and low temperatures.
Beodweorg society is clannish in nature, and individual Beodweorges are invariably tied to a tight-knit group. That group might be an actual clan, a military unit, a village community, or a city guild. One will rarely find a Beodweorg who is without at least a dozen close associates.
Fyldweorg[edit]
The Fyldweorgs (🔊 FEEL-dworg) are the most common variety of Dweorgs, inhabiting the Dweorgen plains, cities and any open area where Dweorgs can be found.
Haefdweorg[edit]
The Haefdweorg (🔊 HAF-dworg) are born with sea legs. These stout folk make their livings on or below the deep ocean. The jewels of the sea is their quarry and they stop at little to aquire the riches that are there for the taking.
Oradweorg[edit]
The Oradweorgs (🔊 OR-uh-dworg) live their entire lives underground. Their skin is pigmented from the soil and radiation from the deepest depths of Otan. They have little to do with the topside world except to trade minerals and gems for goods, mostly food.
Half-Dweorg[edit]
Half-Dweorgs are largely indistinguishable from short humans or tall Dweorgs.
Dweorgen Territories[edit]
The League of Dweorgen Miners is country with more residents underground as above ground. Well rewarded are those tasked to stay above ground to grow crops and raise livestock to supply the ones below.
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