The Durzamar - Keepers of the Underworld
Meaning: “Fortress of the Depths.”
The Durzamar, or Deep Dwarves, are a reclusive and enigmatic subrace of dwarves who dwell in the vast underground networks and caverns of Nytheria, often venturing into the mysterious Nethereach. Known for their unmatched skill in mining rare and precious metals, as well as their resilience in the most treacherous subterranean environments, the Durzamar are both feared and respected. Their lives are steeped in secrecy, with much of their culture and ways shrouded in the dark depths of the earth.
Height and Build
Height: 1.3 to 1.5 meters
Slightly smaller than other dwarves, with compact and muscular builds designed for navigating tight spaces and enduring physically demanding tasks.
Physical Characteristics
Appearance:
Skin: Dark gray, ashen, or soot-stained, blending with the shadowy environment of their subterranean homes.
Hair: Black, deep gray, or white, often singed or dusted with ash from constant proximity to their forges.
Eyes: Reflective silver or gold, adapted for low light, glowing faintly in darkness.
Build:
Broad-shouldered and sturdy, their bodies are adapted to thrive in extreme underground conditions.
Culture and Society
Underground Cities:
The Durzamar construct sprawling cities deep within the earth, illuminated by glowing veins of rare minerals and enchanted crystals.
Their architecture is functional yet imposing, featuring massive stone walls and intricate carvings depicting their history and legends.
Mining and Craftsmanship:
Renowned miners, they extract rare minerals like Shadowsteel and Aetherium, prized for their unique properties and magical resonance.
Their smithing techniques are unmatched, producing tools and weapons of incredible durability and potency.
Clan Structure:
Highly secretive, their society is organized into guild-like clans, each specializing in a particular craft or trade.
Clans are led by Deepwardens, who serve as spiritual and logistical leaders, ensuring the clan’s survival and prosperity.
Beliefs and Spirituality:
The Durzamar revere Zarkun, the Stone Sovereign, a deity of earth, secrecy, and endurance. They believe Zarkun guides their mining efforts and protects their hidden cities.
Rituals include offerings of rare gems and metals and sacred songs sung in resonance with the cavern walls.
Abilities
Darkvision:
Their eyes are adapted to see in total darkness, allowing them to navigate and thrive in pitch-black environments.
Subterranean Resilience:
Resistant to environmental hazards like toxic gases, cave-ins, and extreme pressure.
Rare Metalworking:
Masters of forging with rare materials, they produce enchanted tools and weapons infused with the unique properties of underground minerals.
Connection to the Earth (Rare):
Some Durzamar possess magical abilities to sense vibrations, locate rare minerals, or manipulate small amounts of stone and earth.
Weapons and Armor
Weapons:
Forged from Shadowsteel, their weapons are lightweight yet unbreakable, often enchanted to drain energy or reflect light faintly.
Picks, hammers, and axes are their primary tools of war, often doubling as mining equipment.
Armor:
Heavy armor crafted from Aetherium or other rare metals, reinforced to absorb impacts and magical attacks.
Their armor often features glowing runes that enhance durability or camouflage them in the darkness.
Relationships with Other Races
Nyxari:
The Durzamar have a cautious alliance with the Nyxari, trading rare materials in exchange for magical knowledge or shadow-infused artifacts.
Humans (Hrimgar):
They view the Hrimgar as reckless intruders, often clashing with them over resources or territorial disputes.
Other Races:
The Durzamar are highly secretive, rarely interacting with surface dwellers unless absolutely necessary.
Cultural Practices
Stone Resonance Rituals:
Sacred songs and chants performed deep in the caverns, believed to strengthen the stone and appease Zarkun.
Forge Ceremonies:
Rituals held when forging particularly important tools or weapons, involving prayers, offerings, and the use of enchanted flames.
The Descent Trial:
A rite of passage where young Durzamar must venture into uncharted tunnels to locate a rare mineral or artifact and return unscathed.
Notable Traits
Masters of subterranean survival, thriving in conditions others would find inhospitable.
Renowned for their craftsmanship with rare minerals, producing tools and weapons of unparalleled quality.
Deeply spiritual and secretive, guarding their culture and knowledge from outsiders.
