Etymology

The term “Hadurk-Sur” (HA-dirk SOOR) comes from the ancient Haduarkan (dwarven) word for “Realm of the People”. The realm’s meaning encompasses all of the clan territories beneath the peaks of the mountain range that bears this name.

Geography

The realm of the dwarves is encompassed in the deep underground caverns beneath the mountains of Hadurk-Sur. This realm contains many caves, deep lakes, strange creatures, and savage tribes of dark elves and dwarves.

Cities and Places of Interest

While many clans have settled into small villages both in the mountains and beneath them, there are three main cities claimed by the dwarves. The greatest of these is Khazak-Ur, a major point of trade with the outside world and the home of the Dwaven King (once his line is returned). The other two cities, both entirely buried beneath the earth, are Barak-Ur and Durthak-Ur.

History

Before The Rivening, dwarves occupied the mountains of The Rift as well as other lands above the earth. During The Scattering, the dwarves fled The Rift and their other holdings to underground lands beneath Hadurk-Sur. At some point during that chaotic period, the king and his line were lost, throwing the dwarves into further confusion as to their rule. Bitter civil wars broke out amongst the clans, each claiming some hold on the dwarven throne. Over time these wars resulted in a bitter stalemate, leaving the throne unoccupied and the various clans ruled by their individual Thanes.

Laws and Governance

Each dwarven clan is ruled by its Thane, who rules with the power of a king over his clan. Most clans choose a new Thane when the time comes, usually with the help of a priest of Skondir and a council of elders.

Dwarves have an innate respect for laws and traditions and often use these precedents to govern themselves—often to the point of obstinacy.

Royal, Noble, and Political Titles in Hadurk-Sur

Economy

The dwarven economy is built on their stonework, mining efforts, and gem-craft. Dwarven jewelers are world-renowned for their delicacy and skill. Their stone- and metalwork is distinctive, high-quality, and everlasting. By trading goods with other nations are they able to import foodstuffs, other non-stone or non-metallic goods.

Money System

*CP = Copper Piece, SP = Silver Piece, GP = Gold Piece, and PP = Platinum Piece

Racial Characteristics

See The Haduarkan for dwarven racial characteristics. See also Dwarves.

Languages

The primary language of the dwarves is Hadurksah (“dwarven voice”). They are, however, well-versed in Tradespeak and other human languages. They are not as familiar with elven tongues—nor do they wish to be.

Hadurksah has both High and Low forms. The High Dwarven is used in dwarven courts and ceremonies while most speak the lower form amongst each other.

Popular Names

• Male: Dolgrin, Frorin, Fundin, Grunyar, Gundror, Harsk, Hordvi, Kazmuk, Morgrym, Rogar, Thundvor

• Female : Agna, Bodill, Gloga, Grodlis, Ingra, Kotri, Norda, Rusilka, Sturlis, Throrrith, Yangrit

Religions

The primary god of the Dwarves is Skondir aka “The Maker”. They also venerate their ancestors and various heroes of the dwarven race (such as Fundin Glitterstone).

Sorcery and Wizardry

Dwarves are generally distrustful of magic and of its practitioners. It is rare for a dwarf to pursue its use or to feel any comfort from having spells cast upon them—other than clerical magic, of course.

Society

The great distances between their mountain citadels account for many of the cultural differences that exist within Dwarven society. Most Dwarves trust their clan first and count other dwarves as only a notch above other races.

Despite the schisms, Dwarves throughout the world are known by their love of stonework, their passion for stone-and metal-based craftsmanship and architecture, and a fierce hatred of giants, Orcs,and Goblinoids.