The Dvergr - Dwarves Are Official! Don't forget recerts!

[Eos Galvus]

OOC Owners: Das Tor, NovaCracker
IC Owners: NovaCracker, ???
BG by Blu Chalk



Check out our sister pride, the Tal'Quessir! biggrin

 

[Eos Galvus]

Brief Background
The Dvergr is a small pride, old and proud hailing from the Aberdere Range on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. This pride is often separated from the affairs of outsiders, though rogues do at times find them.

An old people, the pride knows little strife, and many a glory. Legend has they were born of the very stone of the mountains, and that they have occupied the dens since, forever seeking the range for treasures and adventure.

The Dvergr are divided into clans, lead by a patriarch, of unrelated lions, whom in turn follow the King and Queen of the pride. When the King dies, his eldest cub ascends to the role of Ruler, with their mate, often chosen from the clans, but not always. The pride's central hub is a cave massive enough to house the majority of clans known as Dvergrheim-- the Dwarf City, said to be where the first dwarf stepped forward...

 

[Eos Galvus]

Appearance and Behaviour
Biologically speaking, the Dvergr are a small, hardy breed of lion adapted to the mountain-- very powerful bodies make being cold difficult, backed by thick, coarse fur, and pelts of the Old Clans lean towards the colours of the earth-- browns, and greys. With the introduction of rogues, sometimes, a cub may be any colour, however, the mountain is unforgiving, and Dvergr blood is stronger than most, and the children of a dwarf and a rogue may be smaller than the parent and stronger. Indeed, the pride is dominantly hardy and strong.

Most Dvergr are prone to posturing and fighting-- not out of anger or hatred, but for pleasure, and to hone their skills. It is not uncommon to find two males fighting one minute, and sharing a sprig of the n** next. Brother and sister bonds are strong, and the loyalty of the Dvergr is difficult to shatter-- quite opposite, a Dvergr is often happy to follow a friend blindly into a fight, regardless of right or wrong, simply to support them, and maybe get a good fight in. Still, all Dvergr lean towards a bit of pride to the point of arrogance for some, and insulting a Dvergr can be quite a risky business indeed. The worst insult one can use is to imply that a Dvergr is a hole dweller. While the Dvergr live in caverns, they often go into the sunlight, to hunt, seek adventure, and generally fight.

Dvergr are not simply warriors, or gathering hoarders. Although fierce, wild, loud, and above all treasure and thrill seekers, they are also often seeking any excuse to celebrate, from mating, to a coronation (The two most common excuses for a Dwarf Party), they'll celebrate anything, from a birth to that awesome fart someone just ripped. In short, they seek excuses to party, but really, they tend to celebrate just because they can, recanting tales of glory and battle, often exchanging food, stories, and blows.... Just to get new stories about the shiny new scars they got on their flanks for pissing off the guy next to them. Dvergr love to celebrate, and do it often, usually, gathered in Dvergrheim. Once begun, a celebration lasts several days, and a lot of food is eaten, and a lot of catnip is passed around, as well, leading to what amounts to a bunch of drunk, happy Dvergr. Interrupting a Dvergr party is usually not a very good idea, as mid-party they may either drag the interloper in... Or get into one giant brawl with him.

Gender in the Dvergr is an interesting concept-- as females birth the cubs (which males admit takes a lot more strength than a male has in some ways-- never openly, of course!), and are expected to tend to them as they grow, they run the home. A male may not touch his wife without permission-- and a Dvergr has NEVER been known to force a female, for if he tried, she may kill him. However, outside of the dens, in pridal gatherings, males are the ones whom declare war and will often bring back captured bounty from the roguelands or other prides-- and present them to their wives, of course. The Patriarchs especially make final clan decisions, although they always bear in mind the wife they go home to. Similar too, is the King, who's word is law-- although, he too, at the end of the day, goes home to a wife. An unhappy wife is not a wife a man wants-- for a male cannot divorce his wife, but she may divorce him, a source of shame for many a Dvergr. If a female is the eldest of the royal litter, she will be betrothed as soon as a suitable husband is found-- either a male in her age range, or older, to serve as her king. While females may not be suited to the role of a Patriarch or King-- making declarations of war, in the mind of the Dvergr, women may become skilled Warriors, Smiths, and the like, just as any man. In fact, Warrior women are very valued, as being exceptionally strong, and usually they will be snapped up by husbands quickly. It is to be remembered by any newcomer to the pride expecting a quiet Dvergr wife that women are not possessions to the males, nor are they the soft, sweet, quiet housemate. They are strong, fierce, wild beings just as the men, perhaps moreso, and any proper Dvergr male has a degree of fear and respect for Dvergr women.

 

[Eos Galvus]

Marriage and Families
Traditionally, in the Dvergr, the family consists of a mated pair, and their cubs, if any. This includes if the wife allows their mate to have cubs with rogues to bring in new blood-- the male is expected to bring as many children home as possible when a mating out of wedlock occurs and give them to his mate to raise. A couple may be of any combination of Dvergr, the most common being Male-Female, however, there may be Male-Male pairing and Female-Female pairings. In these cases, the one who runs the household is the one whom is physically stronger, as determined by the Patriarch. The lion then receives all the power a female would in a heterosexual relationship, and the title Wife, regardless of gender.

When Dvergr marry, besides the giant party the pride has, the couple exchange vows of loyalty, and the lion slated to be the husband will bring the parents of their wife kills, pelts, and treasures, from pretty stones to bones of enemies and other things as a dowry. The more impressive a dowry, the better suited the 'husband' to be is viewed-- treasure is especially valued, and if a trinket is brought with a tale, it may be even viewed as more valuable, if it is a pelt, to say, a rare stone.

 

[Eos Galvus]

Naming
When cubs are born, they are usually named by both parents, and given very simple names-- commonly a proper Dvergr name is Norse, Germanic, or something similiar, one-part, and no more than four syllables-- dvergr are simple and they consider anything multipart or over 5 syllables too flowery and weak. For example, Thorin, Berkana, or Lorelei may be acceptable, however something like Zwolfen'Nacht or so may be considered much too weak-- and longer names are entirely too pompous and closer to names considered to be held by an Alfar, or elf. And Dwarves don't really like silly things like that.

In regards to meaning, any meaning is acceptable, although the Old Clans will refer to stones and the earth or mountains. Newer blood may refer to anything, however, no name will usually refer to forests, trees, or plants UNLESS it is catnip. And in those cases they are usually drunk on the stuff. Another meaning avoided is usually references to peace, as peace means there isn't a good fight to be had, and that's just sad to most Dvergr. Water may be in a meaning, but not with the intent of a calming thing... Dvergr, believing themselves born of stone, are terrified of moving water, and massive water expanses, under the belief they'd sink. As a rule, most old blood Dvergr cannot swim and will run from water immediately.

 

[Eos Galvus]

Relationships with Gods and other Species

The Dvergr themselves are an all-lion pride with the exception of leopons brought back from battles. While Dvergr favor their mountains, they may go out into the world to find fresh blood if their Wives allow, and in the case of unmated lions, to find mates if able. While they don't cubnap, they may go in and cavort with members of other prides or rogues, and to most Dvergr are very coarse, crass, and blunt. Tact is lost on them, and so diplomacy is not practiced. They do, however, welcome diplomats from other prides, and will forge alliances with other lion-dominant prides, particularly those whom have a zest for life, lots of catnip, and excellent warriors.

For the Gods, Dvergr may not offer worship blindly-- they view gods as case by case. Some earn apathy (Like rain), some earn respect (But not worship), some may be pounced for a good sparring match, and some will be laughed right away from the mountain or by a roaming Dvergr (Like... Plants.). Gods are also judged by personal merit-- a coward will be taunted and jeered until they fight and earn respect, while those they do scrap with may yet be worshiped. In short: Gods are for sparring and religion is OMG important, and may differ case by case. The only exception are plant-based domains and more peaceful, soothing domains, and Crafting. Sanaa has a symbiotic-like relationship with the pride-- as they provide the raw treasure from their caves to her, she in turn crafts treasures for them.

Dvergr view wild dogs as lesser, smaller creatures, and often call them a mite weak. Dwarves do not feel wild dogs, maned wolves, or other canines as worth more than a good story and a song, although they've made alliances with dog packs in exchange for shinies. They are friendly to them, as a rule, but will almost always call them smaller, even if the wild dog is close in size. A Wild Dog covered in scars is exception, and they may be treated as close to a Dvergr-- some may even dare call such brave canines brother, however they may be welcome to Dvergrheim, they will never be welcome to join the pride.

Hyenas are a subject that excite the Dvergr, compared to the Wild Dogs or a Cheetah. Dvergr love hyenas and the vicious nature many possess, and if the hyena is a lion hating, ornery sort... Then the Dvergr will start to sing praises to their deity of choice and pick a fight gladly. Hyenas are rarely friends, but welcome rivals and opponents, although the hyena whom befriends a Dvergr is usually viewed as a good friend and wonderful ally.

Leopards are interesting to the Dvergr. They are not as powerful nor hardy, but close, and they can climb. They are also powerful felines in and of themselves, and thus while a leopard cannot join, they are considered related to the Dvergr, and the Dvergr outside the pride may take one as an acceptable partner for a fling-- leopons are not unheard of and are the only hybrid known in the Dvergr, although leopons are often viewed as more suited to being Warriors than tending the den as they are infertile. Fertile hybrids are prized and desirable as mates if it is discovered through a fling, or by a seer in a game of "Look at me". Leopon hybrids are not discouraged from mating with leopards, but any resulting leopard cubs are not pride members. Still, many a leopard is welcomed as brothers to visit Dvergrheim, and join a party or two, so long as they don't sleep with anyone.

Cheetahs are, to the Dvergr, delicate, feminine, and, well, too pretty to be of any damned good. The Cheetahs are considered elves and called Alfr. The Dvergr do not like the Alfr except the rare occasion a cheetah holds just as well as a Dvergr in battle-- otherwise, relations are kept curt, short, and straight to business (though Dvergr will make fun of them behind their backs). It is said in-pride that Elves and Dwarves cannot breed, and so Dvergr Cheetah Hybrids do not exist, and Dvergr are forbidden from taking Alfr as bed partners on journeys. While Dvergr will visit Cheetahs in their coalition areas, they do not enjoy it, and consider most Cheetahs too frivolous for their own good. Cheetahs may rarely see Dvergrheim, and even in those times, it will only be to speak to the King and the Clans.

Familiars, as a rule, are divided between prey (Klipspringers, Hares, songbirds, and Waterbucks) and predators (Everything else). Preybeasts are not proper Dvergr pets and it is considered weak to befriend your dinner-- even Dvergr cubs are reminded even if they help the bunny, they cannot ever let it stay in pride, lest a hungry warrior walk off with it. Predators, however, are considered useful companions and may be called upon to aid battle, hunt treasure, or hunt meals and the like. Familiars may even be given as mating gifts and kept to improve the home, and while not Dvergr, they are friends and welcomed.

 

[Eos Galvus]

Ranks
Dvergr ranks are easy to follow and follow a King and Queen, while being further divided into a handful of clans. As Dvergr are simple, there are not very many ranks-- and some many prides have do not exist at all, serving no use in this ancient land.

King - 1/1
The King of the Dvergr is responsible for calling the Patriarchs together, to discuss diplomatic incidents, war, and the like. The King's word is law, in the end, but it has been found agreement from the clans is benefit, lest the Patriarchs override him and plant a new King in his stead they may find more favorable, typically replacing the queen and any children, unless the heir is female. The King, as of this time, has not been usurped in many long years.

Queen 1/1
The Queen is to outsiders a figurehead, meant to sire the Heir to the King. However, it is more often than not common for the Queen to be a skillfful warrior in the even the dens are attacked when the King and the Warriors are away. The Queen oversees domestic squabbles between wives and will often aide in the event of divorce or a mate brings home unwanted cubs from an unplanned affair. The Queen is betrothed to the King when the Crown Prince is of age, and a Crown Princess is betrothed to a suitable king at birth with no exception.

Crown Prince/Crown Princess - 0/1
The Heir is of either gender and well versed in battle and their duties upon coronation as king. They cannot be coronated until mated, and they may be replaced by a sibling if at risk of being a tyrant, or if killed in battle. Their siblings usually assume common ranks, though it is not rare for one or two to become a Patriarch.

Patriarch - 2/5
The Patriarch is the highest non-royal Dvergr males may achieve, and are responsible for the well being of their clan. Clans, a collective of families, have this male standing for not only their best interests, but the clan traditions, opinions, and happiness. Failing as a Patriarch may result in the current patriarch being challenged to a fight, and ultimately thrown out of the position-- either becoming Warriors, or worse, facing exile from the pride. When a Patriarch dies or steps down, then a Warrior may be chosen to fill the role, or his eldest son, depending upon tradition.

Warrior - Unlimited
Warriors are the most common rank and is the default. All Dvergr may become warriors-- male and female, and Warriors serve as both soldiers and hunters, bringing home prey in peacetime to avoid boredom, supplying food to party or... Going out to find treasure, adventure, or to bring in new blood (if their wife allows it). Warriors answer to the patriarchs in public and the Wives at home. Scars are treated with pride, and a good Warrior strives to have his tales told by pride Storytellers.

Smith - Unlimited
Smiths are the crafters of the pride and may be any gender. They make trinkets and treasures for the pride from fantastic accessories to charms for luck. Smiths also help clean the public areas and collect things to protect Warriors, creating very crude helmets of bone for example. Smiths are usually capable of lifting heavy carcasses and help bring bodies of the fallen home. Woe be upon those whom anger a Dvergr smith, for he or she could easily bat them but good.

Storytellers - Unlimited
While all members of the pride, especially the Kings, must know the lore and legends of the pride, the Storytellers are those whom keep it alive, telling tales of heroes and of the birth of the Dvergr to the pride. They may speak it, or they may sing, although Dvergr do not use instruments, instead using the accoustics of the cave to carry and enrich their songs of warriors, heroes, and battles. A good Storyteller may keep the songs and stories memorized, and if their particular telling is mimicked and even recited by other Storytellers and other pride members, they are considered truely skilled indeed. During festivals, a Storyteller may band with others, and, combined with the noises native to Dvergrheim, will tell tales in song, echoing far and wide. Many rogues have been drawn to joining the Dvergr upon hearing these haunting, beautifully told tunes and stories.

Brewer - Unlimited
Dvergr love Catnip. While fermented fruit is loved and downed faster than you can ask about Dvergrheim, Catnip, especially that of the mountain, is plain utterly adored. In short, it's the Dvergr equivalent of beer and they imbibe liberally. Brewers are responsible for the care, finding, preparation, and distribution of 'The n**' as it is called fondly. As a Dvergr drunk on Catnip is a happy Dvergr, brewers are very popular, and it is a very respected title. The best n** comes from the best Brewer, and as such Brewers may be very wealthy in gifts, and therefor, treasure.

Wives - Unlimited
Wives are the females of a family, or, in a homosexual pair, the stronger lion. Many outsiders are confused by the title of Wife, however it is not a gender-specific role, much like any other role bar Patriarch, King, or Queen. The Wife protects a den, tends the family treasures, ensures food is collected, raises children if any, and, if the Warriors are away, will aid defending the mountains. A proper wife also have the very valuable power of divorce, and makes decisions benefiting the den and family alone. A displeased wife my divorce their mate, or make their lives miserable. A good Wife is a former warrior or at least very well trained. Many will speak to the Queen if a problem in the domestic life of the pride requires her attention, and in the end, they wear the pants in a family, as it were.

Youth - Unlimited
Youth in the Dvergr are all members of the Cub and Juvenile age. As Adolescents are considered adults, youth is fleeting and treasured. Many youth spend childhood learning Dvergr lore and practicing fighting for adulthood. Bond and alliances are formed, as at adolescence a Dvergr is an adult, expected to take rank, and encouraged to mate and have cubs of their own.

Hobbit

Hobbits aren't really Dwarves, but rather the leopards whom end up staying at the entrance to the mountain. While they keep to smaller holes and caves and rarely see Dvergrheim, they also get treated well-- there is not one responsibility asked of them and by and large they may do as they please. However, while hobbits are a curiosity to the lion members, those whom prove capable in battle are often honorary members. As Leopard hybrids are a known possibility (Dwarves drunk on n**, a certain king with a lady-crush...), hybrids are able to follow their hobbit blood and choose a live of ease and merriment.. Or a life of battle and merriment.

 

[Eos Galvus]

Members

King
Thorin - Novacracker

Queen
Aanga - Das Tor

Crown Prince/Princess

Clan Ulf
Patriarch -
Oin - NovaCracker


Warriors -
Yaya'uqui - F a y t h - x

Storytellers -


Brewers -
Ghanasyama - Schicksalswende
Tyredi - Zee Oddwyn

Smiths -
Mtoto'wa'Anga - -_Wish of Taverae_-

Wives -
Asali - Redbud-Tree


Youth -

Clan Schatzi
Patriarch -
Dahabu-Ausi - Das Tor

Warriors -
Jasiri - Truth.Be.Told
Aveil - NovaCracker

Storytellers -
Rashid - NovaCracker
Fatima - Das Tor

Brewers -
Eira'ffres - -_Wish of Taverae_-

Smiths -
Kisukari - F a y t h - x

Wives -
Rajua - NovaCracker


Youth -

Clan Dracen
Patriarch -
Yorath - Kathryn Dragonna

Warriors -
Shuu Mei - NovaCracker
Nayeri - Avid_RPer18

Storytellers -
Babushka - F a y t h - x

Brewers -


Smiths -


Wives -


Youth -

Clan Haldis
Patriarch -


Warriors -
Mihr - Das Tor

Storytellers -


Brewers -


Smiths -
Mazatl - Das Tor
Tenochtitlan - NovaCracker


Wives -


Youth -

Clan Gisli
Patriarch -


Warriors -
Caellagh - NovaCracker
Edin Prekrasen - -_Wish of Taverae_-


Storytellers -
Laini-Moto - Das Tor
Raynd'Tnaysc - Redbud-Tree

Brewers -
Daithi - Das Tor
Theluji'Mfalme - Redbud-Tree

Smiths -


Wives -


Youth -

Clan Sigourney
Patriarch -


Warriors -
Man'Tah - NovaCracker
Nuru - Redbud-Tree

Storytellers -
Machungwa - Redbud-Tree

Brewers -


Smiths -


Wives -


Youth -

Clanless:

Hobbit -
Machibuse - Redbud-Tree
Kimya'mwimbaji - -_Wish of Taverae_-
Anatumaini - Redbud-Tree
Mlezi'Wimbo - Redbud-Tree
Cedwyn - NovaCracker  

[Eos Galvus]

Joining

Want to join the Dwarves? Got an itch to dig into the Earth? Pick a form-- Right now we're accepting all ranks except King and Queen and apply. Please note, the Patriarchs will be evaluated based on personality, and so the form does ask for a backup rank in case the clan has a patriarch or you don't fit a listed clan. There's also plain applying as an Old Blood or New Member~.

[size=24][u][b][color=silver]Far over the Misty Mountains cold...[/color][/b][/u][/size]
[b]SoA Name:[/b]
[b]Owner name:[/b]
[i]I want to be a Patriarch![/i]
[b]Alternate Rank:[/b] (In case you aren't a patriarch)
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]How did you become Patriarch?:[/b] (Elected? Inherited? Dueled the old Patriarch? Just a sentence!)

[size=24][u][b][color=orange]I am a dwarf and I'm digging a hole![/color][/b][/u][/size]
[i]I am Old Blood! Gimme my n**![/i]
[b]SoA Name:[/b]
[b]Owner name:[/b]
[b]Rank:[/b]
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Which Clan do you prefer?:[/b] (Mostly for the Owner's list)

[size=24][u][b][color=olive]Interest ya'n a pint?[/color][/b][/u][/size]
[i]I am new blood-- Why is that dwarf staring at me?[/i]
[b]SoA Name:[/b]
[b]Owner name:[/b]
[b]Rank:[/b]
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Which Clan do you prefer?:[/b] (Mostly for the Owner's list)

[size=24][u][b][color=brown]What was Stolen must be Returned[/color][/b][/u][/size]
[i]I'm a Dwarf on a Quest! Don't forget me guys![/i]
[b]SoA Name:[/b]
[b]Owner name:[/b]
[b]Rank:[/b]
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Which Clan do you prefer?:[/b] (Mostly for the Owner's list)

 

[Eos Galvus]

F.A.Q.

Anything asked will be answered, then C/Ped here so others may see. For now, a few basics.

Nobody

...Dwarves?

I like Dwarves. Diggy diggy hole. 83

Nobody

Wife is a feminine title! It should be for girls ONLY!

It fits the job, and honestly, dwarves won't use 'home maker'. It would be wives. Even in male/male relationships. They are simple folk.

Nobody

Can I name my Dwarf after a Tolkien or D&D dwarf?

As long as it fits the SoA naming rules YES! A million times yes! Gimli is a fine name. So is any other SoA-fit fantasy name. Just no elf names. Sorry, Legolas.

Nobody

How do Dvergr feel about lions who leave and never come back?

That lion is dead to the pride. No exceptions. If a travelling Dvergr finds them, they tend to act like their a ghost, or they may attack them as traitors. Dvergr rarely leave the pride, if ever. Mind reactions are personal, but they next to never leave because their pretty happy in their caves. OOCly, it pisses us off if you don't report it.

Nobody

These look like a ripoff of...

Mouth, shoosh. Dwarves come from folklore dominantly, although they are in modern fantasy. I went with the common Dwarf type and rolled. (Not denying I was listening to a song from The Hobbit but). Still, I did try to cover the dwarves as, well, dwarves. Dwarves are neat. But if you don't like the pride, it's okay. Just don't fling insults like steamy monkey poo.

 

[Eos Galvus]

The fire was red...  

[Eos Galvus]

It flaming spread...  

[Eos Galvus]

Ya'll can post now!  

[SilverLutz]

Um...yes. A million times yes. Now I need another SoA. Gosh darn you people and your good ideas. I will be keeping an eye on this.  

[Eos Galvus]

ninja We obvs needs all the Dwarves.

*Needs to look over her lot to make -sure- there's no blank slates to fit*