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Khazadryn are a warrior race created by the Elder Dragon of Earth, Khazad. The only race usually termed “dwarf” on Idryllia (The Yveradryn Cloud Dwarves having been out of contact since the Primordial Wars).

Physical Characteristics[]

Khazadryn stand in the range of four to five feet, noticeably shorter then elves or humans, taller then either halfling race, slightly larger then Gear Gnomes, and overlapping with Mordrakryn with only the tallest and shortest being a notable difference. Their build is a stocky one, and with their

Khazadryn have a stocky build, usually well refined to muscle by their harsh lifestyle. Their eyes are always grey or brown, and their skin ranges in tone from a brownish tinge (though not the dark skin of Mariners) to a stone grey (not as pale as Thualisyr). Their hair, most often a reddish tinged brown, is worn long as is practical, as are the male's beards.


Culture[]

Originated as a warrior race, martial aspects are still predominant in the Khazadryn culture. Warriors are commonplace, both defending against threats and hunting down wild game for food. In times of peril, almost every Khazadryn is trained in axe or hammer use for war.

The other main passion of Khazadryn is craftsmanship. Save for warriors and hunters (who spend their time on other services to the community, it is considered shameful to require items made outside ones family circle. Khazadryn coming of age receive an initial set of gifts (often family heirlooms that have been passed this way for generations) to aid them, but move off into new quarters, and are expected to carve their new halls and soon work on their own necessities to replace the giftings. Less practical items, but still exquisite craftsmanship, are often exchanged as gifts or tribute to the King, or Khazad himself.

While blood bonds form the majority of family circles, other Khazadryn can be adopted into a family (oft orphans of battle, or for some notable deed that has incurred the families debt). Such adoption rituals often involve the exchange of especially fine craftings. Marriage bonds are similar, with the Khazadryn involved crafting gifts from their otherwise untouched hair as a symbol of union.

Traditionalism and ritual is highly important in Khazadryn society. While this had led to them largely remaining separate from the world as their ways seem increasingly anachronistic, they are nonetheless amongst the most skilled at what they do, and highly sought after as warriors and craftsmen. Although outlander items are considered inferior, and thus few can find a way to pay for such aid.

Religion[]

Up until the Age of Mortals, every Khazadryn followed the dictates of Khazad, delivered through his priests. While it is more direct then the Wilderlander Elemental Worship of Earth, that simply ascribed ideals to the element (and the Elder Dragon behind it), the main principles are largely the same. It is a faith that promotes ritual, endurance, and honour. While this also can lead to conservatism, stubbornness, and pride among some.

With Tharaun's appearance as New God, he has become a symbol for those Khazadryn that believe the race is stagnating in Khazad-Mor. While he has been careful not to directly challenge Khazad, his priests do preach that Khazadryn youth should spend time in the greater world to learn of other cultures and advances, and bring new experience to their people.

Settlements[]

Since the Primordial Wars, the Khazadryn have unified at their fortress city of Khazad-Mor, built into the Forge Mountains, over top the prison of Khazad. Prior to that, they inhabited a region of Altalar near the Mouth of the World, that is now part of Yvera's New Altalar.

Relations with Other Races[]

The Khazadryn have a centuries old war with the Brobdangeon, the Primordial Race that also dwells in the Forge Mountains. They also have a standing hatred of the Beastmen, and Wraelyns, dictated by Khazad due to Xyntix and Keltraon's involvement in his imprisonment. While they had large conflict with the Tel-Kabal in the Primordial Wars, and dislike the Primordial Races in general, they do respect the Tel-Kabals prowess (and grudgingly admit similarities in their cultures)

Amongst the Draconic Races, the Mordrakryn have been intertwined with the Khazadryn for centuries, with substantial integration between the two races (The Mordrakryn often act as ambassadors between the Khazadryn and others, as well as supplying lighter skirmishers and arcane talents in war efforts). The Plains Halflings, descended from several clans of Aquarisyr who sought refuge in Khazad-Mor, are owed a debt by the Khazadryn, after Khazad's failure with the Brobdangeon Truebloods was indirectly responsible for their near genocide and the dwarves were unable to venture forth to defend them.

History[]

The Lost Age[]

After the Dragons settled into Altalar, and several Elders created races, Khazad and Mordra sought to create guardians, in case the Titans should break through the Mouth of the World again to pursue their reprisal. This led to the birth of both Khazadryn and Mordrakryn. (The Yveradryn were created by Yvera in imitation of the two).

Primordial Wars[]

The Khazadryn stayed on Altalar serving their duty when the settlers crossed the ocean, but when the Primordial Wars broke out in full, they sent aid, opening a very successful northern front against the Primordials. They soon became ingrained in a stalemate against the Tel-Kabal, and the Brobdangeon (who were created by Dangorm specifically to combat the Ryn Warrior Races). They continued to fight in the wars, even after Khazad's imprisonment, although always maintaining a strong presence at their fortress of Khazad-Mor. During this time, they also took in several clans of Aquarisyr, protecting them against the Brobdangeon advance.

Age of Settlement[]

The Khazadryn in Altalar would join their brethren at Khazad-Mor, unifying the race with its patriarch. The Khazadryn spent the rest of the Age establishing their fortress, and feuding with the Brobdangeon.

Age of Knowledge[]

The Arcane Society came to Khazad-Mor seeking smiths to work on their clockworks, but were unable to impress the Khazadryn, or overcome their distrust of Arcane Magic (furthered by Khazad's entrapment) they would end up only managing to recruit some of the Mordrakryn. The Khazadryn did do some trade with Aergoth, but their isolated locale and lack of desire for outlander goods curtailed much. The Companions also visited Khazad-Mor, but had no business in the Khazadryn Halls. The clans of Aquarisyr sheltering there would begin to migrate out, but decided to remain in the Plains, rather then return to the oceans.

Age of Wars[]

Facing a renewed threat in the Trueblood led Brobdangeon, the Khazadryn were often entrapped in Khazad-Mor. Meanwhile, large bands of exiled or separating Brobdangeon rampaged into the western plains, killing many of the Plains Halflings beyond the reach of the Khazadryn. This would result in their debt to that race.

Age of Cataclysm[]

While the Night of Falling Stars fell lightly on the heavily fortified, partially underground dwelling of the Khazadryn, they would nonetheless dispatch bands of craftsman to rebuild Delwynvale (despite the presence of Tel-Kabal), paying their debts to the Plains Halflings. A few among these remained, including Dawn Legion co-founder Tolinus Firebeard, who would go on to play a major role in the final battle with the Daemon God Xylnulifein.

Age of Reclamation[]

The Khazadryn would venture to Delwynvale again, this time standing with the halflings, and even the Tel-Kabal against Valdrent's expansion and the New Church of Humanity. Later on, the New Companions would venture to Khazad-Mor, being granted a rare audience with Khazad himself, leading to the creation of the Elder Dragon Axe, and Tharaun's departure as its wielder, and eventual return as a New God.

Age of Mortals[]

In the present age, the Khazadryn face troubled times. The Brobdangeon threat remains, as well as Valdrent expanding westward and into the Forge Mountains with its own mines. Khazad also forbids consorting with Valdrent following the slaying of the Elder Dragon Thul'Masira by their warlord Jeral Tarn, and many of the Khazadryn also recall the nation's involvement with the New Church.

As Khazad's stubborn isolationism continues, the new priesthood of Tharaun has begun to encourage the Khazadryn to venture out into the world, although the New God and the Elder Dragon have not yet come into conflict over the few that have taken this path thus far.