Dark Dwarves

Daergar Dwarf

History

The Daergar are also one of the original clans of Kal-Thax. One of their earliest known thanes was Vog Ironface, who ruled at the time of the Hylar's arrival. After the Hylar's arrival the Daergar played several important roles in the Wizards War and the wars against the Empire of Ergoth. At the conclusion of the War of the Lance the Daergar Thane was Halt Blackmetal.

Daergar are the counterparts of the Theiwar in much the same way the Daewar are the counterpart of the Hylar. They are the brawn behind the Theiwar brains. However, they are not allies: the Daergar are even more murderous than their Theiwar cousins, and much more prone to physical violence rather than cunning to resolve any given situation. Daergar have established impressive strongholds in the caverns beneath the Kharolis Mountains. Outposts are also rumored to exist elsewhere on the continent. Daergar cities are dark and gloomy. Windowless prison modules and a huge arena where prisoners engage in bloody combat for the amusement of the citizens dominate a typical Daergar city.

Among the most revered members of the Daergar society are the bonemasters. Bonemasters are elder Daergar who attend to the bone pits located on the village perimeters, designing weapons, tools, and armor made from the bones. Bonemasters also have the ability to animate bones, creating living skeletons to do the bonemaster's bidding. A bonemaster can animate humanoid and animal skeletons alike; a number of skeletons equal to the bonemaster's level can be animated at the same time. The animated skeletons cannot be of any class; they choose their successors, to whom they teach the bone-animating ability.

Daergar have little interest in the affairs of other races. They hate Neidar and have no particular affection for Humans, Elves, or Kender.

Dewar Dwarf

History

The Dewar are mostly remembered for their treacherous actions during the Dwarfgate War. They allowed the great dwarven fortress of Pax Tharkas to be taken by the Neidar. Later they betrayed the Neidar by leading an army into Zhaman the base of the Neidar.

Not to be confused with their Daewar cousins, the Dewar are a third group of 'dark' dwarves. They live in caverns beneath Thorbardin where the other clans refuse to live. The Dewar were exiled because of their insanity; and now after years of isolation it has become that much more pronounced (in fact, those deemed 'sane' are shunned). The Dewar excelled at killing and at cruelty, and are quick to anger.

These dark dwarves dwell deep in Thorbardin and have often been shunned by other mountain dwarves for their insanity and actions during the Dwarfgate War. They live in dark communities and often are isolated from the rest of Thorbardin. The Dewar does not have a seat among the Council of Thanes and the system of government they use is unknown at this time.


Theiwar Dwarf

History

One of the original clans of Kal-Thax, the Theiwar are a clan known for its treachery and underhanded dealings. The first known Theiwar thane is Crouch Redfire who was slain by Glome the Assassin. Redfire's successor was Twist Cutshank, who led the Theiwar at the time of the Hylar arrival. Twist Cutshank conspired against the Daewar and attempted to have them destroyed by the Cobar during a raid. Olim Goldbuckle, thane of the Daewar, challenged Twist Cutshank to duel in which Olim easily defeated Cutshank. His co-conspirator Glome then succeeded Cutshank.

Glome led his people during the founding of Thorbardin, anger, jealousy, and distrust of the Hylar led Glome to openly voice his disapproval of them. He was removed from being a thane and replaced by Slide Tolec. Glome though, angered at the Hylar and blaming them for all of the problems that the dwarves faced, launched an assassination attempt against the Hylar thane, Colin Stonetooth. Colin Stonetooth and the Ten (his personal bodyguard, all but Willen Ironmaul were present during the attack) battled back but fell to Glome and his followers. Stonetooth's death sealed the covenant of the forge in which all thanes agreed to serve Thorbardin in their clan's interest. The thanes put Glome to death for his actions.

Centuries later the Theiwar would once again provide the key figures during the War of the Lance. Led by Thane Realgar the dark dwarves made a pact with the Red Dragon army to turn Thorbardin over to the dragon armies. Realgar's plans were futile as the Hylar thane, Hornfel, killed him. Pounce Quickspring replaced Realgar.

The Theiwar dwarves are one of the races of dark dwarves. Known for the conniving and scheming they are often plotting to overthrow the Hylar and rule Thorbardin themselves. Theiwar are always looking for ways to further their own self-interests. Living in their dark dwellings Theiwar form communities that are often unlighted. A Theiwar is easily distinguishable from other dwarves because of their paler complexions and larger eyes. The Theiwar are also a clan of dwarves who have come to use magic. While most dwarves mistrust or hate magic, the Theiwar have embraced the art.

The Daergar are the only dwarven race that socializes with the Theiwar. Theiwar hate all other races, particularly Humans and Elves. Though they can eat all types of food, Theiwar prefer to eat meat raw or cooked. Warrior Theiwar are rumored to eat humans during drunken festivals.

Zhakar Dwarf

History

Another clan of dark dwarves, the Zhakar were the inhabitants of Thoradin before they were defeated by Severus Stonehand. The Zhakar were afflicted with a strange illness, caused by a mold, which resulted in their constant state of decay: they could be considered lepers. Stonehand threw the Zhakar out of Thoradin if they did not swear allegiance to him after their defeat and removal of the mold curse.

In ancient times, the Zhakar kingdom was established beneath the Khalkist Mountains. They originally maintained cordial relations with other mountain dwarf races, but a few decades after the rise of the Hylar, the Zhakar were ravaged by a mold plague. Though the fever affected only the Zhakar, the Hylar and other dwarven races severed relations with the Zhakar, refusing them aid and forbidding them from entering their cities. The Zhakar withdrew, and their capitol was deserted overnight. An antidote was eventually developed, but not before 95% of the Zhakar population had died. Though the mold still exists, those Zhakar still left are immune to its effects.
The Zhakar continue to suffer from mold plague, most of the females are infertile, and those capable of giving birth can do so only once every five years. The eldest Zhakar, often the savant, serves as the leader of his group. They are excellent metalsmiths, sculptors, miners, and poets.

Zhakar have completely disassociated themselves from all other races. They raise small herds of subterranean lizards, which they ride. Lizards too old or too uncooperative to ride are butchered for eating. Zhakar have no taste for alcohol, preferring a tea.