Dwarven Holds

## Overview:

United yet seperate, five Dwarven Holds (or Kingdoms) still stand in Northwestern Egoa The most numerous Kingdom of the Dwarves is known as Khag Boldhir, it is also the seat of the Dwarven Senate. A vast city under the Southern Whispering Tips mountain range, the closest above ground settlements are those of the mountain peoples or the Elves of Ath’urilan.

# Economy:

## Agriculture:

The Dwarves of Egoa farm more than most people think, they funnel and filter light (and air, naturally) down into their dwelling caverns via long diamante-lined shafts. Similar structures are used, closer to the surface, to light the large fields of vegetation. They also cultivate mushrooms and other cave plants under the stone of the mountain. They do also have small surface trading settlements, here some farming of crops can be found to boost supply levels.

## Domestic Animals/Herding:

Milk and cheese are not a natural part of their diet, as they keep no large domestic animals. As a result, most dwarves dislike the smell of any dairy product, describing it as 'sour' and 'decayed'. Where we might use cream to create a sauce or thicken gravies, the dwarves either use a frothy neutral mushroom concoction or reduce meat stocks down to intense proportions. However, the taenish egg was introduced fairly early in their trading relations, and dwarven aunties have come to depend on eyren, or 'birdfruit', as they call them, for many of their dishes.

## Hunting/Gathering:

Their diet includes blind-fish and slow-eels from the great underwater cave pools, and freshwater molluscs, shrimp, lizard, and bat. (The latter is considered a delicacy rather than a staple…) Certain larvae are dried or roasted, and even one type of nightcrawling worm has been included in stew.

Dwarven hunters are not adverse to doing hunts aboveground, either, to bring back the various mountain/forest animals. Deer, lynx, mountain goat, and small game such as kuatu and minch are all Puvjor, "pot-meat", and usually shared out upon the hunt's return. In certain areas horse is considered a great treat by the local clans. All organs and ‘numbles’ are used as well where feasible; tongue, liver, heart, and even the lungs or intestines of the animal can be prepared by the clever cooks.

## Industries:

Master metalworkers and stone masons are the Dwarves. They are also adept at weaving, tailoring and leatherworking. Dwarven tools and weapons are sought after throughout the lands by many folk.

## Natural Resources:

Dwarves are masters of mining metals, minerals and gems, most of these are gathered for craft, raw materials are rarely sold off, rather finished products made by the artisans make it to the markets.

## Trade:

Dwarves trade freely amongst themselves between Clans and Kingdoms, however Dwarven merchants can be found all over Egoa, eager to strike up bargains and deals, every market has a Dwarf it seems. Dwarves will happily trade their abundant supplies of tools, weapons and armour for more exotic goods.

# Political Structure:

### The Assembly of the Clans

Although each independent Kingdoms, with their own leaders and governors. The Clans of Egoa will often come together in the largest of the Dwarven cities; Khag Boldhir to discuss matters of great importance. The Assembly acts as the legislative body for all Dwarven allies.

#### Seats of the Assembly

##### Elder Council

The Elder Council effectively serves as the cabinet to the executive Council. Elder Councillors are typically elected by the body of the Senate, and once obtained, these positions are kept for life.

##### Clan Leaders

Sometimes referred to as Kings(or Queens) Clan Leaders are entitled to their seat within the senate by noble birthright and proclamation from the Council. They may designate an official proxy to vote and deliberate on their behalf. The only way a Thane may lose their seat is by death, abdication, or criminal conviction.

##### Senators

Senators are most often common Dwarves who are elected or appointed to represent each Kingdom. They stand as voting members within the Assembly on behalf of their constituents. Senators, in theory, are the more populated position within the Assembly for these reasons.

##### Military Leaders

Generals and their ranking officers within the Dwarven military may be granted honorary seats within the Assembly due to their battle expertise. If anyone has authority on military policy, it is the brave men and women of the Dwarven people who lay down their lives to defend the Dwarven interests.

## Independent Dwarven Kingdoms

KhundrakarKhag BoldhirNulbarazKharne LodahrKol ToldirThul Moldur
### Military

Each Clan arms, supplies and maintains it's own army or militia.

In times of great need the Assembly will unite the banners to form a Grand Army of Dwarves, this has not happened since the Elemental invasion of the mid 4th Century.