The Granite Phoenix

"The Granite Phoenix", "The Keepers of the Granite Guardian" or "The Granite Bulwark" are all denominations of a dwarven society which arose from the ashes of the fallen dwarven civilization that previously dominated Avrah. The "granites", as these dwarves are called, are scattered across Avrah, inhibiting settlements and holdings that are often remote and isolated from the rest of civilization.

## Background

When the mighty dwarven civilization fell, most dwarves perished in a series of events, that today, have been forgotten by most living beings. During this time, Geduro, who had been tasked by Ohl to protect the dwarven clans, forged together with Og a powerful, bird-like being of the purest granite the mountains of Avrah had to offer. The being became known as the Granite Guardian, and it served as a judge, war-machine and guardian of the scattered dwarven survivors. While initially fulfilling its purpose effectively, its mind quickly became clouded when the dwarven leaders imposed on it, different intentions for how it would be used.

Some clans started worshipping the guardian as a religious symbol, and as a leader of the people. Some other clans viewed it as a tool for the dwarves to re-establish their dominance of the world by retaking their holdings and restoring order. While these two views were not directly conflicting, one very charismatic clans-leader, named Dorund Ironhall, in secret attempted to use the guardian to bring all dwarves under his rule. Through his cunning and charisma, he manipulated the other dwarven leaders, and created tensions between the two other factions, which caused a civil war. Meanwhile, he kept the guardian misinformed of the developments and later declared the need of uniting the dwarven factions under one banner. The guardian tried, in vain, to settle the conflict which, by then, had caused to much harm to both factions for it to simply end in a white peace.

Dorund then attempted to enact his plan, and suggested for the war to be ended by force through the guardians god-like powers and his still intact military force. While hesitant, the guardian accepted Dorund's proposal. However, it could not bring itself to harm the people it was forged to protect, and in a strike of confusion and despair, The Granite Guardian fell from the skies, penetrated the mountain-side and entered a state of apathy within the halls of a mountain which is now unknown. Dorund quickly called of the attack, and rushed with his army to aid the fallen guardian. WIthin the mountain, the Ironhall clan created a new society, which they called "The Granite Phoenix", as a tribute to the being they hope will one day re-awaken, and as a message to the rest of the world that dwarven civilization will once again rise from the ashes to dominate the world.

## Characteristics

The Granite Phoenix is a monarchy, ruled by a despotic ruler known as "The grand Keeper", a title which has been held by the descendants of Dorund Ironhall ever since its creation. While little is known about the faction by outsiders, the Granite Phoenix slaughters or imprisons any trespassers that dare intrude on their territories. They show no signs of hostile activity though, and most foreign leaders therefore leave them be. The kingdom is thought to be fairly weak in terms of both military size and economic strength, due to reports of its activities being few and insignificant. However, the number of activity reports is kept low largely due to the Granite Phoenix's use of ancient underground tunnel systems, thought by other races, and even other dwarves, to have collapsed long ago. From day one, Dorund made it a high priority endeavour for the dwarves to maintain some of the most important tunnel roadways, and his bloodline has managed to do so throughout the years. Thanks to its highly effective and concealed infrastructure, The Granite Phoenix prospers in the shadows, and is by far the most powerful dwarven kingdom in Avrah.

The soldiers of the kingdom are hardy and well-trained. Armed with the finest dwarven craftsmanship, and with a unshakeable religious devoutness, the members of the granite army are known and feared throughout Avrah as highly formidable opponents on the battlefield.

Goblins and other savage beings are rarely seen near the kingdom borders, as rumours has it that the bodies of still breathing prisoners are broken, bone by bone, on an altar before the sleeping Granite Guardian as a sacrifice to its glory, and as a means to wake it up.

Under the rule of the Granite Phoenix are also a number of minor dwarven chiefdoms and clans which have pledged allegiance to the Grand Keeper and the Granite Guardian. The ties are rather loose though, and these groupings largely rule themselves unless called upon by the Grand Keeper. Furthermore, the clans are not formally under the protection of the kingdom.

The tenants of the Grand Keeper has, from day one, been:

* Expand mines, halls, wealth and armies, to restore the ancient past,
* Restore law, order, peace and prosperity, to dwarven glory recast,
* Recast our hope, our faith and virtue, in our holy mission engage,
* Engage in conquest, enslavement and war, to relive our golden age.