Dwin

The Dwin is a culture consisting mainly of dark elves that have inhabited the Karolessia region for many millennia. They mostly reside in Dwinmir, with smaller communities scattered across various regions.

## Dwin States

* Dwinmir
* Cath Adil

## Culture

### An ancient society

The Dwin trace their culture back many millenia, being amongst the oldest continuous cultures in Cintias. They view their legacy with venerability and believe they are rightfully the most honorable of all races and culture, viewing themselves as noble as the Vindalaeran Elves. Dwin society is slow to change. The glacial pace at which their culture progresses means that their societies remain remarkably stable, although they throughout history have encountered various historic turning points which has forced them to readapt. These eras of adaptation tend to be the most chaotic in Dwin history, often leading to civil wars or encroachment by other invading cultures.

### Matriachy

Dwin have a matriarchal hierarchy, with females elevated over males. The highest positions in societies are often exclusively reserved for women and they are granted the most privileged educations and scholarships.

### A society of strength

Dwin value strength, determination and perseverance. Weakness is frowned upon at best and at worst might send a person to slavery or be killed. If an infant shows early signs of having physical or mental disabilities, it is not uncommon for the child to be killed. Even elders who feel old life taking its toll on their body have a tendency to ask their friends or family to end their life early, to spare them the shame of growing weak and useless. Weakness amongst the Dwin should not just be understood as a purely physical things, but something all-encompassing, including weakness of the spirit and the mind. A merchant making bad investments or a wizard apprentice failing to pass his exams will be shamed the same way as a soldier who flees a battle. If one fails to be good at the thing they aspire to do, that will be seen as a great shame.

The Dwin are extremely utilitarian in their outlook on life. Life itself has no inherent value in Dwin culture if it does not contribute to society. Killings and execution may be used as a tool of the elite to achieve societal goals, whether it be to instill respect or fear in their subordinates, punish transgressors and to show strength. However, senseless murder is not condoned if done for no other purpose than one's own pleasure, greed or malice. The limits to where killing is tolerated amongst the Dwin can become blurry, although most Dwin have an instinctive perception of when killing is done for the wrong reason.

### Insularity

The Dwin mostly keep to themselves and show little interest in the affairs of other races and cultures. Although their culture is very insular, Dwin communities are scattered across Cintias, having migrated away from their homeland. The reason for their scattering varies. Some simply seek adventure or to escape the confines of their own culture. Others had to move against their will, having been banished from their homeland on pain of death should they return.

### Slavery

The Dwin practice slavery, putting them at odds with their elven neighbors who scorn the act. The Dwin enslave mostly anyone, including their own kin. Enslaved Dwin elves tend to be criminals, orphans, the poor and the weak. The Dwin enslave other races by hunting and capturing people and by acquiring prisoners of war. Dwin are also very active in foreign black markets, selling their own slaves and buying prisoners from foreign gangs. Most common slaves tend to be deep gnomes, dwarfs, and elves. Races with dark vision are highly valued as most are to work in subterranean conditions.

### Cuisine

Subterranean mushrooms are an important stable of Dwin cuisine. The nutritious and edible Bur Mushroom grows in large quantities even without cultivation in Dwin caves, providing a stable food resource for inhabitants. The most popular alcoholic Dwin beverage is called Shwompi. Shwompi is made from fermented Shwomp mushrooms, known for their bitter taste. When fermented, the Shwomps produce alcohol. Underwater plants are another stable of the local cuisine. Reptiles constitute the main source of meat for Izerath. Giant spiders and insects are also used for food, mostly appreciated by the elite.

## Religion

The main goddess of the Dwin is Cath, the Nocturnal mother, whose domains is that of the night and darkness. Rituals dedicated to Cath are highly integrated in Dwin ceremonies and traditions.

Other gods important to the Dwin pantheon include Umbris, the Shadow Lord. Umbris worship is common amongst the wizard and clerical class as dark magic is highly practiced in Dwin schools of magic. Umbris worship is also highly affiliated with the mastery of fearsome creatures such as spiders and the creation of driders. Vestica, the god of time and fate is widely worshipped due to the Dwin people's believe in the inevitability of destiny and their own purpose in the constellation of history.