Overview
The Kingdom of Rockhome is the ancestral homeland of the dwarven race. It is a vast, subterranean kingdom located deep within the mountains, a civilization of masterful artisans, miners, and engineers. The dwarves of Rockhome are a stoic, hard-working people who value honor, tradition, and craftsmanship above all else. They are a deeply private and insular society, with little interest in the outside world, save for matters of trade or when their security is threatened. Rockhome is a masterpiece of dwarven engineering, a network of tunnels, chambers, and great halls carved out of the living rock.
Appearance
The landscape of Rockhome is one of carved stone and gleaming metal. The kingdom is located entirely underground, with its only surface access being a series of heavily fortified mountain passes. Within the mountains, the dwarves have carved a world of their own. The architecture is grand and blocky, with heavy stone doors and great, vaulted ceilings. The halls are lit by magical gems and lanterns, and the air is thick with the scent of coal smoke and forged metal. The dwarves themselves are a stout, muscular people, with long beards and a love for practical, durable clothing and armor.
Culture
Dwarven culture is deeply rooted in tradition and craftsmanship. The dwarves are a clan-based society, with each clan specializing in a particular skill, such as mining, smithing, or engineering. Honor is of the utmost importance, and a dwarf's word is their bond. They have a strong oral tradition, and their history is passed down through epic sagas and heroic poems. They have a deep-seated distrust of magic, believing it to be a chaotic and unpredictable force, and they prefer to rely on their own skill and hard work. Their religion is centered around a pantheon of gods who represent the virtues of their race, such as craftsmanship, a love for the earth, and an unending dedication to one's family and clan.
Society
Dwarven society is a strict, hereditary monarchy. The king, known as the "High King," rules from his throne in the capital city of Dengar. Below the king are the clan elders, who hold immense power and authority within their own clans. Social status is determined by one's skill and craftsmanship, and a dwarf's reputation is built on their ability to forge a great sword, craft a beautiful piece of jewelry, or build a magnificent structure. There is little social mobility, and a dwarf's destiny is largely determined by the clan they are born into.
Territory
The Kingdom of Rockhome is located entirely within a massive mountain range. Its borders are defined by the limits of the mountains themselves, and the dwarves rarely venture beyond their heavily fortified mountain passes. The kingdom is a vast network of tunnels and chambers, with major cities and settlements located in the most secure and resource-rich areas. The dwarves have a deep and intimate knowledge of their territory, and they have an extensive network of secret tunnels and hidden passages.
Resources
Rockhome is a nation of immense mineral wealth. The mountains are rich in gold, silver, iron, and other precious metals, and the dwarves are masters of mining and metallurgy. They are renowned for their incredible craftsmanship and their ability to forge weapons and armor of unparalleled quality. They also have a wide variety of precious gems and stones, which they use to decorate their halls and to trade with other nations. Their greatest resource, however, is the skill of their artisans, who can turn raw materials into works of art.
Military
The dwarven military is a professional, disciplined, and formidable force. They are known for their heavy infantry, their mastery of siege warfare, and their incredible defensive tactics. They are masters of tunnel fighting, and they can easily outmaneuver any invader within their underground kingdom. They are also known for their powerful siege weapons, which are a testament to their engineering prowess. The military is a point of pride for the dwarves, and their soldiers are renowned for their unwavering loyalty and their unshakable courage.
Relations
How Rockhome Feels about Others: The dwarves of Rockhome are a deeply suspicious people, and they have a general distrust of outsiders. They view the elves of Alfheim with a mix of respect and unease, as they are a people who value magic and nature over the craftsmanship of the forge. They view the human nations of Darokin and Thyatis with a grudging respect, and they often trade their goods with them. They have a deep and abiding hatred for the goblins and other monstrous races, whom they see as a constant threat to their security.
How Others Feel about Rockhome: The other nations of the Known World view the dwarves of Rockhome with a mixture of respect and fear. They are seen as a powerful military force, and their craftsmanship is legendary. They are also viewed as a stubborn, insular, and difficult people to deal with. The human nations of Darokin and Thyatis value their trade, but they are wary of their isolationist tendencies. The elves of Alfheim respect the dwarves' devotion to their craft but are wary of their insular nature and their distrust of magic.
Reputation
The Kingdom of Rockhome has a reputation as a magnificent, ancient, and powerful nation. They are known for their incredible craftsmanship, their immense wealth, and their unwavering loyalty to their king and their people. They are seen as a proud and stubborn race, a people who refuse to change their ways, but they are also respected for their honor and their dedication to their craft. They are a testament to the idea that a strong will, a good hammer, and a great beard can overcome any obstacle.