The Dwumar Race
The Dwumar emerged from the Great Lord of Earth, a being whose dominion was the unyielding strength of Cealdun’s mountains and the silent depths beneath the surface. In the earliest epochs, when the world was raw and untamed, the Great Lord reached into the compacted clay and mineral-rich loam of Cealdun’s peaks. With hands of infinite power and precision, they shaped forms from the earth itself, crafting each figure with a deep, abiding care. These forms, though unrefined, bore veins of precious metals and gemstones, intricate lattices of natural beauty running through their bodies. Each creation was fired in the geothermal heat of the planet’s core, solidifying their bodies into living earth, a fusion of raw power and subtle elegance. The first Dwumar were beings of imposing rigidity, their exteriors almost impervious, their movements slow yet purposeful. Over time, as they interacted with the nascent world around them, the unyielding surfaces of their forms began to crack and soften. These fissures revealed an inner vitality that brought forth pliancy and growth. As the Great Lord withdrew into the depths, leaving the Dwumar to shape their own destinies, the Shaper, one of the Eldren, took up the mantle of guardian. This being—partially formed of living minerals themselves—observed the Dwumar from afar, ensuring their connection to the earth remained unbroken. When the ancient civilization collapsed in the Age of Silence, the Dwumar were scattered across Cealdun. Some retreated into the deep caverns, becoming guardians of subterranean realms, while others ascended to the surface, adapting to the highlands and plains. Though their physical forms diversified to meet the demands of new environments, they retained the foundational traits gifted by their Great Lord. Within them, the silent strength of the mountains endured, manifesting in their resilience and connection to the land.Nature
The Dwumar embody endurance and stability, their essence intrinsically linked to the unshakable earth. Their being is not one of rapid change or fleeting inspiration but of slow, purposeful evolution. This nature is reflected in their deeply grounded disposition and their intrinsic need to build, preserve, and endure. They are drawn instinctively to creation, whether through physical labor or the cultivation of communities, and their works often carry the weight of permanence. This drive stems from their beginnings as living stone, imbued with the durability of the mountains from which they arose. Dwumar perceive the world in ways that are tactile and profound. Their connection to the earth grants them an acute awareness of its subtle shifts, from the tremors of an impending quake to the quiet erosion of a weathered cliff. This sensitivity informs their sense of balance and caution, as they understand that even the most steadfast structures must accommodate the forces of time and change. They seek harmony within these forces, balancing strength with adaptability, much as their ancestors once softened from stone to flesh.Terminology
The Dwumar are often referred to as the "Children of Stone" by other races, a nod to their elemental origin. Among themselves, they use the term "Dorokai," an ancient word that translates roughly to "the Rooted." This name underscores their connection to the earth and their enduring legacy. The Shaper’s influence is reflected in their language, particularly in the terms used to describe their stages of life. Newborns are called "Sparks," signifying the moment of ignition within the clay. Young Dwumar are known as "Chisels," reflecting their formative years of refinement. Adults are termed "Pillars," embodying their role as steadfast supports for their communities, while elders are revered as "Bedrocks," the foundation upon which the future rests. Their unique biology has also inspired a lexicon of its own. The "Corevein" is the central structure within a Dwumar’s body, a network of energy-laden minerals that pulses faintly with an internal warmth. This Corevein serves as both a physical and spiritual anchor, believed to house the essence of their lineage and to connect them to the Great Lord of Earth. The term "Earthsong" is used to describe the subtle resonance Dwumar feel when attuned to the land, an almost imperceptible hum that guides their instincts and decisions.Characteristics
The Dwumar are marked by their physical and mental fortitude. Their bodies retain traces of the minerals that once defined them, with skin that often appears rough-hewn, speckled with glimmers of quartz or veins of metal. While their appearance has softened over the ages, they remain robust, their bones denser and their musculature adapted for endurance rather than speed. Their hands are broad and strong, capable of immense precision and force, ideal for shaping stone or tilling the earth. This physicality is complemented by a resilience that extends beyond the corporeal. Dwumar are unyielding in their resolve, approaching challenges with a calm, methodical determination. Their senses are intricately tied to the subtle rhythms of the earth. This bond allows them to perceive its vitality in ways few can, such as the faint groan of shifting rock or the gentle rustle of underground streams. The resonance of the land is a quiet language to the Dwumar, and it enriches their lives with an awareness of the unseen. This attunement informs their movements and decisions, fostering a sense of grounded harmony in all they do.Mentally, the Dwumar are contemplative and patient. Their thoughts unfold slowly, like the erosion of stone by water, but with a depth that often reveals unexpected wisdom. They are not quick to anger or action, preferring to deliberate and understand before making decisions. This temperament lends them an air of reliability and trustworthiness, as they seldom act without cause. However, this same steadfastness can occasionally render them inflexible, as they may struggle to adapt to rapid change or to see beyond their established ways. Socially, Dwumar are deeply communal. They value collaboration and mutual support, often forming close-knit groups that function much like extended families. Their communities are structured and orderly, reflecting their intrinsic desire for stability and longevity. While they can be slow to trust outsiders, once bonds are formed, they are unbreakable. Their loyalty is as enduring as the mountains themselves, and they hold great reverence for those who contribute to the strength and cohesion of their kin. Despite their stoic demeanor, Dwumar possess a quiet pride in their heritage, and their stories often center on the enduring feats of their ancestors, echoing their origins in the unyielding embrace of the earth.