Mythrayne “Wealth, Wisdom, War”
Mythrayne
“Wealth, Wisdom, War”
Colors: Brown, Steel, Gold
Banner: Three Mountains
Population: 14,012,381
Capitol: Konungardra
Government: Mercantile Oligarchy
Leader(s): The Council
Languages: Mythric, Common, Leyarish, Sillarian
Notable Exports: Bards, Manufactured goods, Metals, Precious metals
Mythrayne is an ancient nation steeped in tradition and the customs of old. It is said that Mythrayne is the eldest country on Vathis, having stood before recorded history, but none alive can speak to its age.
The nation is almost wholly composed of vast caverns within the mountains. These caverns are home to bustling cities and cozy grotto homes carved into the sides of the cave walls. Mythrayne’s few surface cities are located in deep valleys which connect easily to the caves below. The dwarves who call the mountains home were at one time three mighty empires, of which Mythrayne is the last standing. Mythrayne’s dwarves emphasize the importance of learning and studying their history to honor their ancestors, understand their mistakes, and avoid repeating those mistakes. The dwarves were among the first to discover divine magic, and the nation’s few statues of note are early depictions of the deities. Also important to dwarven culture is the bardic tradition of Jordensång, the oratory arts of poetry and song. Songs and poems are found scribed onto pottery, archways, furniture, and anywhere else verse can be depicted. Somewhat unusual is Mythrayne’s government, which is a monarchy no longer. Instead the nation possesses a great council which convenes to discuss important national matters. Most dwarves serve in the military as a youth through adulthood, and others learn the trade of their family. All contribute to the betterment of society. Mythrayne is a resilient nation, and her valuable dwarven exports ensure her livelihood for the ages to come.
Tradition is important to the Mythrene, and the average dwarf can sing an old king’s legend or recite an epic poem.
They believe that Naugrix is the lord of all. Dwarves refer to their own history with a number of common phrases and idioms, such as ‘you’ve got a Grumnul’s spirit’, which would imply that one is stubborn or haughty. Others may refer to those with good hearts as having ‘manners of a Duermaala’, or say that a dullard ‘shines dimmer than gloskid’. History and religion are the two most important things to a dwarf, followed by their country, city, and family. Every dwarf should know their role and perform that role to best of their ability. They believe in taking pride in their work and displaying their tough spirits in the efforts of their labor.
The dwarves of Mythrayne are not known to be boastful, but they let the quality and integrity of their actions speak for themselves.
Honor is paramount to the dwarves. A dwarf’s name represents their family, and a dwarf’s family represents Mythrayne as a whole. Misrepresenting the nation is akin to throwing dirt on one’s doorstep, and these insults are taken seriously. Also a grave offense is speaking ill of the dead, which is extremely taboo in Mythrayne. Family is important to the culture of the dwarves, and they are far from loners. Their kind are quick to make friends and they believe in innocence until one is proven guilty. They make fiercely loyal comrades, and terrifying enemies. The Mythrene tend to be hands-on and playful, and they are prone to friendly contests of strength, wit, and constitution. Wrestling, puzzles, and contests of food or drink are commonplace in Mythic taverns. Travelers in Mythrayne are sometimes surprised to find a number of amari living amongst the dwarves, as the two nations are long-standing allies and known to share cultural values. Many dwarves travel abroad to receive schooling at the Grove, and there is an exchange program between the amari’s psionic college and the dwarven Jordensång college in Konungardra.
On the surface Mythrayne is a nation buffeted by fierce winds, and at high altitudes the weather is cold and clammy.
Inside of the earthen caverns the country is still cool, but somewhat more humid on account of the rivers and volcanic activity flowing through the mountains. The surface receives rain and snowfall which melts in the summer months and flows through irrigated canals for collection as an extra water supply. Within the dwarven caves and tunnels there is no noticeable change in seasons or time of day. The dwarves tell time by means of mechanical device, or by watching the changes of tide and temperature of subterranean water. The availability of certain fish also lends to particular seasons or time of day. Lava flows are commonplace deep within the mountains, and beautiful crystal caverns can be found in the strangest of places. New passages appear suddenly, formed either by creatures or robust excavations, which sometimes adds new water sources to the nation’s supply.
