Plain Dwarves

Plain Dwarves

The Koropokkuru, or Plain Dwarves, are a remarkable dwarven subrace native to the continent of Igochi, embodying a unique blend of tradition and adaptability. Unlike their mountain-dwelling cousins, the Plain Dwarves have chosen the open plains and fertile valleys as their home, forging a peaceful yet disciplined society in the lowlands. Their settlements are often found near rivers and lakes, where the land is flat and the air crisp, the perfect contrast to the rugged mountains that still play a vital role in their lives.

Though the Plain Dwarves have distanced themselves from the subterranean strongholds of traditional dwarves, they remain tied to the mountains in one crucial way: their need for raw minerals. Their love for fine craftsmanship runs deep, and the mountains provide the ores and metals necessary for their intricate work. Thus, their towns often dot the valleys at the base of towering peaks, where the plains meet the highlands in perfect harmony. In these valleys, Plain Dwarves settlements rise, orderly and meticulously planned, as every building, path, and structure is positioned with purpose.

Life among the Plain Dwarves is guided by an unwavering appreciation for order. In their society, everything has its rightful place, and every action is performed at its proper time. Whether they are crafting delicate tools or maintaining their farms, the Koropokkuru follow time-honored practices with an almost ritualistic devotion. To outsiders, their lifestyle may seem rigid, but to the Plain Dwarves, it is the embodiment of harmony—a reflection of the natural world’s balance and precision.

Their craftsmanship is legendary across Igochi. Though they are known to keep to themselves, the Plain Dwarves' finely crafted goods are sought after by merchants and nobles alike. They create tools and works of art with unmatched skill, valuing practicality and beauty in equal measure. From shimmering jewelry to sturdy farming equipment, every piece they craft is a testament to their dedication and the precision with which they approach life.

Despite their preference for isolation, the Plain Dwarves are no strangers to interaction with other races. They understand the importance of trade and cooperation, seeing it not as a necessary evil but as a way to ensure fairness and mutual benefit. Strangers visiting their settlements are often met with a reserved but respectful welcome. Though trust is not given lightly, the Plain Dwarves hold a deep belief in fairness—any guest will be treated justly, and agreements made with them are upheld with unwavering integrity.

In a world of chaos and unpredictability, the Plain Dwarves offer a glimpse into a life where balance and order reign supreme. Their society, shaped by the tranquil plains and the shadow of the mountains, reflects their desire for harmony—within themselves, their community, and the wider world.

Description

The Plain Dwarves share the characteristic stature of their dwarven kin, standing short and stout with a broad build that speaks to their strength and endurance. Males tend to be slightly taller and heavier than females, though both possess a sturdy physique honed by a life of labor and craftsmanship. However, where their mountain cousins bear rugged, chiseled features shaped by a harsher environment, the Koropokkuru have softer, more refined appearances. Their faces are round, with almond-shaped eyes that give them a more approachable, serene expression, setting them apart from the sterner countenance typical of other dwarves.

Their skin tones vary from warm tans to lighter shades of white, often reflecting their exposure to the sun of the open plains. Their hair, dark brown or black, grows long and straight, with a natural volume that gives it a full, majestic appearance. Both males and females take great pride in their hair, keeping it neatly tied and adorned with ornaments, often small, intricately carved pieces reflecting their craftsmanship. Males also grow long, straight beards, which are equally well-groomed and ornamented, seen as a mark of pride and status within their communities.

The eyes of the Plain Dwarves are most commonly brown, with shades ranging from deep, earthy tones to lighter hazels, though a rare few are born with striking green eyes—a trait that is often seen as a sign of fortune or special significance in their culture.

The Pain Dwarves are known for their love of fine clothing, a reflection of both their appreciation for beauty and their connection to Igochian culture. Their garments are typically adapted from the traditional styles of Igochi, blending the elegance of flowing robes and structured layers with practical designs suited to their lifestyle. Even in daily life, Plain Dwarves dress with meticulous care, their attire always neat and adorned with subtle details that showcase their craftsmanship and cultural pride. Whether it be delicate embroidery or finely crafted accessories, their clothing is a constant reminder of the balance between beauty and function that defines their society.

Where They Live

Plain Dwarves have long made their home in the serene and fertile plains of Igochi. Unlike their subterranean kin, they build their lives in open valleys nestled between mountains, where clear rivers and pristine lakes provide an abundance of fresh water. These hidden valleys, protected by towering peaks, are the heart of Koropokkuru society—quiet, self-reliant communities where the Plain Dwarves can live independently, relying on the bounty of the land and their own craftsmanship. Here, they cultivate a life of harmony, untouched by the constant demands of the outside world.

Their settlements, though small, are exquisitely designed. Every home and workshop reflects the Plain Dwarves' love of fine detail and their reverence for order. They favor building with natural materials, using wood and stone to create structures that are both sturdy and graceful. The architecture mirrors their own balanced nature—solid but refined, modest yet intricate. Stone foundations are often adorned with delicate carvings, while wooden beams are polished to a high sheen, every element serving both a functional and aesthetic purpose. Pathways wind through these villages, carefully laid out to reflect the natural flow of the land, giving their towns a tranquil, orderly feel.

Though most Plain Dwarves are content to remain in their secluded valleys, some venture beyond their homeland, drawn by curiosity or the opportunity to share their renowned craftsmanship with the world. These Plain Dwarves who settle among other races, particularly humans, often become known for their masterful work with wood, metal, and stone. They integrate themselves into the societies they join, yet always maintain the traditions and values of their homeland.

Remarkably, a number of these adventurous dwarves have even overcome their natural aversion to the sea and crossed the ocean to the distant continent of Eldenvar. There, in the northeastern regions, small communities of Plain Dwarves have taken root, living among humans while continuing to practice their traditional crafts. Though far from their ancestral lands, they carry the spirit of Igochi with them, enriching the cultures they encounter with their refined craftsmanship and sense of balance.