THE SEVEN FATHERS OF THE DWARVES

The Seven Fathers awoke in their places in pairs with their wives, though Durin I had awoken alone. The seven different groups of Dwarf-folk originated in the locations where the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves first awoke.

The seven clans of the Dwarves were:

    Longbeards, Durin's Folk, originally from Gundabad.
    Firebeards and Broadbeams, originally from the Ered Luin.
    Ironfists and Stiffbeards, originated in the East.
    Blacklocks and Stonefoots, originated in the East.

What were the names of these other Houses?  What was there history?  We shall start with their names.  I use the I.C.E. names given to them in their supplement Lords of Middle earth, volume 3 and are as follows:

Durin the Deathless of the Longbeards.
Thrár the Cold of the Firebeards.
Dwálin the Wise of the Broadbeams.
Thélor the Rich of the Ironfists.
Bávor the Swift of the Stiffbeards.
Drúin the Proud of the Blacklocks.
and Bárin the Scarred of the Stonefoots.

These are the Seven founding Houses of the Dwarves.  There are also minor houses, such as Balli's Folk, Thrallin's Folk, and others.  There are also three clans of "wicked dwarves" the exiled who are no longer counted among the Khazad:

Petty-Dwarves (Noegyth Nibin or Nibin-Naugrim)
Dourhands and Shornbeards
Mornaugrim of Mordor.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:32, Sun 02 July 2017.

DURIN THE DEATHLESS OF THE LONGBEARDS

Dúrin the Deathless, Lord of the First House of the Khazad, the Longbeards (Sigin-tarâg in Khuzdul).

Their History:

No House of the Khazad stands above that of Durin's Folk. They are the oldest and noblest lineage, for they trace their line back to the first of the Seven Fathers who awoke alone at Mount Gundabad. This proud heritage, coupled with the kindred's role in history, makes Durin's House the most successful tribe, the first among jealous equals.

From the rise and fall of Khazad-dum and Erebor, to the War of the Dwarves and Orcs and the desperate Battle of the Five Armies, and much later the valiant Battle of Dale during the War of the Ring, Durin's favoured folk have altered the course of history in North western Endor.  No Dwarf of Durin's line has ever willingly worked for the Dark Lord, no matter the temptation, and that cannot be said of all the Dwarvish Tribes.

Durin I lived many years past the span allotted other Dwarves and, after a time, his folk claimed he was immortal; thus his name. The truth, however, rests in another account. This tale speaks of Durin's spirit. A version drawn from the "Dunland Tablet" follows:

    "To You it is told that Durin shall live seven times, and each
    Time He shall rule His Line in his own Name. And with each
    Coming of the King, a great Event will transpire, so that the
    History of the Folk will never again be the same. And each such
    Event shall cause a Trial to happen, and an always greater
    Doom will follow. But the Kindred will prevail, and make Its
    Way above all Darkness. Until the Last Coming, when the
    Lastking shall Rule the House in a Glory beyond the Height of
    all before It, in the shining Mansions of Khazad-Dûm."

So it was written that there would be seven Durins, and that Durin VII would be the "Lastking." It was a story as old as Durin's Folk, and had always colored their outlook. In many ways, it explained the strange sense of destiny that had allowed the Kindred to prevail against incredible adversity. No tribe of the Khazad had faced so many obstacles, nor overwhelmed as many barriers. Unlike many of their brethren, Durin's Line had steadfastly clung to the future of their line—despite the Ring-curse and the Dwarven weakness for wealth and possessions. Farsighted sacrifice had often marked their choice of paths, and seemed to linger in their bones. Of all the Naugrim, then, those of the First House were most special.


Culture

As with all dwarves, the Longbeards are master stonemasons, miners, jewelers and smiths, but Dúrin's Folk also are known as the greatest Architects among dwarves and are also known as the best Musicians.

They are by far the most prosperous and the most numerous of the Khazad, for theirs was the greatest Dwarvish kingdom ever delved in Middle-earth: the astonishing, legendary, renowned mansion of Khazad-dum.  Its loss was the greatest blow the dwarvish race ever knew, and the songs and tales of the fabled Moria are kept deep in the heart of every one of Durin's folk, even the younger generations that never walked those fabled halls.

Dwarves of the First House are certainly the most gregarious of the Seven Tribes, having made many friendships in the West. They alone, have maintained close friendships with the Noldorin-Elves, especially the Gwaith-i-mirdain.  Though they have only grudgingly accepted the Wood-Elves and Sindar in the past, feeling that these peoples have wronged them; the embassy of Gimli Elf-friend has done much to heal the rift between them.  Durin's Folk also enjoy the friendship of the Northrons, especially the Men of Esgaroth and Dale.  Even the Halflings of Bree and the Shire keep company with the busy Longbeards, and have regular traffick with them.

Appearance

As all Dwarves Dúrin's Folk are stout and stocky. They stand 4-5 ft and have an average weight of 133-200 pounds. They are somewhat fairer skinned than most of the Eastern Dwarves and have greatest variety of hair colours, ranging from fair blonde, reddish-brown to blueish-black. Since every time Dúrin awakens he marries a daughter of one of the other houses, the Longbeards are related by marriage to all other six tribes.

The Naugrim of the First House differ from their brethren in less obvious ways. Those of Durin's Tribe allow their beards to grow freely throughout their lives, and wear them forked and braided. Then they tuck the whiskers into their belts, allowing slack for sudden movement. Many plait their flowing hair as well and, in many cases, they utilize elaborate knot patterns particular to their family although this may sometimes not be true for the younger Longbeards or those who do not feel they have earned the honor yet.

Hair and Dress

Durin's Folk wear solid Dwarven Boots, broad belts and also employs caps and cloaks or a hood,often in lieu of a cowled cloak. Of all Dwarves Longbeards wear the most exquisite attire and clothes and weapons are often rich in ornaments and decoration. Every Longbeard chooses a personal colour he wears til the end of his life. Flaps or a mask are often sewn into the hood, so that the face can be covered or protected. ("Dwarf-women make widespread use of these coverings.) Durin's Dwarves wear their hoods over traditional Dwarven garb: a leather jerkin or wool tunic, a wool or linen shirt, tight-fitting trousers, and one piece shoes or inner-boots. When active or about in the world, the female Naugrim wear heavy leather boots and a cloak or shawl fastened with a decorated brooch. Given their fondness for crafts, all of their clothing is well made and generously accented with refined borders and crenelated trimwork. Dwarf-lords wear even finer garments, and often add gold or silver tassels to the peaks of their hoods.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:56, Sat 14 July 2018.

DWÁLIN THE WISE OF THE BROADBEAMS

The Second House of the Khazad, the Broadbeams (Kh. Findu-Nahâb) Dwálin's Folk

Their History:

The Broadbeams awoke together with their kinsfolk the Firebeards at Mallost (Kh. Zirakbhund) in the Northern Blue Mountains and soon after founded the large City of Belegost (Kh. Gabilgathol, "Mighty Fortress"). They are famous Dragon-Warriors and exceptionally skilled smiths. Most prominent among the Broadbeams was King Azaghâl who wounded Glaurung the Dragon.

After the Drowning of Beleriand and their feud with the Firebeards, initiated by the treacherous Skorgrim Dourhand, the Broadbeams expanded into northern Eriador and the Forodwaith in search of riches and founded the cities of Zarak-Dûm and Barazbizar, later called Carn-Dûm. With the fall of the last direct heir of Dwálin at the downfall of Barazbizar, the remnants of the tribe fled to Khazad-dûm and united with Dúrin´s Folk. After the abandonment of Moria most of the Broadbeams gathered in the Iron Hills or returned to Eriador and delved new halls in the Ered Luin, close to the ruins of ancient Belegost. The Broadbeams were represented in the Quest for Erebor by the brothers Bofur and Bombur and their cousin Bifur.

Culture

The Broadbeams are considered cool-headed and deliberate but also relentless. They are self-confident, slow to anger, and steadfast in their resolve. This confidence does not come from great wisdom but their patience and devotion to their craft. Of all dwarves, those of Dwálin's House are considered wise because of their sober-mindedness; recalling their King, Dwálin the Wise, who earned his epithet for his deliberate neutrality in the war between the elves and the dwarves of Nogrod. They still maintain their ancient friendship with the elves.

Dwálins Folk are very physical, delighting in their natural strength and endurance. They enjoy contests of a physical nature, such as wrestling and hammer tossing, lifting weights, or competitive drinking, and will almost never turn down a challenge to prove their prowess.  Their physicality is a source of pride for the Broadbeams.

In contrast to their Firebeard brothers, who are known as the greatest blade-smiths, the Broadbeams are the greatest armourers of all the Naugrim.  Indeed they are credited with the creation of mail to aid the Sindar and Noldor in their war with Morgoth.  Dwarves of the Iron Hills, many of whom  are of Broadbeam descent, possess the secret of making the finest and most flexible metal mesh.  From this they make exquisite chain mail hauberks and hose of incredible quality.  The Broadbeams are also the tribe best known for wearing their intimidating War Masks.

Appearance

The Broadbeams are heavy set, even for Dwarven standards. The Sons of Dwálin are always tall, muscular and stout. Most stand close to 5 feet tall and average 180-240 pounds, indeed of all the Tribes, they are most likely to suffer from corpulence in their later years.  They have a tanned complexions and are known for dark brown, red, or black hair and thick bushy beards.

Hair and Dress

The Broadbeams dress in rigid dwarven boots, hoods, caps, cloaks, and hooded mantles, but in contrast to their kin they prefer their clothes simple and unadorned. They like functional clothing, choosing comfort over ostentation; even their nobles are often hard to distinguish from the working classes.  They allow their beards to grow thick, but seldom let them grow longer than their chests, squaring or gently rounding them off.  Likewise they generally do not allow their hair to grow overlong for practical reasons.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:41, Sat 05 Aug 2017.

THRÁR THE COLD OF THE FIREBEARDS

The Firebeards (Kh "Tarag-Baruzim") are the Third House of the Khazâd. They are known as the Folk of Thrár.

Their History:

They awoke together with their Kinsmen the Broadbeams at Mallost in the Northern Blue Mountains and soon after founded the large City of Nogrod or Tumunzahar (Kh Hollowbold). The proud and warlike Firebeards or Anvil-Dwarves are the Clan of Thrár the Cold.  Thrár awoke, along with his friend Dwálin the Wise, at Mallost (Kh. Zirakbhund), in the northern Ered Luin. The Firebeards are great artisans and even greater smiths than their brothers from Belegost. Two renowned Dwarf smiths, Telchar and Gamil Zîrak (Kh. Old Spike") were Firebeards. However the Firebeards for all time are marked for their cruel and cowardly Murder of Thingol and their ravaging of the Elven City of Menegroth.

After the Drowning of Beleriand and the destruction of Belegost, a traitorous group, led by Skorgrim Dourhand, emerged and led to a feud between the Firebeards and their Broadbeam brothers. Few in number after the cataclysm that destroyed Nogrod, they could not afford such strife.  So Thrár's heir sought refuge at Khazad-dûm and attached his folk to Dúrin's tribe for a time, nursing their wounds and slowly regrowing in strength and numbers.

Soon the Firebeards ventured into southern Eriador, and made successful trading connections with the Men of Enedhwaith, especially Dunland.  Although this partnership brought much needed prosperity for the Naugrim of the Third House, it still paled beside the wealth they'd once known.  This continued to trouble Thrár's Folk, who longed for their past glory even amid their good fortune among the welcoming tribe of Durin.

When Moria was usurped and abandoned, the remainder of the Folk of Thrár returned to the Ered Luin and made new dwellings there, eventually rekindling their ancient friendship with the folk of Dwálin.

Culture

The Firebeards are known for their swift temper.  This reputation is well earned, for they can be haughty and vengeful, easily angered, and unforgiving. Of all the Seven Tribes, they hold fast to the old ways, and feuds are common among them.  Some of the most bitter rivalries have become legend, and these sagas are a part of their culture.

Thrár's Folk have not forgotten their ancient grudge against the Elves and Ents for their humiliation over the Nauglamir.

Strangely, many befriend mortal Men, especially those of Dunnish descent, for they have found in them a kindred spirit. However they loath the descendants of the Éothéod whom they accuse of stealing the treasures of Silver-plunge.

Fierce warriors, the Firebeards are known for their martial valour, so it is unsurprising they are also the greatest weaponsmiths among the Dwarves.  The greatest Dwarf-smiths ever known: Gamil Zirak, Telchar and Garmur were from Thrár's Folk.  Such artisans are held in great esteem and the smith guilds in particular have much authority among them.

Clan status is of utmost importance, prestige earned through deeds both clever and courageous.  The Firebeards tend to follow their passions with single minded determination.  This is not to say that they are above intrigues and plots, for the vengeful (and often greedy) people of Thrar have been known to enact some truly devious revenge.

Appearance

By Dwarven standards, the Firebeards are relatively slim, and shorter than their Broadbeam brethren. Most are 4-4'8" and average 130-190 pounds. They have a ruddy complexion and are named for their strikingly red hair; ranging from fiery red, red-blonde, red-brown to copper-red.  Their eyes tend to be close set and likewise reddish brown.

Hair and Dress

As most western Dwarves, the Firebeards dress in rigid Dwarven Boots, hoods or caps and cloaks or hooded mantles. They take great pride in their beards, weighting them with silver ornaments that clink and chime as they walk, making themselves all the more conspicuous. The weighting of beards is a mark of status among the tribe and strict rules of precedence and honour are observed in the matter of their comportment. Beard-weights denote age, lineage and deeds of renown, and they can only be bestowed by their King or the eldest living male of the household.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:50, Sat 20 Jan 2018.

BÁVOR THE SWIFT OF THE STIFFBEARDS

The Fourth House of the Khazâd. The Stiff Beards (Kh. Thakal-tarag) also Bavor's Folk.

Their History:

The Stiffbeards are one of the two Dwarf-Tribes (along with the Ironfists) that awoke in Central Middle-Earth at the Mirror Halls (Kh.:"Kheledkhizdin") in the spine of Arda. They went into the south and built their homes in the Yellow Mountains (Baruzimabûl).  Here they carved out the city of Mablâd-dûm in the central Ered Laranor (and thus called themselves the Mablâd).

In S.A. 1080 however, strife arose among them at the coming of one who called himself a scholar of some renown.  He had been waylaid by orcs in the mountains and sought succor and healing among the Dwarves.  Some did not trust him, thinking this savant too fair of word and too clever.  Yet he was skilled in crafts and lore; many secret things he offered to teach in return for their hospitality, and there were many who desired his teaching.

Those who did not were scorned, considered foolish to forsake the chance for knowledge.  Surely such a friend was sent by Mahal himself!  In the end, the King decided to give shelter to the scholar; it would prove a terrible error!  Bávor's people were deeply divided; families and friendships were tested and fractured, and slowly mistrust grew among a once united people.  The scars of that dark time (which they call the Sundering) still endure among them, a private shame which they do not share with others.

This scholar was, of course, a servant of Sauron, sent to ruin his enemies from within.  He slowly diverted all who put their trust in him, and ostracized those who would not be swayed, doing as much evil as he could.  Factions argued, and tensions grew until violence erupted in S.A. 1092.  King Bávor IV attempted to calm his enraged people and was slain by accident in the ensuing chaos, but his death finally sobered his people enough to end the fighting.

The Stiffbeards were forever sundered by this tragedy, split into three clans:  Lór's Folk, Nár's Folk and Frúar's Folk.  Most of Bávor's kin (Lór's followers) forsook their ancient mansion and sorrowfully wandered south to settle in the city of Blackflame (Kh. Narag-bâraz) a mining colony founded three centuries earlier.

Of the remaining Dwarves of Mablâd-dûm, Nár's people left the city for the east, where they founded holds at Bar Falin and Nárad-dûm.  The former was eventually taken by the forces of Darkness in S.A 2221.  Thus three principal Dwarvish holds remained in the Ered Laranor by the middle of the Third Age.

Most of the Fourth Tribe lived in the city of Blackflame and it was here that the High King of Bávor's Folk resided. Mablâd-dûm held by Frúar's clan was second in prestige, and Nár's Folk in Nárad-dûm south of the Sára Bask in the eastern part of the Yellow Mountains came third.  It is said by some that the seventh return of King Bávor will reunite the Fourth Tribe, but very few believe this could ever come to pass.

Culture

Slightly paranoid and exceptionally secretive, the Mablâd are reclusive and insular.  They rarely appear in large numbers outside of their caverns.  Still they can muster a well equipped army with very little notice, for they protect their own fiercely.  They are proud, passionate and quarrelsome, in fact debate has become a matter of skill among them.  Bávor's people adhere to their ancient traditions, finding comfort in their rituals and unique customs.

They are known as some of the best miners and delvers of any of the Seven Houses, but they are more renowned as lore masters. Deeply religious, they tend to equate Eru with Aulë, and their lives are guided by his priests and faith in their unchanging traditions.  Reverence for their ancestors and respect for their elders are an integral part of their culture as well. Their skill with magic runes is unsurpassed among the Naugrim, for they are studious and pursuit of lore is as respected among them as any crafting skill.

Appearance

The Stiffbeards are almost as tall as the Broadbeams, though not as stocky; their average height is four foot nine, their weight from 145-200 pounds.  Eyes are usually green, blue or grey.  They have a tanned and weathered complexion and often make use of elaborate tattoos, and both genders enjoy ornamentation and jewelry.

Hair and Dress
Their hair colour is unusual, typically blonde (silver, honey, even strawberry) or rarely sandy to red brown.  Each styles their hair in accordance with their profession: craftsmen braid their hair in a long braid (or braids) at the back; warriors use a single top knot or warriors knot, while scholars and priests crop their hair very short.  Their beards, of which they are immensely proud, tend to be dense and wiry, jutting out from their chins.  Their beards usually are darker in colour than the rest of their hair, which can make for a striking contrast.

In matters of attire, the Stiffbeards are like most of their kind, dressing in sturdy Dwarf boots and loose flowing trousers and tunics, along with hats, caps, or hoods within their cool underground homes.  When they must travel they often adopt the garb of their southern neighbours, adding long coats or caftans that have the added value of concealing their weapons.

The Axes of Narag-bâraz

The Axes of Narag-bâraz were an order of warriors and mercenaries, among the Stiffbeards, who had sworn to redeem the dishonour of their ancestors who had granted Sauron's servant shelter and brought ruin on their brothers in the Second Age.  Seventy seven warriors felt such great shame at having been so deceived that they forswore home and hearth, and bade King Lór forgive them.

Though they aided in bringing their people to the mansion that would be called Black-Flame (Kh. Narag-bâraz) they would not enter therein.  Instead they swore a terrible oath, that neither they, nor their descendants would return to the home of their people while the Enemy and his minions lived!  Only when they had avenged the Sundering, when Sauron and all of his works were vanquished from Middle-earth, would they call any place home.

And so they have wandered, for thousands of years, selling their axes wherever the Enemy was found.  Great deeds have they done, and equally great sorrow has befallen these resolute warriors.  They keep to themselves, keeping their ancient rituals like warrior monks of old, and everywhere they have added their strength to the fight they have made a difference.

Over the centuries others have joined them, from many tribes, and they welcome all who will adopt their culture and their oath.  No dwarf, who has suffered at the hands of the Enemy, will ever be turned away by them, nor will they be abandoned in time of need.  The axes, to a dwarf, will die before they allow the enemy to every harm another of the Khazad, if they have the power to prevent it.

When the War of the Dwarves and Orcs commenced in 2793 T.A, they answered the call of Durin's Folk, battling valiantly until the end.  Many of their number can count a "burned dwarf" among their ancestors.  After that dread conflict they remained in the North-west, dwelling for a time in the Ered Luin.  They were last known to be in the Iron Hills as guests of his Lordship, and to have fought in the Battle of Erebor, under their Lord Warder Khain the Black Axe.

Now, two ages later, there is little left of this once proud order.  The descendants of the original 77, those that remain, still carry on the work of their fore-sires, though they are much reduced in number.  At the dawn of the Third Age they numbered over 240 strong, now there are but one and twenty axes.  Though they are diminished in number, their spirit was greatly renewed by Sauron's defeat at the end of the Third Age.  Yet even the victory over the Enemy himself was not enough for them.  His minions remain and his evil still endures, they proclaim, and so they continue, hopeful that one day soon they will at last fulfill their ancestors' promise and at last behold the fabled halls of Black Flame.

:)
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:31, Sat 03 Aug 2019.

THÉLOR THE RICH OF THE IRONFISTS

The Fifth House of the Khazad. The Ironfists (Kh. Abad-Mazûr), Thélor's Folk.

Their History:

Thélor was the king of the fifth line.  They awoke with the Stiffbeards, but quickly abandoned their brethren, seeking their own halls.   Of all the seven tribes, the tale of his people was perhaps the most tragic.  For a time they lived in Mount Gundabad, in the Northern Misty Mountains, but a conflict with Durin's Folk, and repeated attacks by Orcs of the North, drove them eastward.  They settled in the mountains of Rhun, where they prospered for almost seven centuries; however once again intra-Dwarven strife ended their peace.  An argument between King Thélor VI and his brother Thúlin, resulted in a brief bloody civil war.  Thúlin slew the overly-proud (even by Dwarven standards) Lord and laid claim to the throne.  He was, in turn, murdered by Thélor's daughter Thris, whose son Threlin became King.

Threlin II moved the remnants of Thélor’s Folk, who were still faithful to him, further south in the early Third Age. He established a domain centered at the delving called Namagaluz. Located in the Ered Harmal, the gate to this rich hold opened eastward, above the waters of Heb Aaraan and not far from the Chey lands. It was the greatest Dwarf city in central Endor, and once more Thélor's Folk had a home, but it was not to last.

After the Dragon Wars of T.A.1650-2770 had devastated Namagaluz and the Spine of Arda had become infested with dragons,  Threlin's line were scattered in the East, forced to live as Tinkers, Mercenaries and Masons among the superstitious Easterlings;  reviled wanderers forever sundered from their brothers in the North.

Culture

Thélor’s Folk had grown so bitter, self-serving and sustained by no other principle than monetary gain, that they felt no shame in accepting gold from Mordor in payment for arming his minions to make war against the Westlands. When Sauron and Durin´s heir summoned them for the Battle of Dagorlad, few were willing to take the field against Sauron.  Fewer still could conceive of alliance against Durin's heir, as a matter of common honour to the Khazâd, so most of them remained aloof from the war.

Still, the Ironfists supplied Sauron's Easterlings with steel and weapons for the war which resulted in a deep hatred.  In the end the Ironfist-king Ôrn, Thelor’s heir, and many warriors loyal to him, fought for Sauron. In the aftermath of the Last Alliance, the Dwarves of the Westlands universally branded them as renegades and turncoats.  This has neither been forgotten nor forgiven,, by the Ironfists or the other six houses.

Dwarves of the Fifth House are certainly the greediest of the Khazâd.  They tend to be jealous, suspicious, and deeply resentful of the other Tribes treatment of their forebears.  Many Ironfists are, secretly or otherwise, ashamed of their past.  Their devotion to their work is often all consuming, and they keep many ancient crafting techniques secret, handing them down from father to son or taking them to their graves rather than sharing them.  They have become consummate merchants, always interested in making the most lucrative deal.  Business is business to the Ironfists, who will gladly sell to a Halfling or a Half-orc if their gold is good.

Appearance

For the most part, the Ironfists are like Dwarves everywhere, though there are subtle distinctions. Their thick brown curly hair and tanned complexions make them instantly recognizable. Dark eyes of blue, brown, or hazel, peer from deeply recessed, bushy brows. They were also known to have particularly straight and often prominent noses.  In stature, they are the shortest of the Seven Tribes. Males are four to four and a half feet tall on average (females slightly less), but  have very sturdy limbs and frames, weighing 145-170lbs.


Hair and Dress

The Ironfists favour long, sweeping patterned tunics, cinched together by wide leather belts or coloured sashes and loose, baggy trousers stuffed into heavy boots.  Unlike most Dwarves, Thélor's Folk are not very fond of hoods, and only wear them during rainy seasons, or occasionally while traveling abroad.  Instead, they prefer to wear large and elaborate scarves and simple leather hats. Brims on these hats vary from 1"-3" in width, while the tops of these hats are sometimes very tall.  The scarves borne by the folk are commonly brought to just below the eyes, though occasionally are wrapped above them as well, leaving a narrow slit. Large and squared, these scarves are crafted from linen or silk, and colored to denote kinship and lineage.

All males grow long beards, and among Thélor's people, these are usually worn neatly trimmed, and flowing down in loose curls, like their hair. Unlike the folk of the three houses of the West (Durin's, Dwalin's, and Thar's Folk), many of Thélor's tribe do not wear mustaches.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:22, Sat 08 Feb 2020.

DRÚIN THE PROUD OF THE BLACKLOCKS

The Sixth House of the Khazâd.  The Blacklocks (Kh. Bundin-Narâg), Druin's Folk.

Their History:

The last two tribes, those of Drúin the Proud and Bárin the Scarred settled in easternmost Endor. There, after being apart for over 7 centuries, they came together once again and laid claim to the guarded, seaward land they named Ruuriik. The Dwarves of Druin’s tribe founded the Kingdom of Ruuriik in SA 700.  Ruuriik was a land well endowed.  Eru had given generously of all those things Dwarves prize: the mountains were bold, high, and surrounded by a great basin, itself fertile with the squat Tumarkhazâd trees.  The earth and stone were rich in gold and precious minerals.

Led by Balli the Rash, the Naugrim established their capital in the caverns of Akhuzdah (Ahulë) in the rim of the mountains on the southwest side of the Great Vale. It was called Tumunamahal after Mahal (Aulë). Only 7 years after the founding of Tumunamahal, a second Dwarven tribe, the Stonefoots, came to Ruuriik. They arrived in hope of settling in the northern part of the Walled Land, for their lord, the aged Bárin North King, had proposed that his daughter Bís, might marry King Drúin.  Excited at the prospect of marrying the brilliant and talented Bís, King Drúin quickly granted Bárin a fief covering nearly half of Ruuriik. Bárin swore fealty to his host in return for the grant, and Barin’s folk received all the lands north of the Faliodukûm.

The two tribes had little trouble in prospering, despite the occasional forays from the Fale tribes and the servants of the Kank of Ruartar.  Four hundred and fifty three years after the founding of Ruuriik, Múar the Balrog – Morgoth's former warlord in Uab and Uax, appeared in Ralian and in SA 1143 laid siege to the Walled Land.  Múar succeeded in fooling the Dwarves with a strange and treacherous illusion, finally conquering Ruuriik in SA 1157.

All of Ruuriik was put to the torch and only the refuge of Barin's Folk at Khazad-madûr escaped the destruction.  Scattered and leaderless, Drúin's people were virtually wiped out.  Remnants of the tribe wandered westward, led by the slain King Fulla's old uncle Róin.

The tragic tale of Ruuriik's fall ended centuries later, for Gurn's Line had kept Bárin's Folk safely protected within the bowels of the Ered Gwaen.  By maintaining their self imposed imprisonment, the entombed tribe had survived the ravages of the Demon King.  In SA 2741, Fulla, the heir of Drúin's Line, led an embassy of Dwarves and Men on a journey to Khazad-madûr (Kh."Dwarf-Womb")in hopes of ascertaining how Múar could be defeated.  Fulla sought to free the tribe of Bárin.

Unwittingly he provided the means for Múar himself to finally enter the Dwarf hold.  Múar slew the Lord Dáin, and his son Báin, but Balli Stonehand, of the House of Drúin, killed the Balrog before the day was lost.  The terrible reign of the Demon king was ended.  A year later, Fulla and his friend Balli led an expedition to recapture the rest of Ruuriik and drive out the last servants of Múar..  The victorious Dwarf Lord was crowned Fulla VII, King of Ruuriik, on Yule of SA 2742.

Culture

It is said the Blacklocks are very proud, overly critical and pessimistic, and their is certainly some truth in this, but they are also peaceful, artistic, and courageous. Committed and steady in meeting their obligations, thorough, painstaking accurate in all they do.  Drúin's Folk were never numerous, and the war for Ruuriik was costly both in resources and lives lost; indeed they have never fully recovered.  This tragedy has left them a guarded folk, slower to offer their friendship than they were of old.  At heart they are peaceful artists, far more comfortable with a chisel and hammer than a battle-axe.

Out of necessity, they do engage in trade, with those few they trust, and make surprisingly clever merchants.  They are well known for the exquisite beauty of their crafts, and are, without doubt, the most skilled jewelers of all the Seven Houses.  Thus they do a very brisk business among the Mannish tribes, as their jewelry and gems are sought after throughout the Far East.

Their ancient friendship with the House of Bárin remains strong and they trust those of his line more than any other.  In fact the Stonefoots make use of Blacklock's mercantile talents to sell their own wares.  The Arklu-shen, a Mannish people living in the vales of the Orocarni, have a long history of friendship with the Blacklocks, and each will aid the other in time of need.

Appearance

The Blacklocks, as their name implies, are almost universally black haired (from dark brown to raven black), with brown, grey or, very rarely, crystal blue eyes.  They also tend to be darker of complexion than all other Dwarfish tribes.  Physically they are not as tall as most Dwarves, averaging 4-4'6,and 135 to 170 lbs.

Hair and Dress

Blacklocks sometimes use a mixture of coal and black-mud to color their beards a deep black when it naturally turns grey. Usually worn loose, or with one long single braid down the center, they will sometimes decorate their dark whiskers with gems.

Drúin's Folk like jewelry of course, and often decorate their clothing with brooches, necklaces and rings (bejeweled as often as not).  It is a custom among them that each family is associated with a particular gemstone, or pair of stones, and thus each can identify the other's lineage by the jewels they wear.

Like most of their race, they prefer hooded cloaks, or head scarves, worn with long tunics, even in the hot climes of the East.  Cotton trousers and the ubiquitous dwarf boots complete the Blacklock ensemble.  Contrary to their dark hair and beards, they often choose to wear lighter colours: white, dun, pale blue, and pale yellows are common, but others are also occasionally seen.  It was traditional among them once to wear the colours of their clan gem stone as well and some still follow this faithfully.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:05, Mon 21 Jan 2019.

BÁRIN the SCARRED OF THE STONEFOOTS

The Seventh House of the Khazâd.  The Stonefoots (Kh. Aban-bushûd), Bárin's Folk.

Their History

The extremely loyal Stonefoots were one of the two tribes of far Eastern Middle-Earth. They awoke in the Orocarni (Qu. Red Mountains) along with their fellow Tribe, the Blacklocks, and share much of their history with them.

After a Golden Fire Dragon drove the dwarves away from their awakening Place, the great North-Hall near the Urulis Pass, the Stonefoots went southwards, seeking a new home.

Only seven years after Druin's Folk founded Tumanahal, the Stonefoot tribe came to Ruuriik in hope of settling in the northern part of the Walled Land. The lord of the Seventh House, the aged Bárin Northern King, offered his daughter, the talented Bis, hand in marriage to King Druin.  In return  Bárin's people received all the lands north of the Faliodukûm; a fief equal to almost half the realm!  Bárin swore fealty to King Druin and thereafter was known as the First Vassal and King of the Northern Ruuriik.

So Bárin Northern King founded the great city of Khazad-Madûr in Akhuzdah (Ahulë) capital of Northern Ruuriik, and much later the overground religious centre of  Khalarazûm.  The two tribes had little trouble in prospering, despite the occasional forays from the Fale tribes and the servants of the Kank of Ruartar.  Until Muar – a Demon from Uab and Uax appeared in Ralian, and conquered Ruuriik in SA 1157.

Druin's Folk were decimated and scattered, but Bárin's Folk were besieged in Khazad-Madûr. Gurn's Line kept Bárin's Folk safely protected within the bowels of the mountain.  By maintaining their self imposed imprisonment, the entombed tribe had survived the ravages of the Demon King.  In SA 2741, Fulla, the heir of Drúin's Line, led an embassy of Dwarves and Men on a journey to Khazad-madûr (Kh."Dwarf-Womb")in hopes of ascertaining how Múar could be defeated.  Fulla sought to free the tribe of Bárin.

Unwittingly he provided the means for Múar himself to finally enter the Dwarf hold.  Múar slew the Lord Dáin, and his son Báin, but Balli Stonehand killed the Balrog before the day was lost.  The terrible reign of the Demon king was ended.  A year later, Fulla and his friend Balli led an expedition to recapture the rest of Ruuriik and drive out the last servants of Múar.

Culture

After many years imprisoned in Khazad-madûr, Bárin's Folk have become reclusive and silent.  They prefer the depths of the mountains to the outside world, and only journey above ground at great need.  In fact the location of most of their halls is a secret, even from their closest allies, and few even among the Dwarves have seen the inside of their dwellings, save only their allies the Blacklocks.

The Stonefoots are noble at heart, but many see them as stubborn, arrogant, and dispassionate.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  In fact passion guides much of their actions, but the Dwarves of the Seventh House are circumspect, taking no action before carefully considering its consequence.  They are incredibly patient, believing fate is theirs to shape like the stone they love.  Once they have made a decision, however, nothing short of Mahal himself can dissuade them.  If roused to anger, they are among the most redoubtable warriors in Middle-earth!

Like their brethren, the Blacklocks, the Stonefoots are wary of outsiders.  Unwilling to engage in trade with their neighbours, they instead allow Druin's people to market their works, for a share in the profits of course.  And their products are as desired as the Blacklock's, for Bárin's Folk are without peer in works of stone, especially marble.  While their sculptures and crafts are not as ostentatious as their gem crafting allies, there is a beauty in their simplicity, and the quality is beyond reproach.

Appearance

Heavy and strong, the Stonefoots are usually between 4-4'8, weighing from 160-200lbs or more.  They are almost universally blessed with classically chiselled features: flat noses, high cheek bones, and deep set eyes of brown, green, or blue.  Their hair and beards range from dark blonde to black, and their hands are large and calloused.  Their complexions tend to be weathered as well.  They have deep bass voices and are decent singers, though they only sing among themselves.

Hair and Dress

Unlike many of the other Dwarf tribes, the Stonefoots tend to keep their beards fairly short and unadorned, however they favour long drooping mustaches as well.  Their hair is usually pulled back in a single long ponytail or braid, so as not to interfere with their work.

Likewise their choice in clothing is spartan and unassuming: caps, cowls, or hooded mantles, plain woolen tunics over darker breeches and iron shod boots.  Their preferred clothing in shades of black, grey, or brown.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:52, Mon 21 Jan 2019.

The Wicked Dwarves

"They did not hate dwarves especially, no more than they hated everyone and everything, in some parts, wicked dwarves had even made alliances with them." -The Hobbit, Over Hill and Under Hill

There were three known clans of Wicked Dwarves who were not counted as Dwarves of the Seven Tribes anymore. Those were the Petty Dwarves, the Mornaugrim, and the Dourhands every clan having been exiled for a different crime and suffering a different fate.

The Wicked Dwarves were Dwarves who had followed Morgoth in the First Age and Sauron in the Second Age. It has been suggested that the Petty-Dwarves were the descendants of traitors from the eastern tribes of the Khazad who had once supported Morgoth or his servants in the East.

In the Second Age a few wicked Dwarves had allied themselves with Sauron. It was handed down that Durin's Folk was the only house which fought solely on the side of the Last Alliance. Some of the Ironfists and Stiffbeards, and much later the Dourhands and Shornbeards, renegade factions that had formed out of remnants of the Firebeards and Broadbeams, had joined or supported the forces of the Dark Lord. Their descendants were the Mornaugrim of Mordor.

The Petty Dwarves (S."Noegyth Nibin") were the degenerated descendants of Dwarves who were exiled from the great eastern Dwarven-Cities for a great crime held secretive by dwarven-lore.

Petty-dwarves were a dying race before the birth of the Sun and the Moon. The last of their kin were long assumed to have finished their lives during the Elder Days, and only one, the treacherous Mîm (and his sons Khîm and Ibûn), is mentioned in the Elvish histories of those times. However, a few (including Mim's remaining son Ibûn) fled from Beleriand before its fall at the end of the First Age. They have managed to survive in dark lairs in hidden corners of Eriador ever since, periodically making appearances that are told in legends and odd, sad, old tales.

The Dourhands (Shornbeards) were the remnants and descendants of Wicked Dwarves from Nogrod and Belegost who united under the leadership of Skorgrim Dourhand.

Shortly after the War of Wrath destroyed Mount Dolmed, there was great unrest among the Firebeard and Broadbeam survivors.  Eventually this resulted in a centuries long feud between the two tribes.  Many Dwarves, the kin-slayers, those who would not accept peace between the houses, and many other criminals were banished by their lords and elders who longed for an end to hostilities.  Their beards were shorn from them and in disgrace they were cast out from all Dwarfkind.  The elders among the folk of Dwálin and Thrár thought they would perish.  They were wrong, for they survived and became a people apart, forever reviled and forlorn.

Skorgrim, one of the last heirs of the ancient dwarf kings of the Blue Mountains, discovered an enclave of Shornbeards and convinced them to join him in his attempt to usurp power in the mid Third Age.  The attempt failed, but so many vile and bloody deeds were attributed to them, they were called Dourhands ever afterwards.  Friendless and harried, a desperate Skorgrim allied himself and his followers with Sauron and his Orcs.

Three score and ten years later after the ill fated coup attempt, the Dourhands had recovered some of their former strength.  They openly invaded and destroyed the refuge of Edhelion in T.A. 2418 to steal the relics of the Elves which an aged Skorgrim thought to be able to prolong his life.  This was thwarted by the combined efforts of the Elves of Mithlond and the remaining Dwarves of the Ered Luin.

Finally, after centuries of hiding and flight, in the late third Age the last of the Dourhands sought alliance with the Witch-King of Angmar in hope to avert their final extinction.

Appearance

The Dourhands often had the red hair and broad shoulders or bellies of their Firebeard and Broadbeam ancestors and thus could easily pass - or disguise themselves - as Dwarves of the Seven Tribes.

The Mornaugrim ("Khazâd-Narag") were the descendants of Dwarvish traitors who, after the War of the Last Alliance, fled to Mordor. They were a forgotten race never mentioned by the other Dwarves, indeed few among them are  aware they still exist.  Only the wise knew their origins: descendants of those corrupted Ironfists and Stiffbeards who deserted their people to serve Sauron.

Their home in the dark land, and closeness to the Dark Lord's influence, changed the Mornaugrim´s appearance. They have degenerated in stature, with greyish skin and glowing red eyes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:49, Wed 22 Jan 2020.

Dwarven Women

"no Man nor Elf has ever seen a beardless Dwarf - unless he were shaven in mockery, and would then be more like to die of shame... For the Naugrim have beards from the beginning of their lives, male and female alike..."

The War of the Jewels ("The Later Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Naugrim and the Edain" 1951 J.R.R.Tolkien)



DWARF-WOMEN

Relatively infertile and lacking women, Dwarves rarely sire children—or even take wives. Barely a third of the race is composed of Dwarf-women and many of them desire mates they cannot have.  Fewer than one in three Dwarf-men marry, for the Naugrim mate for life and will not join with one they do not desire above all others. Like most rare jewels, female Dwarves are coveted and obsessively protected in ways unlike those of any other race.

Fortunately, the Naugrim are enamored of crafts.  Many never crave to love another, so they need no marital union. This introspective fascination with the arts and creation encourages stability among a race easily torn by envy and umbrage.

Dwarf-women are a proud lot. Fiercely protective of their rights, they stand as equals in all affairs but those of war. Dwarves place no restrictions on their status or their mobility, although they travel less than Dwarf-men. They require secure dwellings for the birthing of their offspring, so most remain sheltered from the rest of the world. In fact, Dwarf-women are so remote and rarely recognized,that some believe they do not exist. Since their voice and visage are akin to those of the males, these false legends are strengthened. Even now, many Men presume that Dwarves simply "grow from stone."

They do indeed have beards, ALL Dwarves do, from birth.  The Dwarves, of course, can tell their women-folk from their men, for they tend to be shorter, less angular of feature, and their beards are not so thick as their male counterparts, and they do not wear moustaches.  Their are also anatomical differences, which Dwarf-Women easily hide when they are abroad, a truly rare occasion for most.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:13, Sat 05 Aug 2017.

Not my idea, but I am going to expand on it significantly.

The Seven Holy Hammers of the Dwarf Lords

The Seven Hammers of Mahal were seven holy great hammers fashioned and gifted by Aulë himself to each of the Seven Fathers.  Treasured heirlooms of the Seven Houses, they were among the most sacred of relics to the Khazâd.  Every House chose a traditional Keeper for the Hammer and it was forbidden for anyone but the Keeper and the King of each House to touch them.

Known Hammers:

the Dragon Hammer, heirloom of the Stiffbeards
the Mithril Hammer (Hammer of Dúrin), heirloom of the Longbeards
the North Hammer, heirloom of the Stonefoots
the Stone Hammer, heirloom of the Broadbeams
the Demon Hammer, heirloom of the Firebeards
the Iron Hammer (Hammer of Relin), heirloom of the Ironfists
the Obsidian (Southern)Hammer, heirloom of the Blacklocks

I will do a little blurb about each, if you're at all curious.  I honestly don't know if I'll ever need it in this game, although I suppose someone could make it their quest to find them or one of them.

The Mithril Hammer of Durin

Considered one of the greatest treasures in Khazad-dum.  It was larger and more elaborate than most, since it sometimes served as an impromptu sceptre.  The head was of pure mithril and the haft of teak, with inlay of silver and ivory.  It last rested on the Seventh Deep, buried with King Durin VI, along with many other royal items of Durin's Line after he was slain by the Balrog.  Left behind in T.A. 1980 when Durin's Folk fled from Moria, it might possibly have since been plundered by the orcs, but they could not possibly wield it.  Also called the Hammer of the Deeps.

Known Powers:

+4 Hammer
Holy weapon (delivers  twice  normal damage to evil beings, detects evil at will, will not allow anyone but someone of pure heart to hold or wield it)
Can be summoned instantly by its last wielder from up to 777' away.
To any but a dwarf it appears as a nondescript iron hammer, unless its wielder wills otherwise.
Only a dwarf of the royal line of Durin can lift or wield this mighty weapon (and only those of good alignment).
Allows wielder to cast Cure Critical Wounds and Spiritual Hammer, each seven times per day.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:57, Sun 17 May 2020.