Really dwarvish dwarves
Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2014 11:42 pm
Hello. I was kicking about on the net and got to reading a Khuzdul dictionary. There was a whole section on words that meant perfect/pure/true <somethings> and it got me thinking about dwarf culture.
Long story short, I came up with a sort of code of conduct that might make for interesting RP. I've written it up as a sort of quasi-religious doctrine, a bit like the 5 K's of Sikhism. In practice, this is the sort of thing that would likely hold differing levels of adherence by most dwarves. Younger, more modern dwarves would likely stick only to the major points, or pay them lip service. Older more traditional dwarves are likely to observe the whole list in full, with a more religious fervor. A bit like Victorian table manners; most folks would agree that chewing with your mouth open is gross, but showing your teeth isn't such a big deal these days.
Anyhoo, here's what I've got:
THE SAN'KHADAR, PERFECT FOUNDATIONS, OF SAN'KHUZD, TRUE DWARVES:
SAN'ULGAN - PERFECT GOD
Zhakrin is our creator and provides what we need. To not give praise is to be ungrateful.
SAN'ZHAHYAD - PERFECT RESPECT
A true dwarf is always respectful, even to foreigners. He bends at his neck only for allies, his waist only for leaders and his knee only for kin.
He shuns only his enemies, but calls only true kin friend.
SAN'HURM - PERFECT HONOUR
The word of a true dwarf is worth more than gold until it is broken. A wealthy dwarf without honour is a rich beggar. It is better to never make an oath than to break an oath.
SAN'AZAGH - PERFECT WAR
The affairs of foreigners are their own. A true dwarf takes up arms only to defend his own people but does not turn away allies to a common foe. A dwarf is always ready to defend themselves or their kin.
SAN'BARUF - PERFECT FAMILY
The blood of dwarves is continued by dwarves. Those who dilute their blood with foreigners, shame their family.
SAN'LAGAB - PERFECT TONGUE
A true dwarf speaks only the language of his people. Those who wish to parlay with dwarves, should show respect by using our tongue.
SAN'MUNZ - PERFECT ROOF
A true dwarf should be born beneath the earth and make his home beneath the earth. He does not tolerate to sleep under an open sky.
SAN'TORVA - PERFECT CRAFT
Dwarves are the masters of metal and stone. Those who cannot work a forge or swing a pick are not dwarf.
SAN'TURG - PERFECT BEARD
The whole of the body is perfect as Zhakrin intended. To shave your beard or your hair is to deface yourself.
SAN'ABLUG - PERFECT FOOD
Eat that food which grows and lives in darkness, just as the true dwarf does.
Long story short, I came up with a sort of code of conduct that might make for interesting RP. I've written it up as a sort of quasi-religious doctrine, a bit like the 5 K's of Sikhism. In practice, this is the sort of thing that would likely hold differing levels of adherence by most dwarves. Younger, more modern dwarves would likely stick only to the major points, or pay them lip service. Older more traditional dwarves are likely to observe the whole list in full, with a more religious fervor. A bit like Victorian table manners; most folks would agree that chewing with your mouth open is gross, but showing your teeth isn't such a big deal these days.
Anyhoo, here's what I've got:
THE SAN'KHADAR, PERFECT FOUNDATIONS, OF SAN'KHUZD, TRUE DWARVES:
SAN'ULGAN - PERFECT GOD
Zhakrin is our creator and provides what we need. To not give praise is to be ungrateful.
SAN'ZHAHYAD - PERFECT RESPECT
A true dwarf is always respectful, even to foreigners. He bends at his neck only for allies, his waist only for leaders and his knee only for kin.
He shuns only his enemies, but calls only true kin friend.
SAN'HURM - PERFECT HONOUR
The word of a true dwarf is worth more than gold until it is broken. A wealthy dwarf without honour is a rich beggar. It is better to never make an oath than to break an oath.
SAN'AZAGH - PERFECT WAR
The affairs of foreigners are their own. A true dwarf takes up arms only to defend his own people but does not turn away allies to a common foe. A dwarf is always ready to defend themselves or their kin.
SAN'BARUF - PERFECT FAMILY
The blood of dwarves is continued by dwarves. Those who dilute their blood with foreigners, shame their family.
SAN'LAGAB - PERFECT TONGUE
A true dwarf speaks only the language of his people. Those who wish to parlay with dwarves, should show respect by using our tongue.
SAN'MUNZ - PERFECT ROOF
A true dwarf should be born beneath the earth and make his home beneath the earth. He does not tolerate to sleep under an open sky.
SAN'TORVA - PERFECT CRAFT
Dwarves are the masters of metal and stone. Those who cannot work a forge or swing a pick are not dwarf.
SAN'TURG - PERFECT BEARD
The whole of the body is perfect as Zhakrin intended. To shave your beard or your hair is to deface yourself.
SAN'ABLUG - PERFECT FOOD
Eat that food which grows and lives in darkness, just as the true dwarf does.