Racial Info - Duergar

The Duergar, often referred to as Grey Dwarves, are a grim and isolationist faction that inhabit the deep tunnels beneath the massive and foreboding volcano in the land of Stygia. Their once shared history with the Mountain Dwarves is one of harmony and cooperation, living together in a mountain paradise that was a marvel of craftsmanship and natural beauty. However, a cultural rift tore them apart, leading to the Duergar's expulsion and subsequent retreat into the oppressive depths beneath the volcanic earth.

In the ages that followed, these shadowed tunnels became both their refuge and their prison. Cut off from the world and the sunlight, the Duergar adapted to their subterranean life, becoming pale of complexion, their skin ashen like the volcanic rock surrounding them. Over time, their hearts hardened, and their society became increasingly insular and xenophobic. They developed a reputation for being violent and unwelcoming to outsiders, fiercely protective of their dark dominion beneath the earth.

Cranogwyn, their underground city, is a testament to their craftsmanship and perseverance. Forged from the volcanic rock itself, its architecture is both awe-inspiring and unnerving, with structures that twist and spiral in sinister and labyrinthine patterns. The city is lit by the glow of molten lava, casting eerie shadows across the cavernous expanses and lending a hellish aura to the entire settlement. Its intricate tunnel systems are both a marvel of engineering and a nightmarish maze for anyone not accustomed to navigating them.

Among the Duergar, the most malevolent are known as the Apostates. This cult-like group worships the Nameless One, the malevolent deity of stone who embodies the harsh and unyielding aspects of their existence. The Apostates embrace the cold and unfeeling nature of their god, performing dark rituals and acts of devotion in the deepest chambers of the city. They wield significant influence among the Duergar, their reverence for the Nameless One echoing the cultural split that once divided their people and continuing to shape their identity.

The Duergar carry with them the weight of betrayal and survival, their legacy defined by their transformation into a race hardened by the volcanic depths. While their Mountain Dwarf kin relish the light and open spaces, the Grey Dwarves find solace in the oppressive shadows, their history and nature reflecting the unforgiving landscape they call home.