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{{Cleanup|article|23:36, December 16, 2018 (UTC)|past tense, style}}
 
{{Creature
 
{{Creature
| image = [[Image:Arctic dwarf.jpg|250px]]
+
| image = <tabber>
  +
3e = [[Image:Arctic dwarf.jpg|250px]]|-|
  +
2e = [[File:Arctic-dwarf-2e.png|250px]]|-|
  +
</tabber>
  +
| caption2 = Various depictions of arctic dwarves.
 
| name = Arctic dwarf
 
| name = Arctic dwarf
| alignment =
+
| size5e =
 
| type5e =
| type = [[natural creature|Natural]] [[humanoid]]
 
| subtype = [[Dwarf]]
+
| subtype5e =
  +
| alignment5e =
  +
| challenge5e =
  +
| refs5e =
  +
| size4e =
  +
| origin4e =
  +
| type4e =
  +
| subtype4e =
  +
| alignment4e =
  +
| refs4e =
  +
| size3e = Small
  +
| type3e = [[Humanoid]]
  +
| subtype3e = [[Dwarf]]
  +
| alignment3e = Usually [[lawful neutral]]
  +
| challenge3e = {{Frac|1|2}}
  +
| refs3e = <ref name="MMv.3.5-p.91">{{Cite book/Monster Manual 3.5|91}}</ref><ref name="MC-MoF-p47">{{Cite book/Monsters of Faerûn|47}}</ref><ref name="RoF-p10" />
  +
| size2e = Small
  +
| alignment2e = [[Lawful neutral]]
  +
| refs2e = <ref name="TGG-p92">{{Cite book/The Great Glacier|92}}</ref>
  +
| size1e =
  +
| alignment1e =
  +
| refs1e =
  +
| patron deity =
  +
| vision = [[Darkvision]]<ref name="MMv.3.5-p.91" />
  +
| activecycle =
  +
| diet =
  +
| lifespan =
 
| location = [[Great Glacier]]
 
| location = [[Great Glacier]]
 
| language = [[Dwarvish]], [[Dwarvish#Kurit|Kurit]], [[Common]] ([[Sossal]] dialect), and [[Uluik]]
| height = 2'8" - 3'4"(male) / 2'4" - 3'(female)
 
  +
| subraces =
| weight = 50 - 200 lbs(male) / 40 - 160 lbs(female)
 
  +
| climate = Cold<ref name="MC-MoF-p47" />
  +
| terrain = Mountains<ref name="MC-MoF-p47" />
 
| height = 2'10" &ndash; 3'4" (male) /<br>2'6" &ndash; 3' (female)
 
| weight = 52 &ndash; 82 lbs. (male) /<br>42 &ndash; 72 lbs. (female)
  +
| diet = Omnivore
 
| skincolor = White to icy blue
 
| skincolor = White to icy blue
 
| haircolor = White
 
| haircolor = White
 
| eyecolor = Bright blue
 
| eyecolor = Bright blue
| vision = Low-light
 
 
| distinctions = Small, ruddy cheeks, physically powerful, clumsy, friendly, naturalistic
 
| distinctions = Small, ruddy cheeks, physically powerful, clumsy, friendly, naturalistic
| language = Dwarvish, Kurit, [[Sossal]], and [[Uluik]]
 
 
}}
 
}}
'''Arctic dwarves''', also known as '''Inguaakalikurit''', are a race of [[dwarf|dwarves]] located in the isolated reaches of the [[Great Glacier]] in [[Faerûn|Faerûn's]] northernmost reaches. Artic dwarves have a different origin than most of the other dwarves in Faerûn as well as the [[duergar]], and are significantly different physiologically and culturally from other members of the Stout Folk, so much that they might be considered their own race. Arctic dwarves were almost entirely unheard of until relatively recent, when a group of them began settling the edges of [[Luruar]] a century ago.<ref name="RoF-p9">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|9}}</ref>
+
'''Arctic dwarves''', also known as '''Inugaakalikurit''' (EE-nu-GA-ka-LEE-ku-rit<ref name="TGG-p5">{{Cite book/The Great Glacier|5}}</ref>), are a race of [[dwarf|dwarves]] located in the isolated reaches of the [[Great Glacier]] in [[Faerûn|Faerûn's]] northernmost reaches. Arctic dwarves have a different origin than most of the other dwarves in Faerûn as well as the [[duergar]], and are significantly different physiologically and culturally from other members of the Stout Folk, so much that they might be considered their own race. Arctic dwarves were almost entirely unheard of until relatively recent, when a group of them began settling the edges of [[Luruar]] a century ago.<ref name="RoF-p9">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|9}}</ref>
   
 
==Ecology==
 
==Ecology==
 
 
===Physical characteristics===
 
===Physical characteristics===
 
Arctic dwarves are a very small race, not only in general but in comparison with dwarves as well. The average arctic dwarf is even shorter than a [[gnome]] or [[halfling]], standing at just over half the height of a [[shield dwarf]]. Physically, arctic dwarves are squat, with pinched faces and stubby legs, being nearly as wide as they are tall with their fingers and toes thick and blunt and their feet flat and wide. Their skin is typically quite pale, ranging from a pale shade of blue to white, except for their cheeks which are a ruddy red, although their frequent exposure to the sun means many are frequently sunburned. Arctic dwarf eyes are bright blue and their curly hair, which they usually let flow freely long to their waists, is white. Unlike most dwarves, arctic dwarf females can't grow beards, though men can, often growing short beards with twisting mustaches. Arctic dwarf dress is typically simple, most often little more than tunics of [[polar bear]] fur.<ref name="RoF-p9"/>
 
Arctic dwarves are a very small race, not only in general but in comparison with dwarves as well. The average arctic dwarf is even shorter than a [[gnome]] or [[halfling]], standing at just over half the height of a [[shield dwarf]]. Physically, arctic dwarves are squat, with pinched faces and stubby legs, being nearly as wide as they are tall with their fingers and toes thick and blunt and their feet flat and wide. Their skin is typically quite pale, ranging from a pale shade of blue to white, except for their cheeks which are a ruddy red, although their frequent exposure to the sun means many are frequently sunburned. Arctic dwarf eyes are bright blue and their curly hair, which they usually let flow freely long to their waists, is white. Unlike most dwarves, arctic dwarf females can't grow beard, though men can, often growing short beards with twisting mustaches. Arctic dwarf dress is typically simple, most often little more than tunics of [[polar bear]] fur.<ref name="RoF-p9">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|9}}</ref>
 
   
 
====Abilities====
 
====Abilities====
While ostensibly dwarves, arctic dwarves have many significant physical and ability differences between themselves and other dwarves. For instance, while arctic dwarves are frequently sunburned due to their constant exposure to the sun, this causes them no harm, suggesting a resistance to radioactivity.<ref name="RoF-p9">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|9}}</ref> Arctic dwarves are also significantly stronger than most dwarves, while being, in spite of their size, less dexterous. Arctic dwarves are also completely immune to the effects of extreme cold.<ref name="RoF-p10">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|10}}</ref>
+
While ostensibly dwarves, arctic dwarves have many significant physical and ability differences between themselves and other dwarves. For instance, while arctic dwarves are frequently sunburned due to their constant exposure to the sun, this causes them no harm, suggesting a resistance to radioactivity.<ref name="RoF-p9"/> Arctic dwarves are also significantly stronger than most dwarves, while being, in spite of their size, less dexterous. Arctic dwarves are also completely immune to the effects of extreme cold.<ref name="RoF-p10">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|10}}</ref>
   
 
===Psychology===
 
===Psychology===
 
In general, arctic dwarves are a gregarious people, open to the company of others. Unlike other dwarves they care little from what bloodline another dwarf comes from and have next to no materialistic drive, believing instead in living life to the fullest. In part, this is derived from the primitive nature of arctic dwarven society, which relies on hunting and foraging to sustain itself, restricting the accumulation of private property but at the same time allowing for a greater amount of free time than civilized cultures do.<ref name="RoF-p9"/>
   
 
While individualistic and open-minded, arctic dwarves rarely venture beyond their own homelands to adventure. Those that do are usually driven by a spirit of curiosity, falling into the life of an [[adventurer]] more by default than by conscious decision. These individuals often become [[ranger]]s or [[barbarian]]s, which the self-sufficient lifestyle of an arctic dwarf is well-suited for and which draw upon the long history of their people's fight against the [[frost giant]]s of the north.<ref name="RoF-p9"/>
In general, arctic dwarves are a gregarious people, open to the company of others. Unlike other dwarves they care little from what bloodline another dwarf comes from and have next to no materialistic drive, believing instead in living life to the fullest. In part, this is derived from the primitive nature of arctic dwarven society, which relies on hunting and foraging to sustain itself, restricting the accumulation of private property but at the same time allowing for a greater amount of free time than civilized cultures do.<ref name="RoF-p9">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|9}}</ref>
 
 
While individualistic and open-minded, arctic dwarves rarely venture beyond their own homelands to adventure. Those that do are usually driven by a spirit of curiosity, falling into the life of an [[adventurer]] more by default than by conscious decision. These individuals often become [[ranger]]s or [[barbarian]]s, which the self-sufficient lifestyle of an arctic dwarf is well-suited for and which draw upon the long history of their people's fight against the [[frost giant]]s of the north.<ref name="RoF-p9">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|9}}</ref>
 
   
 
===Culture===
 
===Culture===
 
Given the scattered nature of their population it is remarkable that arctic dwarf society is as homogeneous as it is, most likely the result of millennia spent in isolation from other races. Unlike most dwarves, the arctic dwarves do not divide themselves by clan lineage but neither is individualism highly valued among the illiterate race, who do not frequently remember individual deeds for more than a generation. Nor do arctic dwarves value hard work or craftsmanship to the same degree as other dwarves or indeed as most other races.<ref name="RoF-p10"/>
   
 
Instead, arctic dwarves focus themselves on contributing to the greater communal good, which itself demands very little from them, meaning that most of the race are content to live in ease without concern for the future. Young children receive a great deal of attention and raised by most of the community as a whole. Elders are largely devoid of any responsibility at all in arctic dwarf society, which sees it as their right to live without worries for the remainder of their days before being buried beneath the snow and ice when they finally leave the mortal world.<ref name="RoF-p10"/>
Given the scattered nature of their population it is remarkable that arctic dwarf society is as homogeneous as it is, most likely the result of millennia spent in isolation from other races. Unlike most dwarves, the arctic dwarves do not divide themselves by clan lineage but neither is individualism highly valued among the illiterate race, who do not frequently remember individual deeds for more than a generation. Nor do arctic dwarves value hard work or craftsmanship to the same degree as other dwarves or indeed as most other races.<ref name="RoF-p10">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|10}}</ref>
 
   
 
Arctic dwarves are few in number as it is and only very rarely have they migrated from their northern homes to more temperate regions. As a result, they integrate poorly with outside cultures and often exert a great deal of effort looking for others of similar mind to replicate the casual lifestyle of their culture.<ref name="RoF-p10"/>
Instead, arctic dwarves focus themselves on contributing to the greater communal good, which itself demands very little from them, meaning that most of the race are content to live in ease without concern for the future. Young children recieve a great deal of attention and raised by most of the community as a whole. Elders are largely devoid of any responsibility at all in arctic dwarf society, which sees it as their right to live without worries for the remainder of their days before being buried beneath the snow and ice when they finally leave the mortal world.<ref name="RoF-p10">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|10}}</ref>
 
   
  +
Some arctic dwarves dwelt in [[snowhouse]]s, like the arctic [[human]]s of the regions in which they lived.<ref name="TGG-p60">{{Cite book/The Great Glacier|60}}</ref>
Arctic dwarves are few in number as it is and only very rarely have they migrated from their northern homes to more temperate regions. As a result, they integrate poorly with outside cultures and often exert a great deal of effort looking for others of similar mind to replicate the casual lifestyle of their culture.<ref name="RoF-p10">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|10}}</ref>
 
   
Arctic dwarves almost exclusively speak Kurit, a rare dialect of [[Dwarvish] that is significantly influenced by [[Uluik]], though a few also speak the [[Sossal]] dialect of [[Common]]. Other arctic dwarves learn Uluik, [[Giant language|Giant]], [[Damaran language|Damaran]], or [[Draconic language|Draconic]]. Although nearly all arctic dwarves are illiterate, Kurit does use a version of the [[Dethek alphabet]] and many arctic dwarves who become adventurers are literate.<ref name="RoF-p10">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|10}}</ref>
+
Arctic dwarves almost exclusively speak Kurit, a rare dialect of [[Dwarvish]] that is significantly influenced by [[Uluik]], though a few also speak the [[Sossal]] dialect of [[Common]]. Other arctic dwarves learn Uluik, [[Giant language|Giant]], [[Damaran language|Damaran]], or [[Draconic language|Draconic]]. Although nearly all arctic dwarves are illiterate, Kurit does use a version of the [[Dethek alphabet]] and many arctic dwarves who become adventurers are literate.<ref name="RoF-p10"/>
   
 
====Art and leisure====
 
====Art and leisure====
Because of their hunter-gatherer lifestyle, arctic dwarves have a great degree of free time on their hands and as a result value leisure to an extent equal to and beyond that of hard work and few spend more than the minimal amount of effort necessary to accomplish survival. Among the activities enjoyed is [[dog]] riding and the arctic dwarves employ a large number of riding dogs as pets, mounts, hunting companions, and beasts of burden.<ref name="RoF-p10-11">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|10-11}}</ref>
+
Because of their hunter-gatherer lifestyle, arctic dwarves do not have a great degree of free time on their hands and as a result value leisure. Among the activities enjoyed is [[dog]] riding and the arctic dwarves employ a large number of riding dogs as pets, mounts, hunting companions, and beasts of burden.<ref name="RoF-p10-11">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|10-11}}</ref>
   
Arctic dwarf crafts are largely limited to practical items, such as hunting weapons or survival tools. Many arctic dwarfs wear [[hide armor]], the pelts of polar bears being the most valued.<ref name="RoF-p11">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|11}}</ref> Most arctic dwarfs go barefoot, in spite of the cold.<ref name="RoF-p9">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|9}}</ref> For hunting tools, arctic dwarfs prefer the use of [[arctic harpoon]]s, even though their size is awkward, driven on by myths about arctic dwarfs felling improbably large quarries with similar harpoons.<ref name="RoF-p11">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|11}}</ref>
+
Arctic dwarf crafts are largely limited to practical items, such as hunting weapons or survival tools. Many arctic dwarfs wear [[hide armor]], the pelts of polar bears being the most valued.<ref name="RoF-p11">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|11}}</ref> Most arctic dwarfs go barefoot, in spite of the cold.<ref name="RoF-p9"/> For hunting tools, arctic dwarfs prefer the use of [[arctic harpoon]]s, even though their size is awkward, driven on by myths about arctic dwarfs felling improbably large quarries with similar harpoons.<ref name="RoF-p11"/>
   
====Magic and religion====
+
====Magic and Religion====
For the most part, arctic dwarves lack any significant [[magic]]al traditions and largely view the entire Art as impractical. The few [[magic item]]s found among the race are mostly created by [[druid]]s or the race's small number of [[arcanist]]s, among the most common of which are ''[[amulets of natural armor]]'' and ''[[snowshoes of speed]]''. One of the few magic items unique to arctic dwarves are ''[[kerrenderit]]'' or magically shaped ice crystals often used as arrowheads.<ref name="RoF-p10">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|10}}</ref>
+
For the most part, arctic dwarves lack any significant [[magic]]al traditions and largely view the Art as impractical. The [[magical item]]s found among the race are mostly created by [[druid]]s or the race's small number of [[arcane spellcaster]]s, among the most common of which are ''[[amulet of natural armor|amulets of natural armor]]'' and ''[[snowshoes of speed]]''. One of the few magic items unique to arctic dwarves are ''[[kerrenderit]]'' or magically shaped ice crystals often used as arrowheads.<ref name="RoF-p10"/>
   
In addition to lacking an arcane spellcasting tradition, the arctic dwarves are not particularly religious and venerate neither the [[Morndinsamman]] nor any other [[god]]s. Instead, the arctic dwarves venerate the natural world, sometimes honoring [[Talos]] or [[Ulutiu]] in the process. Those few dwarves who practice any magic of any kind are most frequently [[druid]]s, [[adept]]s, or magically inclined [[ranger]]s. Arctic dwarf druids are somewhat notable for their reliance on fire-based magic, which they employ against their arctic adapted foes to great effectiveness.<ref name="RoF-p10">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|10}}</ref>
+
In addition to lacking an arcane spellcasting tradition, the arctic dwarves are not particularly religious and venerate neither the [[Morndinsamman]] nor any other [[god]]s. Instead, the arctic dwarves venerate the natural world, sometimes honoring [[Talos]] or [[Ulutiu]] in the process.{{Fact}} Those few dwarves who practice any magic of any kind are most frequently [[druid]]s, [[adept]]s, or [[ranger]]s. Arctic dwarf druids are somewhat notable for their reliance on fire-based magic, which they employ against [[frost giant]]s, [[frost worm]]s, and other foes to great effectiveness.<ref name="RoF-p10"/>
 
Arctic dwarves do not have an arcane spellcasting tradition. Since they do they not worship the [[dwarven pantheon|dwarven deities]], they lack a strong divine spellcasting tradition as well. Most arctic dwarf spellcasters are [[druid]]s, [[adept]]s, and rangers. The druids in particular have an affinity to fire magic, because many of their most common foes (such as frost giants and [[frost worm]]s) fear and hate flames.
 
   
 
====Relations with other races====
 
====Relations with other races====
Arctic dwarves have very little contact with anyone besides themselves, frost giants, with whom they are deadly foes, and Ulutiun [[human]]s, with whom they have friendly relations. However, because arctic dwarves are a friendly and open-minded race they are usually very tolerant of outsiders. [[Gnome]]s and other dwarves are often considered amusing to arctic dwarves due to their mix of familiar and alien, an attitude that also applies to a lesser extent to humans other than the Ulutuiuns. The most familiar of the [[Tel-quessir]] to arctic dwarves are flying [[avariel]] and as a consequence arctic dwarves typically treat [[elf|elves]] and [[eladrin]] with a degree of awe. Most other [[humanoid]] races only rarely encounter the arctic dwarves and are considered quite exotic.<ref name="RoF-p10-11">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|10-11}}</ref>
+
Arctic dwarves have very little contact with anyone besides themselves, frost giants, with whom they are deadly foes, and Ulutiun [[human]]s, with whom they have friendly relations. However, because arctic dwarves are a friendly and open-minded race they are usually very tolerant of outsiders. [[Gnome]]s and other dwarves are often considered amusing to arctic dwarves due to their mix of familiar and alien, an attitude that also applies to a lesser extent to humans other than the Ulutuiuns. The most familiar of the [[Tel-quessir]] to arctic dwarves are flying [[avariel]] and as a consequence arctic dwarves typically treat [[elf|elves]] and [[eladrin]] with a degree of awe. Most other [[humanoid]] races only rarely encounter the arctic dwarves and are considered quite exotic.<ref name="RoF-p10-11"/>
   
 
==History==
 
==History==
  +
Unlike most dwarves, arctic dwarves do not claim descent from the ancient kingdom of [[Bhaerynden]]. Instead they seem to be an artifact from an even more ancient lineage, the origins of which little is known save that they came from one branch of the first dwarves in Faerûn that migrated from beneath modern day [[Semphar]].<ref>{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|8}}</ref>
   
  +
The Innugaakalikurit have dwelt upon the [[Great Glacier]] since about {{Yearlink|-2275}},<ref>{{Cite book/The Great Glacier|5}}</ref> but contact with the outside world has been almost entirely absent until relatively recently, when small groups began to settle the shores of the [[Great Ice Sea]] and parts of [[Luruar]]'s northern reaches.{{Fact}}
Unlike most dwarves, arctic dwarves do not claim descent from the ancient kingdom of [[Bhaerynden]]. Instead they seem to be an artifact from an even more ancient lineage, the origins of which little is known save that they came from one branch of the first dwarves in Faerûn that migrated from beneath modern day [[Semphar]].<ref>{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|8}}</ref> It is not even known for sure how long the arctic dwarves have dwelt upon the [[Great Glacier]],{{Fact}} contact with the outside world almost entirely absent until relatively recently, when small groups began to settle the shores of the [[Great Ice Sea]] and parts of [[Luruar]]'s northern reaches. Most scholars belief their initial migration to the north occurred about the same time as the founding of Bhaerynden. Others claim that the arctic dwarves once ruled a mighty empire of their own. Other than the fact that the arctic dwarves, prior to the coming of the [[Ulutiuns]], once covered most of the Great Glacier living in small villages, but are now limited to the peaks of [[Novularond]], almost all theories about the race's origins and history are poorly supported speculation.<ref name="RoF-p9">{{Cite book/Races of Faerun|9}}</ref>
 
 
==References==
 
   
 
Most scholars believe their initial migration to the north occurred about the same time as the founding of Bhaerynden. Others claim that the arctic dwarves once ruled a mighty empire of their own. Other than the fact that the arctic dwarves, prior to the coming of the [[Ulutiuns]], once covered most of the Great Glacier living in small villages, but are now limited to the peaks of [[Novularond]], almost all theories about the race's origins and history are poorly supported speculation.<ref name="RoF-p9"/>
===Notes===
 
{{refs}}
 
   
===Sourcebooks===
+
==Appendix==
 
===References===
* {{Cite book/Races of Faerun}}
 
 
{{Refs}}
   
  +
===Connections===
 
{{Dwarves}}
 
{{Dwarves}}
[[Category:Arctic dwarves| ]]
 
[[Category:Dwarves]]
 

Revision as of 04:34, 31 March 2020

Arctic dwarves, also known as Inugaakalikurit (EE-nu-GA-ka-LEE-ku-rit[5]), are a race of dwarves located in the isolated reaches of the Great Glacier in Faerûn's northernmost reaches. Arctic dwarves have a different origin than most of the other dwarves in Faerûn as well as the duergar, and are significantly different physiologically and culturally from other members of the Stout Folk, so much that they might be considered their own race. Arctic dwarves were almost entirely unheard of until relatively recent, when a group of them began settling the edges of Luruar a century ago.[6]

Ecology

Physical characteristics

Arctic dwarves are a very small race, not only in general but in comparison with dwarves as well. The average arctic dwarf is even shorter than a gnome or halfling, standing at just over half the height of a shield dwarf. Physically, arctic dwarves are squat, with pinched faces and stubby legs, being nearly as wide as they are tall with their fingers and toes thick and blunt and their feet flat and wide. Their skin is typically quite pale, ranging from a pale shade of blue to white, except for their cheeks which are a ruddy red, although their frequent exposure to the sun means many are frequently sunburned. Arctic dwarf eyes are bright blue and their curly hair, which they usually let flow freely long to their waists, is white. Unlike most dwarves, arctic dwarf females can't grow beards, though men can, often growing short beards with twisting mustaches. Arctic dwarf dress is typically simple, most often little more than tunics of polar bear fur.[6]

Abilities

While ostensibly dwarves, arctic dwarves have many significant physical and ability differences between themselves and other dwarves. For instance, while arctic dwarves are frequently sunburned due to their constant exposure to the sun, this causes them no harm, suggesting a resistance to radioactivity.[6] Arctic dwarves are also significantly stronger than most dwarves, while being, in spite of their size, less dexterous. Arctic dwarves are also completely immune to the effects of extreme cold.[3]

Psychology

In general, arctic dwarves are a gregarious people, open to the company of others. Unlike other dwarves they care little from what bloodline another dwarf comes from and have next to no materialistic drive, believing instead in living life to the fullest. In part, this is derived from the primitive nature of arctic dwarven society, which relies on hunting and foraging to sustain itself, restricting the accumulation of private property but at the same time allowing for a greater amount of free time than civilized cultures do.[6]

While individualistic and open-minded, arctic dwarves rarely venture beyond their own homelands to adventure. Those that do are usually driven by a spirit of curiosity, falling into the life of an adventurer more by default than by conscious decision. These individuals often become rangers or barbarians, which the self-sufficient lifestyle of an arctic dwarf is well-suited for and which draw upon the long history of their people's fight against the frost giants of the north.[6]

Culture

Given the scattered nature of their population it is remarkable that arctic dwarf society is as homogeneous as it is, most likely the result of millennia spent in isolation from other races. Unlike most dwarves, the arctic dwarves do not divide themselves by clan lineage but neither is individualism highly valued among the illiterate race, who do not frequently remember individual deeds for more than a generation. Nor do arctic dwarves value hard work or craftsmanship to the same degree as other dwarves or indeed as most other races.[3]

Instead, arctic dwarves focus themselves on contributing to the greater communal good, which itself demands very little from them, meaning that most of the race are content to live in ease without concern for the future. Young children receive a great deal of attention and raised by most of the community as a whole. Elders are largely devoid of any responsibility at all in arctic dwarf society, which sees it as their right to live without worries for the remainder of their days before being buried beneath the snow and ice when they finally leave the mortal world.[3]

Arctic dwarves are few in number as it is and only very rarely have they migrated from their northern homes to more temperate regions. As a result, they integrate poorly with outside cultures and often exert a great deal of effort looking for others of similar mind to replicate the casual lifestyle of their culture.[3]

Some arctic dwarves dwelt in snowhouses, like the arctic humans of the regions in which they lived.[7]

Arctic dwarves almost exclusively speak Kurit, a rare dialect of Dwarvish that is significantly influenced by Uluik, though a few also speak the Sossal dialect of Common. Other arctic dwarves learn Uluik, Giant, Damaran, or Draconic. Although nearly all arctic dwarves are illiterate, Kurit does use a version of the Dethek alphabet and many arctic dwarves who become adventurers are literate.[3]

Art and leisure

Because of their hunter-gatherer lifestyle, arctic dwarves do not have a great degree of free time on their hands and as a result value leisure. Among the activities enjoyed is dog riding and the arctic dwarves employ a large number of riding dogs as pets, mounts, hunting companions, and beasts of burden.[8]

Arctic dwarf crafts are largely limited to practical items, such as hunting weapons or survival tools. Many arctic dwarfs wear hide armor, the pelts of polar bears being the most valued.[9] Most arctic dwarfs go barefoot, in spite of the cold.[6] For hunting tools, arctic dwarfs prefer the use of arctic harpoons, even though their size is awkward, driven on by myths about arctic dwarfs felling improbably large quarries with similar harpoons.[9]

Magic and Religion

For the most part, arctic dwarves lack any significant magical traditions and largely view the Art as impractical. The magical items found among the race are mostly created by druids or the race's small number of arcane spellcasters, among the most common of which are amulets of natural armor and snowshoes of speed. One of the few magic items unique to arctic dwarves are kerrenderit or magically shaped ice crystals often used as arrowheads.[3]

In addition to lacking an arcane spellcasting tradition, the arctic dwarves are not particularly religious and venerate neither the Morndinsamman nor any other gods. Instead, the arctic dwarves venerate the natural world, sometimes honoring Talos or Ulutiu in the process.[citation needed] Those few dwarves who practice any magic of any kind are most frequently druids, adepts, or rangers. Arctic dwarf druids are somewhat notable for their reliance on fire-based magic, which they employ against frost giants, frost worms, and other foes to great effectiveness.[3]

Relations with other races

Arctic dwarves have very little contact with anyone besides themselves, frost giants, with whom they are deadly foes, and Ulutiun humans, with whom they have friendly relations. However, because arctic dwarves are a friendly and open-minded race they are usually very tolerant of outsiders. Gnomes and other dwarves are often considered amusing to arctic dwarves due to their mix of familiar and alien, an attitude that also applies to a lesser extent to humans other than the Ulutuiuns. The most familiar of the Tel-quessir to arctic dwarves are flying avariel and as a consequence arctic dwarves typically treat elves and eladrin with a degree of awe. Most other humanoid races only rarely encounter the arctic dwarves and are considered quite exotic.[8]

History

Unlike most dwarves, arctic dwarves do not claim descent from the ancient kingdom of Bhaerynden. Instead they seem to be an artifact from an even more ancient lineage, the origins of which little is known save that they came from one branch of the first dwarves in Faerûn that migrated from beneath modern day Semphar.[10]

The Innugaakalikurit have dwelt upon the Great Glacier since about −2275 DR,[11] but contact with the outside world has been almost entirely absent until relatively recently, when small groups began to settle the shores of the Great Ice Sea and parts of Luruar's northern reaches.[citation needed]

Most scholars believe their initial migration to the north occurred about the same time as the founding of Bhaerynden. Others claim that the arctic dwarves once ruled a mighty empire of their own. Other than the fact that the arctic dwarves, prior to the coming of the Ulutiuns, once covered most of the Great Glacier living in small villages, but are now limited to the peaks of Novularond, almost all theories about the race's origins and history are poorly supported speculation.[6]

Appendix

References

Connections

Arctic dwarfChultan dwarfDesert dwarfGold dwarfShield dwarfUrdunnir dwarfWild dwarf
Related Races
Athasian dwarf (Mul)AzerDerroDuergarDurzagonD'tarigKorobokuruMaeluthYsgardian dwarf