As of 5/24/99
Also known as the "stout ones", the Dervatear of Western Glashia are the heartiest and most law-abiding of the dwarves. Their skin is typically deep tan or light brown, with hair being black, gray, or brown, and worn long. The Dervatear favor long beards and mustaches as well, and tend to groom these very carefully. They tend to wear clothing that is simple and functional, leaning toward earth tones considered rough by humans and elves alike. Because they live much of their lives underground, the Dervatear have developed numerous skills that help them keep the reputation of being fierce, courageous fighters.
It is very rare to come across a Dervatear using the spells of a magician or wizard, although Dervatear priests are not uncommon. It is said that a Dervatear possessing and utilizing an enchanted item, save one of a weapon or armor variety, can not properly use said item half the time. Dervatear priests, on the other hand, are said to be extremely powerful and competent in their ways. Despite this, a Dervatear priest is rather hard to come by. The Dervatear's thoughts on religion are much like the other races of Western Glashia, and they worship several gods from the Greater and Lesser Pantheons, particularly Tseld, the Forger of Weapons and Smith of the Gods.
The Dervatear are generally a lawful and good people, believing in law and order within the clan above all other things. It is said that this love for stability within the clan comes from their long lives, spanning 500+ years (usually not exceeding 650 years). And in this long lifetime the Dervatear also strive for great wealth, hoarding together treasures that consist of all types of metals (particularly gold), as well as diamonds and gems. Because of their fear and hatred of the sea, for it is an ever-changing thing, the Dervatear do not prize, nor collect, pearls. The Dervatear do not flaunt their wealth, however, for they don't want to offend or tempt their neighbors.
Because much of their culture is based around created things from the earth, the Dervatear produce a large amount of valuable trade goods, mainly finished goods. Goods produced by Dervatear blacksmiths, goldsmiths, silversmiths, armorers, weapons makers, and gem cutters are of the highest quality, built to last the lifetime of the Dervatear, and then some. Because of this, their goods go for a high price within human, halfling, and elven cities. They are skilled miners as well as engineers and master builders, and it isn't surprising to find a handful of Dervatear architects and master artisans leading the construction of human strongholds and cities.
The Dervatear tolerate but often mistrust the Fpathen and Pseithen, for the two elven races are not serious-minded and tend to waste their lives on frivolous pastimes. They have no feeling toward the Mnoethen, for they do not understand the gray elves, nor do they wish to, and their feelings for the Tsuthen, like most others in Western Glashia, are full of hatred. They enjoy the company of humans most of the time, although they get impatient with them and other short-lived races, for their concerns seem so petty through the eyes of the Dervatear. And, like most all other races of Western Glashia, the Dervatear have friendly relations with the Havanathe, considering them a " younger cousin" of sorts. The goblinkind and orcs of Western Glashia, by far, are the two strongest enemies of the Dervatear, for the two humanoid races and the Dervatear not only compete for the precious metals and gems that are mined deep within the foothills and mountain ranges of Western Glashia, but for the tunnels and caverns carved into those foothills and mountain ranges as well. The Dervatear's war with the goblinkind and orcs is one that has spanned thousands of years. And of the Dervish, the Dervatear don't have much to say. They tend to stay clear of their thinner, farm-loving cousins.
Return to the Races Page.