Childhood

As a dark dwarf matures, he begins the basic training that shapes his life. He spends endless hours sitting next to his parents as they work, whether it is at the forge, in the mines, or training for battle. The Khanshael involve their children in almost every activity of their daily lives, save carrying them into battle. On occasion, the parents of a young dark dwarf even allow him to watch the tasks of the other castes, to broaden his experience.

As soon as the child can walk, speak, and understand the orders and commands given by elder Khanshael, he begins the very basest training in the art of war. He learns first to wield a dagger, and slowly moves to other weapons as his manual dexterity and ability increases. The Khanshael are, after all, a warrior race. They begin their training at a very early age.

Over time, the child begins to show interest in a craft. If it is not a craft of his parents, there is no rancor or argument. The child is allowed to exercise his mind trying to learn whatever craft it is that interests him most. This usually happens around the age of six or seven for most of the Kin. They then begin training in earnest, in many crafts. They spend several years learning the basics of forge craft and the mines.

The child's training as a warrior also continues during this time. Daily exercises and drills pound tactics and basic military techniques into the heads of young Khanshael. Many lifelong alliances among Khanshael are formed at this stage. The Kin meet friends and companions that last for a lifetime. Also at this point, the basics of Khanshael law are impressed upon the children. If one young Khanshael attacks another, he is punished severely, often publicly. If the dwarf he attacks raises arms in his own defense, he too is punished. Murder is the gravest crime among the Khanshael, and its severity is reinforced at a very early age.