Malmr

Appearance

Malmr are of a solid and stout appearance, with stocky bodies that are well suited for the mines and the low tunnels. Their clothing is practical and hard-wearing. Above ground, furs worn to protect against the cold are common, and it can sometimes be hard to tell the women from the men under the layers, with the men often sporting large beards as a telltale difference. While in their homes and underground, their clothing is much lighter, often sporting angular designs embroidered on them.

140-160cm in height, though tending towards the lower end.

Lifespan

It is not uncommon for a Malmr to reach up to 200 years old.

Religion & Beliefs

While not highly religious, Malmr have a respect for Udarr in his aspect as a forge god. For the most pious of the Malmr, Udarr guides their hammer strokes as they craft weapons, seeing the act of crafting a weapon as something akin to a prayer. This is a belief that is reinforced on the battlefield as the Malmr warriors strike down their enemies in the name of Udarr as something of an offering in thanks to the god. A great statue of Udarr resides within the Hollow Mountain, overlooking the great volcanic forge of the Malmr. This forge is used for the largest projects of the Malmr and also the most special projects.

Geography

While much of their land lies deep beneath the mountains, the Malmr also lay claim to the mountains above. The great entrance to Halforge, the largest city of the Malmr, dominates a valley where some surface dwellers make their homes as well as being an excellent area for both trading and farming. The Hollow Mountain, a volcano perched on the edge of the mountains, is their greatest forge, used for the greatest and largest of their creations. Their proximity with the Hali home of Egora Depths has seen some skirmishes within the tunnels and halls at the border, as there is not a line drawn in the stone that each race follows.

Society

Malmr are a largely independent lot except when it comes to the mines or a battlefield, where their brothers are as close as blood and a crew of Malmr can move mountains if need be. Malmr do have a king, though it is more of a fancy name for the Mine Boss, a highly respected role passed down from father to son when the successor is deemed wise enough for the burdens of responsibility, and if there is none, a successor is adopted as blood.

Except for their largest city of Halforge, outsiders rarely make it to the other deep towns of the Malmr, though their bordering with the Hali has seen some mixed relations with them. While often there is much friction with them, some towns have forged an unlikely alliance with at least one of the Hali Houses.

Architecture

Carved from the old tunnels and mines, their homes can be as cavernous or winding as they choose, with new rooms literally carved out of the stone or made larger if required. Carving stone is as much an art form as their work in the forge, and the Malmr take much pride in their homes. Every home has its own forge, and it is often part of the main living space, warming the area around it. Water is guided and redirected via tunnels and aqueducts across their cities, often used cleverly as transport. Even plants have been seen growing within the depths of Malmr cities, lit by great crystals.

Wealth & Trade

One of the greatest assets the Malmr have access to is a unique metal known as Star Metal. Difficult to work with, the Malmr have tamed the metal, creating weapons of a far better quality than those made with even the best steel. Highly sought after, goods made from this are traded at high prices in the markets of the southern Argai Sea. Malmr also have a good relationship with the Peri people, considering each other allies even though the distance between their lands is great.

Slavery

Malmr are hard workers and see no use for slavery, as a slave will do a poor job in their eyes. 

Other Notes/Trivia

• The Malmr were inspired by Nordic people, this can be useful information when trying to find real-world equivalent inspirations when designing your character. Ingame, either Vanir or Aesir items are considered useful assets to use.

• The word Malmr comes from the Old Norse word for Metal or Ore.

• Originally the Malmr were designed as a neutral party between Vanir and Aesir relations when we existed as a Conan Lore+ server.

• Yes, these are our equivalent to Dwarves. I don't think that really needs much more elaboration!