Alvion: The Noble Houses of the Dwarves

One of the firstborn races of Alvion, the Dwarves are composed of five noble houses (sometimes called clans), who rule equally in an expansive kingdom that stretches across the realm, above and below-ground. The five houses each have a royal lineage, each descended from one of the Five Brothers who founded the dwarven kingdom that stands today.

First is the House of Krieger, known for their insight into the ways of war and the strategy of the battlefield. It is thanks to the brave souls of this noble house that the dwarven military is regarded by all as the most powerful force in the world at the time. Through the use of the inventions produced by the houses of Zhunft and Raffen.

Second, the House of Raffen. This house is renowned for their innate familiarity with the natural resources of the world, and thereby famous for it’s miners and botanists. They have carved extensive mining operations to the depths of the world, and learned of rare resources and locations unknown even to the wisest of elves. All the resources gathered are sent to the third house.

Third, the House of Zhunft. This noble house is world famous for the crafters and tradesmen that inhabit it. Some of their most prominent discoveries include the invention of airships, the railtrack network, and their most famous and closely guarded secret, the firearm. They compile and categorize the resources sent to them by the House of Raffen, and put them to excellent use with skilled hands and keen eyes.

Fourth, the house of Zauber, the origin of scholars, artificers, and wizards of renown. The dwarves of this house have made it their life’s work to thoroughly study the implementation of magic into dwarven society and business. This practice first began when the Glittering Caverns were discovered - a natural resource hosting a countless number of crystals. These crystals served as instrumental foci for casting and storing magical energy, and became a core component of many dwarvish inventions.

Fifth, the House of Forster, home to all manner of hunters, trackers, scouts, and other folk of the wilds. They serve as explorers and cartographers, and work closely with the house of Raffen to provide for other houses. They are occasionally called to work in conjunction with the Krieger house for military operations, mostly due to their unparalleled skill with firearms and crossbows.

The noble Dwarven houses have flourished due to their cooperation and initiative in the world, and have so far led a successful nation due to the House of Kings, a council with an elected representative from each noble house that together determine the course of Dwarvish society. Together, they form what is widely regarded as the most powerful society in the world.