Brief History of the Republic, its people, and surrounding areas by the scholar Rufus Arcturus Tatius of Rema:

In Rem Publicam liberam Aquilaria: The Aquilarian Republic has enjoyed many years of peace, and prosperity due to the hard work of our forefathers, the resilience of the election system, the bravery, courage, and stoicism of our citizens, and our acceptance of non-humans in this great Republic. Our citizens, including Gnomes, Dwarves, and Gens have created incredible wealth in trade, powerful alliances, wonderous technologies, and the most diverse culture in all the lands; The crown jewel of Rema is proof of what we are capable of together!

Not much is known about the home of Solarians, save that its exact location is unknown, and there is debate on whether it even still exists. What is known is that through their powerful magicks they rapidly conquered almost all existing human provinces and unified them under the Solarian Empire. Perhaps due to Solaria being a Magocracy, magic was more commonly used then, and those who devoted themselves to its use and study, could rise in rank and obtain political offices. Despite most non-Solarian natives having the capability to learn magic, only the most powerful were allowed in their ranks. The Solarians are reported to have been guided by a Chancellor, and a council of some sort. The Solarian Empire was the pinnacle of magical research, fantastic labor-saving devices, and terrible machines of war. There is a lot of conjecture on the ultimate fate of the Solarian Empire, but the cause of the cataclysm ultimately remains unknown, and unfortunately written accounts are very difficult to come by.

479N? The Solarian Invasion. It is unknown exactly when, or why the Solarians started their invasion. But, thanks to the excellent record keeping of Elves, there are logs that may indicate sighting them by observing a “ghostly fleet only revealed during flashes of lightning, heading East at an impossible speed on the Arrakian Sea” on what we would call Wednesday, the 27^th of January, in 479 Nakhord. Incidentally, the report came from a watch tower (which the elf in question was departing most hastily) from what is now the well-known Elven trade post of Qen’Vaktel. A recording of the weather at the outpost includes: “A most terrible storm, full of purple lightning, with unnatural winds, and waves”, there were surprisingly no casualties. This correlates with firsthand accounts in Keshaan, that a golden fleet approached unseen in the middle of an unnatural storm, that was only discovered when they unleashed utter chaos, and god-like destruction upon the fleet. Keshaan rapidly surrendered and was spared. Word spread quickly about the power shown in Keshaan, a few tried to resist, but ultimately even the most stubborn of leaders avoided total annihilation by capitulating to the Solarians.

476N, The Solarian Conquest. It is widely accepted that in just three short years, around 476N the Solarians, though relatively few in number, had subjugated much of the known human world, vassalizing Echoviel, Hestalia (which would become the Aquilarian Republic), Concordia, Niborg, Leone’, Nemedia, Coastas, and the Empire of Iman, and had spread as far East as the Shimmering Mountains, ancestral home of the Dwarves. There are no records of hostilities toward Wushen (it’s not known if they were aware of their existence at this time), nor did they become hostile to the other races, with the notable exception of their persecution of Tieflings. They managed to establish treaties and trade with the isolationist Elves, the unchanging Dwarves, and the ‘civilized’ Orc tribes. For almost 500 years they experienced a golden period. According to accounts from the period, they took their greatest interest in the lands of Keshaan and Stygia, with most of their leadership residing there, and building remarkable monoliths, topped with tall spires that bring many scholars and pilgrims every year. Their purpose or function has not yet been discovered. In Stygia, you will also find a most interesting curiosity in what is purported to be the remains of one of their great war machines.
144N, The Elves Trade in Earnest. To facilitate trade with the aloof Elves, the Solarians helped build the trading port Qen’Vaktel. Their magnificent structures are still there today.
147N, our Dwarven Allies. Around 147N, Solaria contracted the Dwarves to create an underground trade route between the Wushen (now Yuhan) Dynasty and the Solarian Empire, the first direct continuous contact Wushen had with the west. The trade crossroads is still run, and hosted by the dwarves.
0H, The Breaking of Magick. On 0 Heto Aghet, was the Breaking of Magick. Scholars still debate what caused it, the only thing known for certain is that it started far to the West. Witnesses say that a reddish-purple wave crawled across the sky followed by an incredible thunderclap that almost shook reinforced walls off their foundations, some even report the heavenly bands turned blood red for days. At this time, the wondrous tools that the Solarians created either ceased working, or were outright obliterated, along with most of their masters. The people had been almost completely severed from magick! Dwarven, and Elven records confirm that it wasn’t just humans that were affected. Over time, it was even rumored that priests, and clergy were no longer touched by their gods. Soon after, the remaining Solarians fled. It is doubtful they still exist in some form today; Solarians have since become a sort of Boogeyman. I’m sure dear reader you’ve been told the bedtime stories that say, the rare child that is especially gifted in magic, who dares practice in the open, is spirited away in the night by Solarians to be used for some nefarious purpose. This and many other similar stories intended to frighten children, and layfolk into disciplining themselves. Much time, and research has been poured into making Solarian technology functional again, alas there have been no breakthroughs. Regardless, with the destruction of the Solarians, the human realms slowly plunged into Chaos, it became immediately apparent how subjects of the empire had grown to depend on magick, and Solarian technology. Notably, at this time, one Lucien Tasus of Hestalia, rallied the people. A gifted mage, Lucien had studied with the elves, and joined the ranks of the Solarians, but always kept his people at heart. Seizing the opportunity, he advocated for a new system of rule, a rule by the people. The sitting puppet king, and his family were forced to flee Hestalia, shortly thereafter a new form of government was born, a republic, the Aquilarian Republic. A more fair and just system of government where hard work guaranteed citizenship, where all are equal under the eyes of the law, where citizens can elect their leadership. It’s one of the reasons we have such a diverse, and dedicated people including halflings, gnomes, orcs, dwarves and even elves on occasion! All citizens of this great republic!
7H The reconnection with magick, and the mark that Solaria left. Over the course of some years, the people had started to gradually, and more potently reconnect with magick. Regretfully, a new menace was exposed, that plagues us to this day. On the 27^th of May, the first event of at least one known curse that the calamitous Solarians left us with occurred. There is some dispute as to the exact circumstances of the first documented case, regardless, the first case of otherworldy puppeteering was one Aventirus Etho, of what was then the township of Mod. Reports state that he was screaming like a lunatic, while bolting from his apartment where he had been studying. He made his way to the edge of town, and collapsed on the ground while screaming words in some unknown language. Some moments later, to the shock of townsfolk, he rose up from the ground into the air. His eyes were said to be milk white, then the slaughter started. He left in his wake over 30 dead or dying, and a third of the town burned to ash. It was only the quick thinking of a guardsman, and the heroic deeds of republic mages that lay him low and prevented more death and destruction. Most folks assumed this was a fluke, or an accident of some sort. This would be the first of many very similar incidents across the continent. This is the very reason for the creation of the Order of the Golden Dawn, and why we and other lands have similar laws on magick, and the college licensing requirements in place to this very day. The Order, and the Colleges have been working feverishly to find a cure, but even after all these years no real meaningful progress has been made.

82H The aggression of Echoviel, and the spread of the republic. Echoviel, who long coveted the riches of Villa Massa, with the support of Niborg, and Nemedia finally made their move. Despite the cowardly attack, and illegal occupation of Villa Massa, Echoviel and their jealous allies forced the Republic to declare war. Although disciplined, well trained, and equipped, the legions of this great Republic had never been engaged in large scale state warfare before. Led by the brilliant tactician Marcus Domitius Sulla, who was tutored by the famed Dwarven master of war Thil Boldir himself, summoned what soldiers he could with haste. His brave, but outnumbered, legionnaires, and a single incarnatum (one incarnatum, is four of sixteen, or one leaf of a quatuor incarnatum, “crimson clover”) of mages successfully dislodged the entrenched army, and routed them. It became clear these kingdoms felt threatened by the Republic, after all, their peoples had been escaping subjugation and servitude in droves to become citizens of the Republic. In just 15 years, the republic had conquered Echoviel, and all its allies.
101H Expansion into Keshaan, and the discovery of the third monolith. By 101H, the Republic expanded into Keshaan (A region, just across the Stygian). The tiresome Hettanite raiding by the Keshaani unified ‘kingdoms’, spurred the Republic to put a final, and decisive end to their endeavors in 101H (with some help from our Stygian allies). Republic scholars discovered a third monolith, constructed in the same manner as those found in Stygia. Under intense scrutiny, it’s purpose or function still remains unknown.

The Elves, and the formation of their Federation

Regarding the Elves, I’ve recorded what information scholars have gathered from the residents we have in Rema, and those that have traveled to the Republic provinces, and further to Leone’. The Elves produce some of the most awe-inspiring architecture, art, and music, one only need travel to Leone’ to see evidence of the incredible impact they’ve had on the culture, and building methods there. They tend to be very intelligent, knife-like ears, hooded almond shaped eyes, delicate in appearance, fair to golden in skin, graceful in movement, haughty in disposition, socialize only with their own, and have a penchant for worshiping their ancestors. Most Republic folk call them Puro (Castarri for those that split from their original peoples), but the less educated might refer to them as Sica, Auris Pugs, Auris, or just Pugs (very offensive terms). Based on Republic Census records, and my research, Elves have a relatively low birth rate, compared to humans at least, having a reproductive cycle at least four times as long as that of humans. There are however, a few examples that prove they are capable of crossbreeding with humans, of which the prodigy is typically called Aequus, but there are some distasteful terms I’ve heard such as Spurcus, or Canes. I’ve not knowingly met a crossbreed, so I cannot speak to what their typical day to day life and activities are like. The small community we have in Rema, can usually be found in the Lyrian district, they only ever employ Dwarven developers, but the product of their architecture is beautiful to behold, sweeping arches with tall graceful sweeping roofs. Most Elves here usually work as bankers, or are highly sought after for commissioned works in the Arts, Music, and Swordplay.
As for history, the Elven Federation (which they call the “Govannen” was originally six separate factions or kingdoms. Over hundreds (maybe thousands!) of years they have dealt with incursions from savage Orcs, and even man-like creatures (tribes maybe? Like the Picts we dealt with of the past?). Reasoning (conjecture?) would determine that their relatively low birth rates, and constant hostility from outside forces would galvanize these disparate factions into a singular entity ensuring preservation. Most scholars assumed the formation of the Federation happened some 700 years ago, and provided the groundwork to form the Republic based on Lucien’s study with the Elves, which is notable because the Elves are famously anti-ausland, and Lucien’s historical account is the only documented instance we have of a human even visiting the Elven homeland.
There was some sort of internal strife, an abjection that formed the distinctly separate Elven holding of Elthe’Lorn. These ‘Wood Elves’ have incredibly rare (violent) contact with outsiders, and there is much supposition that a disagreement in policy, or religion may have caused some kind of schism. Although not outright hostile toward their brethren, they are considered fickle, and dangerous to anyone else.
There is also the matter of the singular independent kingdom of the Ynithandronyll. Apparently, they never signed an accord to join the federation and have functioned independently all these years. Despite being more secretive than the Federation itself, I have it on good authority that they do have an established trading presence on Qen’Vaktel.
The Vodarri, or the ‘Sea’ Elves. There is much consternation over their origins, suffice to say they are the ones most commonly brokering trade with the governments of men, or ferrying Federation elves across the Arrakian. They are the go-betweens for the Elven Federation and the provinces of men. You can find them on occasion in most port cities, they are very similar in appearance to Federation Elves, delicate in feature, and pointed ears, but their exotic blue to deep sea black skin certainly sets them apart. Their demeanor is also markedly different, they tend to be unbothered with worldly whims, the plight of men or even their brethren. Despite their buoyant behavior, they appear to be quite dedicated to their “Hesto” (Captain?). Exceptionally, there are sea elves that have committed to what amounts to piracy against the Republic. Additionally, for all intents and purposes, they have apparently claimed Qen’Vaktel as their home, or capital, or some such.

Our Allies the Dwarves

The Dwarves are known to have four distinct nations, the Khaluun Hetgel, the Rhakarkhrak, the Kharak Fels, and the Muzlatigantaxt.
Khaluun Hetgel, and Rhakarkhrak have been steadfast allies of the Republic for hundreds of years. Some of their artisans, engineers, and scientists have even settled right here in Rema.
Calx are well known throughout the Republic for their marvelous, no-nonsense craftsmanship, their uncanny alchemical knowledge, and their stoic determination. They have even traded the highly guarded secret of stone splitting powder, Incendium Pulveris, Gunpowder. Their knowledge, and trade in alchemy and sciences with the Republic have been invaluable.
In Dwarven tradition, they were born from the womb of Kivi, far under the earth in what is now Muzlatigantaxt. Fathered by Kar, they were given knowledge of stone, and the elements, and were sent forth to bring glory to their parents via their creations and conquest of the Underdark (the original stone tablets can still be found in Muzlatigantaxt). The four nations have been around a long time, but there is a story about their formation. Originally there were five nations, some thousands of years ago, it is said the Dwarven peoples were at conflict with each other almost as much as they were the denizens of the Underdark. One eve, Kar himself appeared to the individual leaders of the Dwarves in their sleep. As punishment for their disobedience, he swore an oath that if one dwarf were to commit violence on another in pursuit of their own glory over those of dwarvenkind, they would be cursed, and cast down into the burning bowels of Terra. Vigh Lodihr, leader of Clan Lodihr, having already planned an attack against the ancient stronghold Khon Boldohr (in what is modernly called Khaluun Hetgel) ignored the warning, and started their siege. It is said that on the morning of their attack the ground quaked, a great burning maw opened up and swallowed Clan Lodihr whole, leaving the defenders of Khon Boldohr completely untouched. Since that day, the dwarven nations have never committed direct violence against one another. The exact rules on what kinds of actions are permitted under the oath are varied and incredibly complex. The Dwarves have a tribunal, with representatives from each nation, that interprets the written oaths recorded from the dream, along with the other directives dictated by Kar via the tablets in Muzlatigantaxt.
The nation of Rhakarkhrak, were the first to actively trade with Solarians, making their way down the Rubicon all the way to what is modern day Rema. Today, you can find them more or less in the Graucus district of Rema where they tend to make their homes. They certainly use a more distinct building style for their houses, architecture reminiscent of their home lands. In fact, the engineering board in Rema always has at least one Dwarf at any given time!
Dwarves are typically called Forticans (formal, military) or more commonly Calx. There are some less savory terms such as “Lutums” or just plain “Luts”, uttered by only the most delinquent members we have in our society.

On the Gnomes

Although few in number, the Gnomes of the republic are highly sought after for their skills in technological innovations, breakthroughs, mechanical intuition, and manipulation of elemental reagents. Unfortunately, some of their constant boundary pushing in both technologies, and magicks produce unwanted or disastrous results. Which is why they tend to be supervised by the engineering board in Rema, or by the Tribus Erus or just plain “Erus” (The arm of the government that sets laws for the learning and use of magicks). Despite these drawbacks, they have been indispensable in the development of the common tools, time saving devices, and the arms and armor we field in the Republic today.
There is a small community of Gnomes near the Graucus district in Rema. They get along notably well with the Dwarves, from whom they are able to access difficult to find materials, or exceptional gemstones. I’ve never seen one idle, they toil constantly, some have even said they never sleep (they do). When set to a task, they pursue it with an incredible single-minded voracity, there have been concerns that they could potentially work themselves to death in extreme cases.
Gnomes originate from the foothills of Hyborea, between the Rhakarkhrak and Muzlatigantaxt nations. Their largest, and oldest, settlement, Aithne Kier, being connected to both dwarven nations via some exceptional underground network, it’s effectively hidden by some unknown means, the only way to find it is to be invited by the Gnomes themselves. They’ve always had a strong relationship with dwarves, trading their expert services for access to the elements the dwarves are famous for digging up. It’s even rumored that some Gnomes will work for a simple room and board just to pursue their passions! In turn the Dwarves have offered protection to their rather frail allies.

On the Orckind

We will be talking about the civilized Orcs (Gens), the citizens of the Republic, and tribes that trade regularly with the Republic with their goods and services.
Modern ‘civilized’ Gens can trace their ancestry to the Thantaine delta, in what was previously the Iman empire, currently bordered to the North and West by Stygia between the Coptic sea and the great Nehir river. By all accounts, they have been at war with their savage brethren for time immortal. At some point in their history they were one and the same, but one of their tribes, after prolonged contact with Immanites, started to break with tradition and started pursuing more sustainable methods of survival instead of relying on constant raiding, and bloodshed.
Today the more civilized Gens can be found in various parts of the Republic, even lending aid in repelling savages. Although there are some small tribes near Rema, they rarely stay in the city itself, preferring to keep to themselves, and enjoy great open spaces. They are famously employed as elite guards to some Senators, and Merchant Guilds. Others that have followed more shamanistic approaches, although their methods may be considered uncivilized, there is no doubt the end result of their healing skills. Everyone knows the story of how Lucien, mortally wounded, was found by a Shaman, and brought back to health, some even say that Gens Shaman endowed Lucien with otherworldly power. Regardless of the circumstances, Lucien forged alliances with the Gens, brought them into the fold of the Republic, and ended with the formation of their famous Black Hand Sagittari unit in the Republic Manipular. There are many well-known artisans and healers (which certainly comes in handy in the aftermath of their illegal ‘games’) among the Gens. There has even been a resurgence of collectors of authentic tribal art in Rema. Although they generally keep to themselves, once angered it can be quite ruinous to attempt to break up two Gens in a fight, which is unfortunately why law tends to be levied on them the way it does. Fair or Not.

On Halflings

Like gnomes, halfling communities can be found in the Hyborean foothills, just further away from the mountains. The largest, and southernmost one known as Meadowfield, is the most notable for its trade. Imports of halflings produce (and especially tobacco) are highly prized in the Republic, and fetch a sizable price. Industrious farmers, it’s said they are capable of growing anything in even the most barren of soils. Despite efforts to recruit them in the Republic, they rarely stay long. The ones that have remained, under their tutelage the Republic has been able to increase crop output by almost two-fold!
Although they’ve not carved any empires, nor built any incredible marvels, the gifts they have given the Republic should never be underestimated. A hungry population is an angry population.

On Tieflings

The Demonfolk, the Malus Infernus, Imps, Cursed, etc… Possibly the most maligned “peoples” in Terra. Though relatively few in number, they can be found in various parts of the Republic, off the beaten path in their wagon homes. Originally from the ancient land of Raki’ (the great area including Roki’Subra), under persecution by the Solarians, most fled in a sort of exodus. Their lands ripe for the taking, you will find far more settlers from the old Iman Empire there than its indigenous people.
There are other scholars, such as my good friend Glannum Alieus, that are actively trying to uncover the mysterious history of the Tieflings, despite the Solarians’ attempt to destroy it. There are rumors ancient temples may have escaped the Solarians eradication, yet none have been found that I know of.
Most of their history is passed on from parent to child by word of mouth, the following, shortened in content, transcription being the most common: “A long time ago Queen Kashi, and her inseparable consort Ba’ar were fair and just rulers that unified the people of Raki’, and brought wealth, peace, and prosperity to their subjects. One summer day, Ba’ar fell mysteriously ill. Within days he went from a beautiful, proud companion to weeping day and night, taken by the agony of his bleeding sores. Despite the efforts of their best healers, Ba’ar knew no comfort, nor healing. Unwilling to accept his passing, Kashi turned to their old gods. She made a pact with some unknowable being, miraculously bringing Ba’ar back from death. That year, there was an abundance of crops, the wine flowed like water, and the people were content. It would come to pass that Kashi found herself with child, a great festival was had, Ba’ar and the people rejoiced for many days, and many nights! Some months later, the day came for Sundar Jeevan, beautiful child of the people, to enter the world. The birth was a terrible affair, Kashi labored for seven days, and seven nights, bringing Sundar to us. Sundar was not like other children for between his small silky locks lay two black horns, and on his backside a tail. Ashamed, these great leaders hid Sundar away from the watchful eyes of their people, even their own family. It wasn’t long after word spread that any children born by the people of Raki’ were said to be twisted, haunting caricatures of normal children, with monstrous features such as animal-like horns, and monkeyed tails. Many were left, exposed to the elements to perish, the children of more charitable parents were luckier, allowed to live, and hidden away. The people were broken, none could bear normal children, they begged and pleaded with Kashi and Ba’ar, but their cries fell on deaf ears. The people turned to their priests for some way to lift the curse. Now desperate, the priests assured them that, should the first child be sacrificed, the curse would be lifted. Many children were brought to the slab, their blood used to appease the gods. But the gods never answered, no relief came, they were still cursed. A midwife from the royal family exposed Sundar’s secret, even under threat of death. Many suspected that Sundar was twisted like the other children, but now they knew with certainty. The people demanded that Sundar be brought to the temple, and laid upon the slab. Kashi and Ba’ar refused, the people revolted! The streets ran red with the blood of the people, but still they came on, for if they couldn’t end this curse, what would become of them? They forced their way to the palace gates, the couple waited, knowing they were certain to be executed if they didn’t give up their child. The crazed, desperate mob crashed through the gates, Kashi couldn’t bear to lose Sundar, so she fled through a secret hole. Ba’ar stayed behind to prevent her discovery, and was slain by a stone cast by a commoner. The people looked high and low for Kashi and Sundar, but they were never found. It was time to make peace with their lot, the curse that would define their people. “

On the topic of faith in Ebria

The Most Common Human Religions:

Solarianism, “The steeled open mind”, there is some debate on whether it is technically even a religion, mostly practiced by magic users, it was developed and taught by the Solarians. The focus on the inner self “Antaraatma”, and the ability to quiet the mind, reflect on things you are thankful for, and focus intently without distraction. It starts as closed eye meditation but with much practice, progresses to open eye meditation with hyper awareness. The ultimate goal is to open the mind and allow the practitioner to more strongly connect with the ebb and flow of magick, and to protect one from daevas (daemons, evil spirits)

The Old Ways, practiced in various forms around the Republic, and further abroad:

Haki god of Justice
Anoha goddess of peace, love, fertility.
Bellor, god of war, destruction.
Crionad (Crion) god of decay, pestilence, rot.
Marcab, the keeper of the underworld, reaper of the dead.
Safaes the wanderer of the wood, sower of fields.
Namondwe keeper of the oceans, waterways, storms, and the deep.
Yaduru, keeper of knowledge, the unseen wanderer, the scribe.
Catak, the laughing god, trickster.

Of note, dominant

Shuhao: “The Open Path to the Heavens” practiced in Yuhan, not much is known about it outside of Yuhan (save for a small following of dwarves) but observers say it appears similar to Solarianism, with long periods of silence, or sometimes with odd humming sounds.
The Old Stygian Pantheon, the six sisters, and the five brothers:

Khepri, the morning sun, a sun cresting the horizon
MA, Gate Keeper of the Heavens, Scarab
Shani, secrets, cobra
Nefertiti, Queen of the Time/Sands, an hourglass
Isis, bringer of life , Knot of Isis
Maye, Love, clasped hands
Set, life and death, Ouroboros
Akh, knowledge, Maat’s feather
Zosar, justice, scales
Abrax, king of the dunes, a sceptre
Ammon, the hidden, a lapis eye in a golden triangle

Traditionally Khepri, and her six sisters were bore from Khnurn (The Sun), Set and his five brothers each one came from the five stars in the southern sky, from what we call the cat’s paw constellation, Set himself from the northernmost star, they call it heaven’s wheel (if my translation is correct). Set, and his brothers, catching sight of Khepri and her sisters, created the heavenly bands, where they could dwell and watch while Khepri and her sisters created the lands, the seas, the trees and all manner of beasts.

Raki’

Zalmoxism?

Far to the East they believe that Zalmoxis (Zalmos?) was a man that, by unlocking the secrets to the stars, ascended to the heavens. The cultists there practice a lot of star viewing while imbibing poisons.

Most Common Elven Religion:

Hynafyadism: Traditional Elven religion of ancestor worship (well more like very strong appreciation) They have a few tenants:

1) Honor your ancestors – (I’m unsure of the precise rituals, suffice to say they are very exacting)
2) Harmony in the Home – the home should be free of conflict, tranquility is paramount
3) There are other Tenets I’m sure, If only Elves would open up, they have a habit of spinning tales that are clearly untrue when prodded about their people or religion.

Most Common Gens Religions:

Gens tend to revere the primal elemental forces, which includes water, fire, wind, earth, and spirit. That being said, there are followers that practice what appears to be a modified form of Hynafyadism, where there is a belief that honoring powerful ancestors allows their spirits to appear in times of great need. There are some shamanistic sects, especially among the less civilized tribes.

Most Common Dwarven Religions:

There are some dwarves that have adopted Shuhao (or a modified version), but most follow the teachings of the Underfather Kar/The Sullen/The Irritable, The Wrathful, The Ill-tempered, and the Undermother/Stone Mother/Mother Luck/ Kivi. Households typically have a statuette of the Stone Mother (under mother) either reclining on the side of a mountain or with her arms held in a V with a mountain behind her, or otherwise on a pendant that looks very similar to those used by followers of Anoha, although a bit shorter and fatter. It is said not to pray to the under father lest you anger him, there is however a sect dedicated to Kar, even if they don’t dare pray directly to him, he teaches ingenuity, perseverance, mastery of skill, stoicism, leadership, and independence. They will typically have a short ritual to Kivi prior to breaking stone on a new tunnel, or when finishing a new project, for her to protect them from calamity. It is said that Kar carved the Dwarves from the very stone, so perfect was his work that Kivi was able to breathe life into it, and thus the Dwarves were born.