Dwarf History (Greyhawk)

The map is misinformed about the areas to the south and west; there is much less desert and much more jungle terrain.

The Seven Dwarven Clans of Oerth

The Seven Dwarven Clans were the foundation of Mor-Borad, the legendary empire of Moradin's children. Each clan was entrusted with a farduïn, a sacred symbol of their unity and leadership. Following the dissolution of the empire, the clans fractured, with some thriving in new forms and others fading into obscurity. This article outlines the histories of these clans, their classification as Mountain or Hill Dwarfs, and the fates of their farduïns and the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords.

Markkadin (Mountain Dwarfs)

• Founding: Established by Markad, the eldest son of Moradin, this clan ruled the central lands at the junction of the Sulhauts, Hellfurnaces, and Crystalmists. The capital, Morodindan, housed Azak-Morad, the heart of dwarven culture.
• Significant Events: Markkadin played a central role in the empire and retained its farduïn despite the dissolution of Mor-Borad. It remains a spiritual and cultural hub for dwarves.
• Current Situation: Markkadin dwarves maintain their farduïn, securing their prominence. They are allied with the Yeomanry and lead the Independent League of Dwarven Merchants.
• Controlled Cities: Morodindan and nearby fortresses.
• Farduïn: Yes.

Dumderim (Mountain Dwarfs)

• Founding: Founded by Maddaïn in the Crystalmists, Dumderim was known for its thousand forges and devotion to craftsmanship.
• Significant Events: Despite heavy losses during the Twin Cataclysms, Dumderim dwarves survived by retreating underground. Their farduïn remains intact.
• Current Situation: Dumderim dwarves are reclusive and focused on defending their Crystalmist strongholds.
• Controlled Cities: Stardelem, though diminished.
• Farduïn: Yes.

Holgereth (Mountain Dwarfs)

• Founding: Founded by Lorduïn in the Hellfurnaces, Holgereth was renowned for its fiery forges and rich mines.
• Significant Events
  • Destroyed during the Twin Cataclysms.
  • Survivors migrated to the Lortmils, establishing Balnorhak and Gilmorack.
  • Absorbed many Trimdaïr refugees.
• Current Situation: Holgereth's descendants thrive in the Lortmils.
• Controlled Cities: Gilmorack and Balnorhak; Tergorom is a ruin.
• Farduïn: No.

Trimdaïr (Hill Dwarfs)

• Founding: Founded by Toram in the southern Hellfurnaces, Trimdaïr was celebrated for its emerald mines.
• Significant Events: Trimdaïr was destroyed during the Twin Cataclysms. Its descendants integrated into the Lortmil communities, while others emigrated far to the south and west, disappearing from history.
• Current Situation: Extinct as a political entity, its culture survives in the Principality of Ulek.
• Controlled Cities: None; Trimdaïr is lost.
• Farduïn: No.

Yrden (Mountain Dwarfs)

• Founding: Founded by Yamad in the Barrier Peaks, Yrden was famed for its mithril and adamantium mines.
• Significant Events: Yrden was destroyed in the Twin Cataclysms, leaving only scattered survivors. Its farduïn is lost.
• Current Situation: The Barrier Peaks are overrun by humanoids, though efforts to reclaim them continue.
• Controlled Cities: None; Goran is a legend.
• Farduïn: No.

Berren (Hill Dwarfs)

• Founding: Founded by Hamaïda in the Sulhauts, Berren was renowned for its beauty and pacifism.
• Significant Events: The Invoked Devastation destroyed Berren, scattering its people westward.
• Current Situation: The descendants of Berren have assimilated into other dwarven communities.
• Controlled Cities: None known; Ginkehir is a memory.
• Farduïn: No.

Damgarath/Lyrkerammi (Hill Dwarfs)

• Founding: Damgarath was established by Duegan in the Yatils, with Gartelem as its capital.
• Significant Events
  • King Duegan IV went mad and started the dwarven civil war.
  • After the destruction of clan Damgarath during the Great Dwarf Civil War, its survivors formed the Lyrkerammi clan, meaning "Renewal." Those still in the hold of Duegan's madness became the Duergar.
  • The Lyrkerammi founded colonies across the Flanaess, including Greysmere (Cairn Hills), Firgerem (Griff Mountains), Durkeram (Glorioles), and Irongate (formerly Mirkidan).
  • The Lyrkerammi fought a great war against the Duergar of the Griff mountains, their own kin.
• Current Situation: Prosperous and dispersed, the Lyrkerammi are active in trade and alliances but was the first to lose their farduïn and thus their status as a clan.
• Controlled Cities: Greysmere, Firgerem, Durkeram, and Irongate.
• Farduïn: No.

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Appendix

The Axe of the Dwarvish Lords

The Axe of the Dwarvish Lords, forged by Moradin, symbolizes unity and rulership among dwarves. It was wielded by the Overkings of Mor-Borad until its disappearance during the Twin Cataclysms. Its recovery is said to be crucial to the reconstitution of the empire.

The Seven Farduïn

The farduïns were the sacred symbols of each great clan, representing their unity and authority. Only Markkadin and Dumderim retain theirs, while the others have been lost or destroyed. The prophecy of dwarven unity hinges on the restoration of these artifacts.

• Markkadin: Preserved in Morodindan.
• Dumderim: Preserved in Stardelem.
• Holgereth: Lost during the Twin Cataclysms.
• Trimdaïr: Lost during the Twin Cataclysms.
• Yrden: Lost during the destruction of Goran.
• Berren: Lost during the Invoked Devastation.
• Damgarath: Destroyed during the Great Dwarf Civil War.

Conclusion

The Seven Dwarven Clans of Oerth reflect the resilience and adaptability of their people. Though fractured and diminished, the dwarves continue to thrive in their own ways, holding onto the hope that one day their unity may be restored.