Urdunnir

The Urdvergur, or "Gemcutters," are an enigmatic offshoot of Dwarf, with their origins tied to the cataclysmic events of the Second Continuum Crisis during the Third Age. Like many mortal species of the Fourth and Fifth Ages, the Urdvergur were believed to have been shaped by the arcane mutations wrought by the fracturing of Unknown, which unleashed chaotic energies that irreversibly altered the Elf of that era. Among those affected, a group of subterranean Njordir transformed into these stone-skinned dwarves, gaining an affinity for the deep earth and its treasures.

Urdvergur resemble their dwarven kin in stature and build, though their stone-gray skin and hair set them apart. Their eyes, like molten silver, reflect the glimmer of the gems they hold so dear. Males carefully groom their rocky beards into intricate patterns, while females lack facial hair but often wear crystalline ornaments braided into their hair. Their appearance is reminiscent of the stone they call home, and they radiate an aura of unyielding strength.

Over time, the Urdvergur diverged significantly from their dwarven cousins. Their existence became one with the stone and ore beneath the surface of the Prime Plane, granting them unique abilities and a lifestyle that revolved around the mysteries of the deep. Notably, the founded the town of Ore in the Greypeak Mountains.

Abilities of the Earthbound

The Urdvergur are deeply connected to the essence of stone and metal, their abilities reflecting this bond. They can move through solid earth and stone as if it were air, their bodies gliding effortlessly through rock without resistance. This innate ability allows them to transport objects weighing up to twice their body weight through stone.

In addition, they possess a remarkable talent for shaping and molding stone and metal as if it were wet clay. With their touch, they can sculpt intricate designs, forge tools, or even repair damaged structures, leaving the material solidified and pristine after their work. This gift has made them unparalleled artisans, revered by those fortunate enough to see their creations.

Unlike most mortals, the Urdvergur do not consume traditional food. Instead, they sustain themselves by feeding on gemstones and precious minerals, their metabolism uniquely adapted to extract sustenance from the earth’s treasures (see: Floragem). Each Urdvergur settlement meticulously cultivates and safeguards self-replenishing gem sources, defending them fiercely from threats.

Delvers of the Deep

The Urdvergur live in tightly knit communities deep beneath the surface, their homes carved into the walls of vast underground caverns that shimmer with the light of bioluminescent fungi and crystalline veins. Their culture revolves around the art of gemcraft and stonework, and their settlements are architectural marvels, adorned with sculptures and reliefs that tell the stories of their lineage.

Among their greatest enemies are the Xorn, bizarre elemental creatures that also consume gemstones. The Urdvergur harbor an ancestral hatred for these subterranean creatures and will kill them on sight to protect their settlements and their precious food sources.

Despite their reclusive nature, the Urdvergur are not wholly isolated. They occasionally trade their finely crafted goods with other subterranean races, though they guard the secrets of their craft fiercely. Their creations, imbued with their unique abilities, are highly sought after and often regarded as relics of unmatched beauty and power.

Stonewall Protectors

Though peaceful by nature, the Urdvergur are fierce warriors when provoked. Their ability to merge with the stone and strike from the shadows makes them formidable adversaries. They wield weapons and armor of unparalleled craftsmanship, often imbued with elemental magic drawn from the gems they consume. Their warriors are known as Stone Wardens, protectors of their people and their way of life.

Legacy

The Urdvergur stand as living testaments to the unpredictable power of the Second Continuum Crisis. Born from the chaos of that age, they have transformed their curse into a blessing, thriving in the depths of the earth and shaping a legacy of resilience, artistry, and strength.

“In the veins of the earth, we find life. In the depths of stone, we find our purpose. To the Urdvergur, the mountain is both home and sanctuary, as unyielding as our resolve.” – Stonelord Zephyr Moonstone