Duvain

The Dwarven realm of Duvain lies toward the northern mountain ranges of Aedin. The capital city of Guvain is joined by its younger sister-city Galadhain through an elaborate tunnel system that runs throughout the mountains. Galadhain serves as the eastern bulwark to the rest of the outside world, a city built into the mountainside itself, it's exterior comprises of geometric pyramid-like structures. Despite the physical stature of the dwarves who dwell within the mountain range, the structures that form Duvain's twin cities are grandiose and of larger scale than one would expect.

Government
Duvain is ruled by its High-King, Kormund Runesunder, who succeeded his grandfather some thirty-five years ago. Beneath the High-King are a collection of Thanes, rulers of their own clans who swear obedience to the High-King. Duvain's history is a sporadic one but stretches back over two millennia, with nations rising and falling within its own halls. Two other cities once existed within their kingdom, one to the western mountains and the other far to the north, deep in the frozen tundra. The other Duvaini holds were lost to a mix of factors, but efforts to reclaim the holds occasionally receive support and an expedition is sent to little success. Outside of the High-King and his thanes are the Ruhn Azkaz, or Rune-Priests. The Rune-Priests serve as the primary spiritual leaders of Duvain, interpreting the will of the Dwarven pantheon through the runes. While officially they hold no power beyond that as advisors, they wield great political and cultural sway within the kingdom.

Culture
The dwarves of Duvain are a hardy people, forged over centuries of strife. Despite their long lives, there isn't a dwarf alive who remembers the time when Duvain held all four holds. Ultimately, the Dwarves are broken up into one of four castes--Noble, Scholar, Warrior, or Serf--as dictated by their birth. Naturally, those of Nobility enjoy a wealthier lifestyle and social status, while those of the Serf caste toil away at menial labors such as mining and construction. The Scholars caste contains the Ruhn Azkaz as well as crafters, inventors, and artisan smiths. Naturally, the Warrior caste is the largest, it is also the only caste that members of the other castes can voluntarily join at any given time. With the aforementioned exception, travel between the castes is near-impossible although a few methods do exist. Duvaini who contribute greatly to their society may be elevated to a higher position, however the determination of such accomplishments are at the discretion of the Noble caste who are ill-predisposed to dilute their status.