Holtaksen

Symbol of the Five Kings Mountains, the centre of Holtaksen culture.

The Holtaksen, or mountain dwarves, are one of the main ethnicities of the dwarven ancestry alongside the Grondaksen and Ergaksen, and live in fortresses built among mountain peaks.

Appearance

Holtaksen are usually a few inches taller than other dwarves. Their pupils are larger than normal, and they have long hair that is often worn braided.

Culture

Holtaksen dwarves feel a strong need to relive the glory days of the Quest for Sky and are the most militant of the dwarven cultures, often warring against orcs and giants and stockpiling great stores of treasure won in battle. They are not foolhardy, however, and make use of hit-and-run tactics in enemy territory and complex defenses in their campaigns. They also feel a strong pull towards heroic quests, and it is rare to meet a mountain dwarf who has never been on an adventure at some point in their life.

Holtaksen clothing is mostly muted and dark, but every dwarf wears a piece of clothing, usually a scarf or bandanna, in bright colors matching their clan's traditional gemstones. This is referred to as a glory ribbon; if the dwarf dies in battle, their companions tear up the ribbon and weave it into their own clothing.