Chômkar
(also known as Dwarves)

The so-called dwarves of Shadlen are unlike those found in other worlds, as you will find in the sections below.

Description

    Chômkar stand 4 1/2 to 5 feet tall with very muscular frames.  Their skin can run from pale to a deep tan or ruddy, and their eyes are typically various shades of brown.  Their hair have a wide range, white, gray, black, browns, blond.  Chômkar men usually have long well tended beards but their hair is kept shorter, usually no longer than the shoulder.  Chômkar women have hairless faces but generally keep their hair very long, some with such intricate braiding and decorations as to rival the male beards.  There are no subraces of Chômkar.

Racial Traits

    As per Players Handbook except :

Society

Afterlife :
    Chômkar believe that when they die their souls go to great ancestral halls in a sort of heaven.  In these halls they will be reunited with those they love and who had passed away previously.  If the individual led a good and industrious life they will be granted an afterlife of joy and plenty, where they may spend eternity doing those things they most enjoy.  On the other hand, those that were evil or lazy are punished in the afterlife, being forced to toil in difficult and unpleasant tasks.  It is possible for those who were unworthy to redeem themselves either through their servitude or through aiding the living in battle (see Spiritualist prestige class).

The Arts

Literature :
    Though most Chômkar know how to read and write, these skills are seldom used to write books.  Stories, legends and historical accounts are most often taught verbally from generation to generation.  The major except to this are chronicles which usually take the form of writing down facts that happen year by year.  It is said that most if not all Chômkar communities have such a chronicle, some going back 1000s of years.

Music :
    The Chômkar use a variety of percussion (drums, cymbals, triangles, etc) and horn instruments.  String and more complicated wind instruments are unknown in Chômkar society.  Unlike many other cultures they view these instruments only as accompaniments to vocals and not music in their own right.  Songs and especially chants hold an important place in Chômkar society.

Painting :
    Often surprising to outsiders  is that painting is a respected art form within Chômkar society.  However Chômkar painting is never done on flat surfaces to portray a scene, instead they use painting to realism to their carvings.  Chômkar cities are full of relief carvings on walls whose detail and painting brings them almost to life.

Poetry :
    Though not really poetry the Chômkar do have something along similar lines.  Often at casual gatherings (especially amongst the elderly) a session of Truths will take place.  The individuals (in between sips of ale and drags on a pipe) take turns saying a truism.  The more profound the truth the better, and those that can refute another's truism is often applauded (except by the one who said the truism in the first place).  This game can have further ramifications in realms where the Chômkar elect officials.  Those that are good at the game will often be remembered as wise by their peers and can serve them well when running for an office.

<note - need to think up some examples>

Sculpture :
    Most likely the most widespread of the arts amongst the Chômkar is that of sculpture.  Most of such sculpture is carvings done in stone (soapstone being the most common) though where available wood and even clay sculptures can be found.

Warfare

Wailing Weapons :
    Among a number of the Chômkar communities are weapons that are made to give off a  screaming or wailing sound when swung.  Upon examination minute holes are found in the weapon, how these are made and not weaken the weapon is a secret they keep close.  It's been said they were developed to unnerve their enemies, especially ones with knowledge that the Chômkar can call upon spirit warriors.

Battle Chants :
    Unlike the funerary chant, battle chants and cries vary from location to location.  Some of the more elaborate include horns and drums though most consist of just vocals accented with pounding weapons.

    Here is an example of the a battle chant.  Though in actuality this is more of a battle cry than chant as it is done quite loudly.  The Chômkar chant is given, then a loose translation.  Every second line is an action taken after completing the preceding chant.

"Kozad aghra doza aravk!" - Flee now while you can.
::pounding the haft of your weapon on the ground or stomping once::
"Jrakh im chathri fruj ithud!" - Death only will you find.
::pointing weapon at enemy::
"Kracha uduz araghz vri Chômkar!" - For we are the true people.
::pounding the haft of your weapon on the ground or stomping once::
"Dreeeeeeeezaaaaaaaad!" - Viiiiiiiiiiictorrrrrrry
::beating on a shield or chest 3 times quickly::