Bishtan

The Bishtani dwarves and the Underland humans came into existence at the same time. They inhabit the top level of the Underdark, where the sun shines through massive sinkholes into their exquisitely crafted dwellings. Many Bishtan live and work alongside humans harmoniously, but some dissenters believe the Bishtan to be the superior race. The Sumissus faction stayed to work with the humans in the interest of progress and success, but the Semultas left to form their own collective and wage war against the Sumissus and the humans and any other race that breathed near them, looked at them wrong, or looked at them at all. They formed the Bishtani stronghold Ta'Anhan, where very few are welcome. However, the Sumissus Bishtan continue to work with the other races inhabiting the world as the best blacksmiths, leatherworkers, and stonemasons to be found.

Physical Description: Bishtan are small, slender dwarves with pale skin and large, dark eyes. Their proportions aren't that dissimilar to humans but for their height, which maxes out at 4 feet. Many have beards, but it isn't a very important part of their culture. Clean-shaven dwarf faces aren't an uncommon sight, much to the horror of their Overland counterparts.

Society: Bishtan live in large communities integrated with a large variety of races, but don't usually call themselves cities. The closest the Bishtan come to a central ruler is Farlun, the leader of Ta'Anhan. They integrate into every society and seek business, but many don't have appetite for political ascension.

Relations: Bishtan are welcomed to any fireside and any city: they are craftsmen of the highest caliber. The Semultas faction is met with drawn swords wherever they go.

Alignment and Religion: The Bishtan worship the Huntsman, the Matron, and the Rioteer; the Huntsman is the god of the hunt, of bountiful leather and meat, of hearths and fires and gold and riches; The Matron is the protectorate goddess, she is seen as warlike, fierce and loyal, strong, brave, and kind. She protects the weak and aids the strong. The Rioteer is a god worshipped by very few of the Bishtan, but with an overwhelming fervor that grants him incredible strength. He is the god of mischief, of plagues and famine and war and brutal, berserk strength; he’s obscenely intelligent and manipulative; The Rioteer is chaotic evil and those who worship him tend to be the same.

Adventurers: Bishtan are in it for the money. Bishtani travelers enjoy business and trade and blooming commerce, choosing bustling city life and busy glowing forges to solitude. They favor the Artificer, Pyrokineticist, and Cleric classes.

Female names: Ebrataine, Araban'na, Dornweada, Laume, Maurna, Estuilyn

Male names: Bastok, Jokruth, Lustrolun, Aderhoun, Sidhak, Radrut