Hello there, connoisseurs of the Slavic Myths!
We are back with another glorious update on "Gardar Realm"! As we enter Week 3, we would like to introduce another faction - the Gmuri of the Malachite Hills!
The Conception of the Gmuri
In the primordial age, when the world was still young and untamed, the first of the giants, Svyatogor, had a radiant daughter named Alina. Alina possessed the strength of mountains and the wisdom of ancient earth. Just as the other Giants she too shaped the earth, molding and carving out intricate cave systems that ran like veins through the land.
Svarozhich, son of Svarog and Lada, happened upon Alina as she was working her craft in the far South East of Gardar. Intrigued by her mastery and beauty, he approached her, drawn by a force beyond mere curiosity. Alina, aware of Svarozhich's reputation and equally intrigued by him, welcomed his approach but sought to test his true nature.
To earn her favor, Alina set three feats for Svarozhich to perform, each one designed to test a different aspect of his character. The first of the was a challenge of strength - Alina challenged Svarozhich to lift an uncraved fragment of a mountain. With a deep breath, he embraced the rock, his muscles straining, and then lifted it high above his head. The earth trembled in acknowledgment of his strength, and Alina nodded in approval.
Next, Alina led Svarozhich to a maze within the caves she had crafted. The maze was a living puzzle, shifting and changing as one navigated it. She challenged him to find his way to the heart of the maze and back again. Svarozhich, unshaken, entered the maze and, relying on his keen mind and intuition, navigated its ever-changing paths.
Finally, Alina asked Svarozhich to bring her something that belonged to his mother as a sign of loyalty. Unfazed, he sneaked into his home and borrowed his mother’s ring. Impressed by his dedication, Alina accepted his advances and announced that she would in fact become his partner. Together they invited Svarog, Lada, and Svyatogor to ask for blessing and to apologise for borrowing the Lada’s ring. Initially, both Svarog and Svyatogor were furious at these machinations, but Lada laughingly brushed it off and convinced them to agree.
From this union came the Gmuri, inheritors of both the strength of the giants and the intelligence and loyalty of Svarozhich. These dwarfs, strong and wise, took to the hills and caves where their divine parents met and forged a great kingdom, built upon their mastery of metallurgy and craftsmanship.
Gmuri
Gmuri inhabit the Malachite Hills, a vast area of hills and expansive cave systems in the south-east reaches of Gardar. Visually they are stout and robust, their hands are skilled, eyes keen, and their bodies adapted to the hard work of mining, forging, and crafting. Craftsmanship is at the core of Gmuri society. They are master artisans, miners, and builders, known for their exquisite creations that embody both functionality and beauty.
Nestled in the south-eastern reaches of Gardar, the Malachite Hills is a vast area of hills, caves, and intricate settlements.
The hills themselves are covered in vibrant shades of green, flecked with the iridescent glow of malachite that lends the region its name. Streams cut through the landscape, shimmering with minerals, and the vegetation thrives in earth rich with precious ores.
Life underground, no matter how beautifully structured, isn't appealing to everyone. The absence of natural sunlight for extended periods, limited open spaces, and the feel of being 'buried' can be daunting for many, especially those from open landscapes. Additionally the tiered structure of the Malachite Hills, though efficient, requires a certain adherence to the Gmuri's way of life. Often for outsiders, integrating into this structured way of living proves challenging. That said, the structure of the Malachite Hills, combined with the Gmuri's expertise, makes their dwellings a fortress against external threats, both environmental and hostile. This security is quite appealing to those seeking refuge or stability.
Settlements
Nestled in the south-eastern reaches of Gardar, the Malachite Hills is a vast area of hills, caves, and intricate settlements.
The hills themselves are covered in vibrant shades of green, flecked with the iridescent glow of malachite that lends the region its name. Streams cut through the landscape, shimmering with minerals, and the vegetation thrives in earth rich with precious ores.
The Gmuri settlements are feats of architectural engineering, reaching deep into the hills but not confined to the underground. Their design respects the natural flow of the land and is divided into layers, each serving a distinct function:
- Surface Layer: The surface layer is where commerce and diplomacy take place. Here, traders from various races meet to exchange goods, and emissaries are received. This layer is adorned with beautiful stonework and intricate metal designs.
- Residential Layer: The residential layer is where the Gmuri make their homes. Carved into the hills, these dwellings are comfortable and inviting, with every stone shaped to perfection. This layer is a community space, filled with the warmth of family and the rich tradition of the Gmuri people.
- Agricultural Layer: This layer is a marvel of engineering, where the Gmuri grow their food. Utilizing advanced irrigation and soil cultivation techniques, they've managed to create lush gardens and farmlands within the caves and hollows of the hills.
- Crafting Layer: Below the surface, the crafting layer is a hive of industry. Here, the Gmuri work their forges, shaping metal, stone, and gem with unparalleled mastery. The sounds of hammers and anvils fill the air, accompanied by the soft glow of molten metal. The heat from the layer is also used for temperature control during colder months and to support the agriculture layer.
- Spiritual Layer: The deepest layer is reserved for the spiritual and cultural practices of the Gmuri. Here people pray to the Lady of the Copper Vein, as well as build additional shrines and chambers of wisdom for meditation.
Azova, Lady of the Copper Vein
The Lady of the Copper Vein is a figure of reverence, mystery, and awe among the Gmuri, the dwarfs of the Malachite Hills. As the first of the Gmuri and their spiritual leader, her presence permeates their culture, shaping their values and guiding their pursuits. Her distinguishing attributes are lizards, copper, and malachite, which are often represented in Gmuri art and rituals.
The Lady of the Copper Vein is described as an extraordinarily beautiful young woman with entrancing green eyes. Her dark hair is braided, adorned with ribbons of thin tinkling copper. Her gown, a mesmerizing weave of malachite, shimmers with the rich colors of the earth. Her diadem, decorated with malachite and precious stones, reflects her dominion over the hidden riches of the land.
As a guardian of the underground treasures, Azova possesses a dual nature that embodies both the nurturing and unforgiving aspects of the earth. Surrounded by her loyal servants, small lizards of varying colors, she exudes an aura of grace and power. She can also take the form of a lizard herself.
Skilled craftsmen and good-hearted individuals may find favor in her eyes, receiving her guidance and blessings in finding jewels and gold. She values respect, calmness, and reverence for the land, and those who honor these principles thrive under her watchful eyes.
However, her kindness is balanced by a strict adherence to her conditions and taboos. Young men and women seeking to enter her service must forgo marriage. Disrespect towards the gemstones are met with her disapproval. Violations of these sacred laws can lead to a loss of luck, skill, or even life itself.
Spread the Word!
To make Gardar Realm the most notable and amazing TTRPG out there, we need your help! Share the campaign with friends, family, and fellow adventurers, and let's shake up the realm together.
- Social Share: Post on Twitter (we refuse to call it the new name), Instagram, Facebook and use the hashtag #gardar
- Tell a Friend: If you know someone who'd be excited to venture forth into the realm, invite them along!
Thank you once again for being part of this thrilling journey. Together, we will make Gardar Realm a reality, and you'll be right at the helm as we blast off into the unknown!
Until next time, forge on, adventurers!
Best, Heretical Fun House Team
P.S.
As always here is the link to the project -
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hereticalfunhouse/gardar-realm-slavic-inspired-tabletop-rpg
