Malkas Alon

The Malkas Alon — called Wood Dwarves by most humans, and derisively nicknamed Petty Dwarves by the Karshak Alon proper — are one of the seven clans of the Karshak Alon species. Where the Karshak master stone and the Brangok Alon work precious metals and gems, the Malkas Alon prefer timber, carpentry, and the forest. They are also farmers, woodcutters, charcoal burners, and coopers — trades the stone-proud Karshak view as humble at best.

Despite this reputation, the Malkas Alon are gifted craftsmen whose skill in wood rivals anything a human woodworker can produce — and their mastery of the axe, both as a tool and as a sport, is legendary in their own communities. Drunken axe-throwing competitions at the tavern range are a beloved pastime. They are also capable smiths, and their ironwork surprised even the haughty Alon Dradrien when the two peoples worked together in Vanador.

The Malkas Alon breed more prolifically than the Karshak proper — multiple children are common, extended families are the norm — and they are significantly more jovial and democratic in temperament. Their communities traditionally choose leadership by monthly vote of household representatives rather than by hereditary rank. They are shorter-lived than the Karshak, but still long-lived by human standards.

For centuries the Malkas Alon were little more than an underclass, doing the grunt work that the Karshak considered beneath their dignity. Minalan the Spellmonger changed that when he invited Rumel and his folk to settle in Vanador as equal subjects. Given the opportunity to work for themselves and be appreciated, the Wood Dwarves produced a flourishing quarter of artisan craft and commerce, their work celebrated in a way it had never been before.