Urkhaim - Revision history

Gronk at 22:29, 22 February 2025

2025-02-22T22:29:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:29, 22 February 2025
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	\|adjective = Urkhaim		\|adjective = Urkhaim
	\|languages = [[Urkhaim Dwarven]]; [[Targai (language)\|Targai]]		\|languages = [[Urkhaim Dwarven]]; [[Targai (language)\|Targai]]
	\|religions = [[~~Dwarven~~ pantheon]]; [[Abanir pantheon]]		\|religions = [[Dwer pantheon]]; [[Abanir pantheon]]
	}}		}}
	'''Urkhaim''' {{Pronunciation\|URK-aim}} is a [[dwarf\|dwarven]] realm within the [[Northern Wall]]. The hardy dwarves that live in this frigid land are largely isolationist and rarely leave their secluded mountain homes, only venturing forth into the [[Aban Steppe]] during their great hunts and to carry their dead to [[Tomb Lake]].		'''Urkhaim''' {{Pronunciation\|URK-aim}} is a [[dwarf\|dwarven]] realm within the [[Northern Wall]]. The hardy dwarves that live in this frigid land are largely isolationist and rarely leave their secluded mountain homes, only venturing forth into the [[Aban Steppe]] during their great hunts and to carry their dead to [[Tomb Lake]].
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	=== Religion ===		=== Religion ===
	Though the Urkhaim follow the gods of the [[~~Dwarven~~ pantheon]], their practices of worship differ significantly from those of most other dwarves. Relatively little emphasis is placed on the roles of clerics as authoritative religious figures, as instead the Urkhaim have adopted the typical [[Abanir pantheon\|Abaniri]] view of the divines as entities who must be conversed with on a personal basis. As such, shamans who can aid in understanding the enigmatic speech of the ~~Dwarven~~ gods are important in Urkhaim religious life, and are regularly consulted for their advice. Shamans direct offerings to the gods, performing intricate rites in order to turn the attention of the divines towards their petitioners. [[Solnas]] and [[Myrmoris]] are particularly important deities to the Urkhaim.		Though the Urkhaim follow the gods of the [[Dwer pantheon]], their practices of worship differ significantly from those of most other dwarves. Relatively little emphasis is placed on the roles of clerics as authoritative religious figures, as instead the Urkhaim have adopted the typical [[Abanir pantheon\|Abaniri]] view of the divines as entities who must be conversed with on a personal basis. As such, shamans who can aid in understanding the enigmatic speech of the Dwer gods are important in Urkhaim religious life, and are regularly consulted for their advice. Shamans direct offerings to the gods, performing intricate rites in order to turn the attention of the divines towards their petitioners. [[Solnas]] and [[Myrmoris]] are particularly important deities to the Urkhaim.

	Alongside shamans, bone-menders serve another important role in the religion of the Urkhaim. These healers receive patronage from all the gods collectively, giving them their powers of magical restoration, but at a cost. All bone-menders are sworn to lives of silence and neutrality. None are permitted to speak or take sides in any dispute. As a result they are widely trusted and appreciated, welcome even in times of feuds between the dwarven clans, as they can always be relied upon to help tend to the sick and injured. Few bone-menders have homes of their own, instead relying upon the hospitality of strangers as they travel between dwarven communities.		Alongside shamans, bone-menders serve another important role in the religion of the Urkhaim. These healers receive patronage from all the gods collectively, giving them their powers of magical restoration, but at a cost. All bone-menders are sworn to lives of silence and neutrality. None are permitted to speak or take sides in any dispute. As a result they are widely trusted and appreciated, welcome even in times of feuds between the dwarven clans, as they can always be relied upon to help tend to the sick and injured. Few bone-menders have homes of their own, instead relying upon the hospitality of strangers as they travel between dwarven communities.

Gronk at 16:46, 25 March 2024

2024-03-25T16:46:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:46, 25 March 2024
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	{{SeeAlso\|Urkhaim Dwarven}}		{{SeeAlso\|Urkhaim Dwarven}}

	The Urkhaim primarily speak a language called [[Urkhaim Dwarven]]. Largely separated from their dwarven kin for thousands of years, with only the occasional visitor and without access to the [[Warp\|Warps]], the tongue of the Urkhaim has diverged greatly from the Dwarven spoken elsewhere in the world, beginning as a dialect then turning into a full-fledged language in its own right.		The Urkhaim primarily speak a language called [[Urkhaim Dwarven]]. Largely separated from their dwarven kin for thousands of years, with only the occasional visitor and without access to the [[Warp\|Warps]], the tongue of the Urkhaim has diverged greatly from the [[Dwarven]] spoken elsewhere in the world, beginning as a dialect then turning into a full-fledged language in its own right.

	Urkhaim Dwarven has kept the same overall structure and grammar of Dwarven, but the differences it has accumulated, combined with the great influence on its vocabulary from [[Targai (language)\|Targai]], has rendered the language mutually unintelligible with its parent. Though the Urkhaim are not a particularly literary people, Dwarven runes continue to be used to write the language, with one important caveat. Rather than the typical right to left of Dwarven writing, Urkhaim Dwarven uses a boustrophedon style.		Urkhaim Dwarven has kept the same overall structure and grammar of Dwarven, but the differences it has accumulated, combined with the great influence on its vocabulary from [[Targai (language)\|Targai]], has rendered the language mutually unintelligible with its parent. Though the Urkhaim are not a particularly literary people, Dwarven runes continue to be used to write the language, with one important caveat. Rather than the typical right to left of Dwarven writing, Urkhaim Dwarven uses a boustrophedon style.

Gronk at 02:53, 27 October 2023

2023-10-27T02:53:32Z

Show changes

Gronk: /* Food and cuisine */

2023-10-27T02:19:44Z

Food and cuisine

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:19, 27 October 2023
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	== Geography, flora, and fauna ==		== Geography, flora, and fauna ==
	Urkhaim lies entirely within the snow-capped mountains of the Northern Wall, north of the [[Khindushar Basin]] and [[Mhakan's Trials]]. The region is cold year-round. There is enough seasonality, however, that in the summers some plants manage to grow around small streams and ponds in the rocky valleys, enough to support small populations of animals like mountain goats and hares, which then provide food for bears and a handful of other predators. At higher elevations up the mountains, where the dwarves live, effectively no wildlife is found, the snowy and icy environment too hostile to support life. Temperatures never rise above freezing, or even get close to it, at the peaks of the higher mountains.		Urkhaim lies entirely within the snow-capped mountains of the Northern Wall, north of the [[Khindushar Basin]] and [[Mhakan's Trials]]. The region is cold year-round. There is enough seasonality, however, that in the summers some plants manage to grow around small streams and ponds in the rocky valleys, enough to support small populations of animals like mountain goats and hares, which then provide food for bears, eagles, and a handful of other predators. At higher elevations up the mountains, where the dwarves live, effectively no wildlife is found, the snowy and icy environment too hostile to support life. Temperatures never rise above freezing, or even get close to it, at the peaks of the higher mountains.

	== History ==		== History ==
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	Some Urkhaim are also fluent in Targai, but in general the dwarves place little importance on understanding the language of outsiders - it is typical for only political leaders, as well as religious figures like shamans, to be multilingual.		Some Urkhaim are also fluent in Targai, but in general the dwarves place little importance on understanding the language of outsiders - it is typical for only political leaders, as well as religious figures like shamans, to be multilingual.
	=== Food and cuisine ===		=== Food and cuisine ===
	~~WRITE THIS ONE!!!~~		Even when the Urkhaim lived in the southern Aban Steppe, they relied almost entirely on hunting and foraging to acquire their food, avoiding agriculture just like many other steppe-dwellers. But even still, they have been forced to adapt their methods to live in their new mountain homes. The Northern Wall is remarkably bereft of any sources of food, save for scattered berry bushes, root vegetables, and animals like mountain goats, none of which are found in anywhere near the amount required for the Urkhaim to support themselves.

	~~never did ag before~~, ~~didn't really~~ have the ~~knowledge/resources~~ to ~~start doing so in~~ the ~~mountains~~.		Instead, the dwarves have doubled down on their hunting. Every so often they sweep out of the mountains en mass, often a third or more of a tribe at a time, riding onto the steppe upon their trained dire wolf mounts. There they chase down herds of wild aurochs, horses, antelopes, and yaks, carefully coordinating their activities to bring down precisely as many animals with their bows and spears as they are capable of carrying back. This meat is then kept frozen until it is needed; when stores are running low again, another great hunt is called. But the Urkhaim's diet is not purely meat. They supplement it with small amounts of mushrooms and freshly gathered wild fruits and vegetables, but these are typically seen as luxuries and not for everyday meals.

	functionally no agriculture in the mountains. instead, rely almost entirely on hunting. organize massive hunting parties on regular intervals that sweep through the steppe, gather a ton of food, which is then taken back, preserved, and lived off of until repeating again
	=== Architecture and urbanization ===		=== Architecture and urbanization ===
	From the outside, Urkhaim cities appear to be massive facades, each hundreds of feet tall, carved out of mountain faces, with clear reliefs depicting ornamental doors, buildings within the cliff, statues, and immense dwarven faces. In reality, however, these are distractions for their real homes, which are located below, only accessible through disguised entrances in unexpected places. Even once these entrances are found, any unwanted visitor is forced to contend with traps and layers of defenses before reaching the subterranean cities. Carved out of the solid stone of the mountains, these cities are rather tightly packed, though not cramped, as the dwarves keep all living areas close together to better maintain a livable temperature. Grid-like passageways connect areas of their communities set aside for living, working, worship, and the production and consumption of food. Reliefs carved into every exposed wall tell the stories of the Urkhaim, including stories not only of their exile but also of their times of joy, as well as depictions of religious events and figures. Extended families generally live close together and, when necessary, carve out new abodes for newly wed dwarves.		From the outside, Urkhaim cities appear to be massive facades, each hundreds of feet tall, carved out of mountain faces, with clear reliefs depicting ornamental doors, buildings within the cliff, statues, and immense dwarven faces. In reality, however, these are distractions for their real homes, which are located below, only accessible through disguised entrances in unexpected places. Even once these entrances are found, any unwanted visitor is forced to contend with traps and layers of defenses before reaching the subterranean cities. Carved out of the solid stone of the mountains, these cities are rather tightly packed, though not cramped, as the dwarves keep all living areas close together to better maintain a livable temperature. Grid-like passageways connect areas of their communities set aside for living, working, worship, and the production and consumption of food. Reliefs carved into every exposed wall tell the stories of the Urkhaim, including stories not only of their exile but also of their times of joy, as well as depictions of religious events and figures. Extended families generally live close together and, when necessary, carve out new abodes for newly wed dwarves.
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	=== Burial practices ===		=== Burial practices ===
	The burial practices of the Urkhaim bear similarities to those of other Abaniri peoples. Traditionally, before their move north, the dwarves took their deceased to the area around Tomb Lake, where they were interred in secret, hidden locations in the forests around the lake. Even after their exile, these practices have remained. The bodies of deceased dwarves are mummified in the frozen mountains until the following spring, after which their family transports them south across the steppe to join the remains of their ancestors. Though these treks can be perilous and arduous, often involving weeks of travel, the Urkhaim believe that maintaining these traditions are paramount to maintaining their connections with their forebears.		The burial practices of the Urkhaim bear similarities to those of other Abaniri peoples. Traditionally, before their move north, the dwarves took their deceased to the area around Tomb Lake, where they were interred in secret, hidden locations in the forests around the lake. Even after their exile, these practices have remained. The bodies of deceased dwarves are mummified in the frozen mountains until the following spring, after which their family transports them south across the steppe to join the remains of their ancestors. Though these treks can be perilous and arduous, often involving weeks of travel for the solemn funeral processions, the Urkhaim believe that maintaining these traditions are paramount to maintaining their connections with their forebears.

	Unlike other Abaniri, the Urkmain bury their dead individually, as the dwarves do not make use of familial tombs. Once placed in the ground, usually covered by large rocks to better conceal the disturbed earth, Urkhaim shamans perform rites and offerings to aid the soul of the deceased in reaching the company of their gods. Seeds from certain kinds of flowers are also sown wild throughout the forest and around the lake after the ceremonies have completed, but never near the grave itself, so as to avoid attracting attention to its location.		Unlike other Abaniri, the Urkmain bury their dead individually, as the dwarves do not make use of familial tombs. Once placed in the ground, usually covered by large rocks to better conceal the disturbed earth, Urkhaim shamans perform rites and offerings to aid the soul of the deceased in reaching the company of their gods. Seeds from certain kinds of flowers are also sown wild throughout the forest and around the lake after the ceremonies have completed, but never near the grave itself, so as to avoid attracting attention to its location.
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	Urkhaim dwarves typically wear their hair long, knotting it in patterns that indicate their clan and tribe. Beards are maintained the same way.		Urkhaim dwarves typically wear their hair long, knotting it in patterns that indicate their clan and tribe. Beards are maintained the same way.

			=== Equipment ===
			The characteristic weapon of the Urkhaim is a type of short recurve shield-bow, typically crafted by the elders of each family and presented to dwarven children upon reaching adolescence. These are designed to be as effective when used riding as mount as in the close quarters of the underground, and therefore use clever mechanisms to fold up and re-expand rapidly.

	== Government ==		== Government ==

Gronk: /* Burial practices */

2023-10-26T23:10:06Z

Burial practices

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:10, 26 October 2023
Line 56:		Line 56:

	=== Burial practices ===		=== Burial practices ===
	The burial practices of the Urkhaim bear similarities to those of other Abaniri peoples. Traditionally, before their move north, the dwarves took their deceased to the area around Tomb Lake, where they were interred in secret, hidden locations in the forests around the lake. Even after their exile, these practices have remained. The bodies of deceased dwarves are mummified in the frozen mountains until the following spring, after which their family transports them south across the steppe to join the remains of their ancestors. Though these treks can be perilous, the Urkhaim believe that maintaining these traditions are paramount to maintaining their connections with their forebears.		The burial practices of the Urkhaim bear similarities to those of other Abaniri peoples. Traditionally, before their move north, the dwarves took their deceased to the area around Tomb Lake, where they were interred in secret, hidden locations in the forests around the lake. Even after their exile, these practices have remained. The bodies of deceased dwarves are mummified in the frozen mountains until the following spring, after which their family transports them south across the steppe to join the remains of their ancestors. Though these treks can be perilous and arduous, often involving weeks of travel, the Urkhaim believe that maintaining these traditions are paramount to maintaining their connections with their forebears.

	Unlike other Abaniri, the Urkmain bury their dead individually, as the dwarves do not make use of familial tombs. Once placed in the ground, usually covered by large rocks to better conceal the disturbed earth, Urkhaim shamans perform rites and offerings to aid the soul of the deceased in reaching the company of their gods. Seeds from certain kinds of flowers are also sown wild throughout the forest and around the lake after the ceremonies have completed, but never near the grave itself, so as to avoid attracting attention to its location.		Unlike other Abaniri, the Urkmain bury their dead individually, as the dwarves do not make use of familial tombs. Once placed in the ground, usually covered by large rocks to better conceal the disturbed earth, Urkhaim shamans perform rites and offerings to aid the soul of the deceased in reaching the company of their gods. Seeds from certain kinds of flowers are also sown wild throughout the forest and around the lake after the ceremonies have completed, but never near the grave itself, so as to avoid attracting attention to its location.

Gronk: /* Architecture and urbanization */

2023-10-25T21:56:14Z

Architecture and urbanization

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:56, 25 October 2023
Line 51:		Line 51:
	functionally no agriculture in the mountains. instead, rely almost entirely on hunting. organize massive hunting parties on regular intervals that sweep through the steppe, gather a ton of food, which is then taken back, preserved, and lived off of until repeating again		functionally no agriculture in the mountains. instead, rely almost entirely on hunting. organize massive hunting parties on regular intervals that sweep through the steppe, gather a ton of food, which is then taken back, preserved, and lived off of until repeating again
	=== Architecture and urbanization ===		=== Architecture and urbanization ===
			From the outside, Urkhaim cities appear to be massive facades, each hundreds of feet tall, carved out of mountain faces, with clear reliefs depicting ornamental doors, buildings within the cliff, statues, and immense dwarven faces. In reality, however, these are distractions for their real homes, which are located below, only accessible through disguised entrances in unexpected places. Even once these entrances are found, any unwanted visitor is forced to contend with traps and layers of defenses before reaching the subterranean cities. Carved out of the solid stone of the mountains, these cities are rather tightly packed, though not cramped, as the dwarves keep all living areas close together to better maintain a livable temperature. Grid-like passageways connect areas of their communities set aside for living, working, worship, and the production and consumption of food. Reliefs carved into every exposed wall tell the stories of the Urkhaim, including stories not only of their exile but also of their times of joy, as well as depictions of religious events and figures. Extended families generally live close together and, when necessary, carve out new abodes for newly wed dwarves.

	* cities ~~are massive reliefs carved out~~ of ~~the mountains~~, ~~ex: petra~~, ~~facades in~~ the ~~cliff~~		Effectively the entire population of the Urkhaim lives in the three densely urbanized cities of [[Dagger Mountain]], [[Mun Holhaim]], and [[Turguur]]. Save for defensive watchposts with transient populations, there are no outlying settlements, as the dwarves' lack of agriculture, reliance on food gathered from far away, and guarded lifestyles render any rural community impractical. Each of these cities is controlled by one of the tribes of the Urkhaim, though all are free to travel between them as they see fit, as long as they are willing to brave the perils of crossing the mountains, either across the snowy landscape or in the often dangerous underground.
	** small cities, and ~~only like three~~ cities ~~total~~
	** almost entirely urbanized, ~~communal population~~, ~~no reason for small villages really~~

	=== Burial practices ===		=== Burial practices ===

Gronk: /* Food and cuisine */

2023-10-25T21:38:02Z

Food and cuisine

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:38, 25 October 2023
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	Some Urkhaim are also fluent in Targai, but in general the dwarves place little importance on understanding the language of outsiders - it is typical for only political leaders, as well as religious figures like shamans, to be multilingual.		Some Urkhaim are also fluent in Targai, but in general the dwarves place little importance on understanding the language of outsiders - it is typical for only political leaders, as well as religious figures like shamans, to be multilingual.
	=== Food and cuisine ===		=== Food and cuisine ===
			WRITE THIS ONE!!!

	never did ag before, didn't really have the knowledge/resources to start doing so in the mountains.		never did ag before, didn't really have the knowledge/resources to start doing so in the mountains.

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	=== Burial practices ===		=== Burial practices ===
			The burial practices of the Urkhaim bear similarities to those of other Abaniri peoples. Traditionally, before their move north, the dwarves took their deceased to the area around Tomb Lake, where they were interred in secret, hidden locations in the forests around the lake. Even after their exile, these practices have remained. The bodies of deceased dwarves are mummified in the frozen mountains until the following spring, after which their family transports them south across the steppe to join the remains of their ancestors. Though these treks can be perilous, the Urkhaim believe that maintaining these traditions are paramount to maintaining their connections with their forebears.

	* along the ~~lines of abaniri burial practices~~, the dwarves ~~inter their dead far away (tomb lake? skula mountains?)~~. ~~have~~ to ~~make~~ the ~~long voyage south for burials~~ in ~~ancestral tombs~~		Unlike other Abaniri, the Urkmain bury their dead individually, as the dwarves do not make use of familial tombs. Once placed in the ground, usually covered by large rocks to better conceal the disturbed earth, Urkhaim shamans perform rites and offerings to aid the soul of the deceased in reaching the company of their gods. Seeds from certain kinds of flowers are also sown wild throughout the forest and around the lake after the ceremonies have completed, but never near the grave itself, so as to avoid attracting attention to its location.
	** cold mummified until the ~~travel can be undertaken~~

	=== Clothing and fashion ===		=== Clothing and fashion ===

Gronk at 21:13, 25 October 2023

2023-10-25T21:13:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:13, 25 October 2023
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	=== Clothing and fashion ===		=== Clothing and fashion ===
			Clothing worn by the Urkhaim is largely made of warm furs, designed to protect their wearers from the harsh cold of the mountains, with a heavy emphasis on practicality over form. Under layers are typically made of wool. Heavy fur overcoats are often passed down between generations, and between children as they grow up, as they are very well-made and a point of pride for the families of those that craft them.

	* long ~~hair knotted to~~ indicate clan		Urkhaim dwarves typically wear their hair long, knotting it in patterns that indicate their clan and tribe. Beards are maintained the same way.
	* heavy fur clothes

	== Government ==		== Government ==

Gronk: /* Culture */

2023-10-25T03:01:52Z

Culture

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:01, 25 October 2023
Line 44:		Line 44:

	Some Urkhaim are also fluent in Targai, but in general the dwarves place little importance on understanding the language of outsiders - it is typical for only political leaders, as well as religious figures like shamans, to be multilingual.		Some Urkhaim are also fluent in Targai, but in general the dwarves place little importance on understanding the language of outsiders - it is typical for only political leaders, as well as religious figures like shamans, to be multilingual.
			=== Food and cuisine ===
			never did ag before, didn't really have the knowledge/resources to start doing so in the mountains.

			functionally no agriculture in the mountains. instead, rely almost entirely on hunting. organize massive hunting parties on regular intervals that sweep through the steppe, gather a ton of food, which is then taken back, preserved, and lived off of until repeating again
	=== Architecture and urbanization ===		=== Architecture and urbanization ===

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	** small cities, and only like three cities total		** small cities, and only like three cities total
	** almost entirely urbanized, communal population, no reason for small villages really		** almost entirely urbanized, communal population, no reason for small villages really

	~~=== Food and cuisine ===~~
	~~never did ag before, didn't really have the knowledge/resources to start doing so in the mountains.~~

	functionally no agriculture in the mountains. instead, rely almost entirely on hunting. organize massive hunting parties on regular intervals that sweep through the steppe, gather a ton of food, which is then taken back, preserved, and lived off of until repeating again

	=== Burial practices ===		=== Burial practices ===

Gronk: /* Architecture and urbanization */

2023-10-25T02:58:52Z

Architecture and urbanization

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:58, 25 October 2023
Line 48:		Line 48:
	* cities are massive reliefs carved out of the mountains, ex: petra, facades in the cliff		* cities are massive reliefs carved out of the mountains, ex: petra, facades in the cliff
	** small cities, and only like three cities total		** small cities, and only like three cities total
	** almost entirely urbanized population, no reason for small villages really		** almost entirely urbanized, communal population, no reason for small villages really

	=== Food and cuisine ===		=== Food and cuisine ===

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:46, 25 March 2024
Line 39:		Line 39:
	{{SeeAlso\|Urkhaim Dwarven}}		{{SeeAlso\|Urkhaim Dwarven}}

	The Urkhaim primarily speak a language called [[Urkhaim Dwarven]]. Largely separated from their dwarven kin for thousands of years, with only the occasional visitor and without access to the [[Warp\|Warps]], the tongue of the Urkhaim has diverged greatly from the Dwarven spoken elsewhere in the world, beginning as a dialect then turning into a full-fledged language in its own right.		The Urkhaim primarily speak a language called [[Urkhaim Dwarven]]. Largely separated from their dwarven kin for thousands of years, with only the occasional visitor and without access to the [[Warp\|Warps]], the tongue of the Urkhaim has diverged greatly from the [[Dwarven]] spoken elsewhere in the world, beginning as a dialect then turning into a full-fledged language in its own right.

	Urkhaim Dwarven has kept the same overall structure and grammar of Dwarven, but the differences it has accumulated, combined with the great influence on its vocabulary from [[Targai (language)\|Targai]], has rendered the language mutually unintelligible with its parent. Though the Urkhaim are not a particularly literary people, Dwarven runes continue to be used to write the language, with one important caveat. Rather than the typical right to left of Dwarven writing, Urkhaim Dwarven uses a boustrophedon style.		Urkhaim Dwarven has kept the same overall structure and grammar of Dwarven, but the differences it has accumulated, combined with the great influence on its vocabulary from [[Targai (language)\|Targai]], has rendered the language mutually unintelligible with its parent. Though the Urkhaim are not a particularly literary people, Dwarven runes continue to be used to write the language, with one important caveat. Rather than the typical right to left of Dwarven writing, Urkhaim Dwarven uses a boustrophedon style.