Daerac

A modest Dwarven village on the icy rivers of northern Bellegast, Daerac is known for its skilled fishermen rather than miners. Its stone cottages and sturdy wooden piers endure the biting winds, while its smoked river trout and freshwater trade sustain Snowcastle and other frontier outposts. Quiet and practical, Daerac stands as a testament to Dwarven adaptability beyond the mountains.

While traditional Dwarven culture revolves around mining and metallurgy, the harsh northern frontier of Bellegast forces adaptation. Settlements like Daerac, far from rich ore veins and deep mountain halls, rely on the icy rivers as their primary resource. Fishing becomes a practical necessity—providing food for survival and trade goods like smoked trout for Snowcastle and other outposts. This shift reflects the Dwarven ethos of resilience and ingenuity, proving that their strength lies not only in stone and steel but in mastering any environment. Over generations, rivercraft and preservation techniques became cultural hallmarks of frontier dwarves, creating a unique identity distinct from their mountain kin.

Stonehook Fishing

Daerac’s dwarves invented Stonehooking, a technique born from necessity and ingenuity. Instead of fragile wooden rods, they craft short, rune-etched stone poles tipped with weighted hooks forged from iron scraps. These hooks are designed to sink deep into icy currents, where river trout hide beneath frost layers. The dwarves use resonance tapping—striking the stone pole lightly to send vibrations through the water, luring fish toward the bait. This method works even in near-frozen rivers, where conventional fishing fails. Over time, Stonehooking became a point of pride, with master anglers carving intricate runes into their poles for luck and precision.