Dalk

Species Name (Common): Dalk Species Name (What they call themselves): Dalkeri

Dalk female Dalk male Another dalk

Appearance

Covering: Smooth skin with subtle mineral deposits beneath the surface
Distribution: Thick in areas prone to stress (knuckles, elbows, knees)
Luminosity: Dull with occasional shimmering veins of mineral deposits
Colour: Dark shades (charcoal, deep brown, obsidian-like, purple); veins sometimes carry metallic hues (gold, silver, iron, copper)
Strength: Leathery and dense, naturally resistant to cuts and bruises

Shape: Angular with high cheekbones and broad jawlines
Eyes: Piercing, slightly reflective, adapted for low-light environments
Nose: Prominent with a refined bridge, enhances their sense of smell for minerals
Mouth: Strong jaw structure; teeth capable of grinding tough materials
Ear: Slightly pointed, attuned to vibrations in the air and ground
Hair: Coarse and thick, naturally dark with occasional metallic strands

Possess an innate ability to sense minerals and metals
Some individuals develop faint glowing veins when exposed to magical energies
Resistant to environmental extremes due to dense skin and natural mineral composition
Exceptionally strong grip, capable of crushing weaker materials with bare hands

Habitat: Mountain ranges, underground tunnels, mineral-rich environments
Adaptation: Built for mining, crafting, and enduring harsh underground conditions
Diet: Omnivorous but
- They like ingest minerals, usually to strengthen their connections
Senses:
- Acute vision in low light, but slightly weaker in direct sunlight
- Strong sense of touch, allowing them to distinguish materials with their hands
- Heightened ability to sense mineral compositions in their environment
Communication:
- Deep, resonant voices; often communicate in a rhythmic manner
- Subtle vibrations and tapping used in underground messaging
- Written script consists of carved etchings or embossed patterns

Height: Ranges between 5’8” to 7’0”
Weight: Heavy for their size due to dense bones and muscle structure (200-400 lbs)
Physique: Broad, powerfully built with naturally defined musculature

Growing Up:
- Born with soft mineral-infused skin that hardens over time
  - Usually influenced by their mother's consumption
- Children are raised in guild-based households, trained in craftsmanship early
- By adolescence, they undergo a rite of passage to determine their guild specialty
Family/Groups:
- Live in tightly-knit guild communities
- Inheritance is based on skill rather than lineage
- Elders are revered for their mastery of crafts
Our Home/Shelter:
- Carved stone dwellings reinforced with metals and minerals
- Underground forges and workshops serve as the heart of each settlement
How Long We Live:
- Typically 200-300 years, though some master craftsmen live longer
When We are Born/Hatched:
- Live birth, but newborns are relatively immobile for the first few years

Our Friends/Neighbors:
- Trade extensively with Polymorphs and Fauns
- Respected by Vampires for their craftsmanship
- Distrustful of beings who rely too heavily on magic
Our Dangers/Enemies:
- Deep-dwelling predators pose threats in tunnels
- Exploited by greedy rulers seeking their expertise
- Clashes with Druids due to their heavy industrial influence on nature
Our Environment:
- Harsh but rich in resources, requiring careful balance between extraction and sustainability
- Cities are built directly into mountainsides and cavern systems
Things We Know/Do:
- Masters of metallurgy, crafting, and stonework
- Extremely disciplined, with a culture centered around personal excellence
- Maintain detailed records of lineage, craftsmanship, and historical events

They can sense and refine materials
Deeply meritocratic—status is earned through skill, not birthright
Prefer practical and durable solutions over aesthetic luxury
Strong sense of honor; breaking an oath is considered the highest disgrace
Their forges are considered sacred spaces, and tools are treated with deep respect
They like ingesting minerals