During the ancient days of the world of Hyerune, in what is called the Dim Time, dwarven mythology acknowledges the creation of the first lords of the dwarves. According to the myths, Denethor, the great dwarf creator deity, crafted seven brothers out of the very foundation of the world using stone and rock to grant his creation a solid base and a sturdy frame. It was from these seven lords that all dwarves claim descent which has led to the formation of the Seven Houses of Dwarvendom. Members of each house are believed to be the progeny of these original great leaders, either by direct bloodline or through close association and spiritual adoption.
All seven of these noble houses are believed by the Khazar to have originated in the Mystic Mountains which serve as their ancestral birthplace. In time however each house went its separate way to find its own purpose and claim other lands in the name of their patron god.
The names of these seven noble houses are:
The House of Durin
The greatest of all noble houses, the House of Durin is considered the first of the dwarf houses claiming descent from none other than Durin the First, the first High King of the Dwarves. Most of the Durin dwarves can be found in the regions around the Mystic Mountains and the dwarven Kingdom of Ancaire. Many dwarves from this House are powerful fighters, skilled craftsmen and accomplished miners. The house symbol consists of a crown suspended over an anvil.
The House of Brimir
The second dwarf house claims descent from Brimir the Wise, the first of the dwarf High Priests. Not surprising, this house is considered very religious with many of its members becoming clerics. The House of Brimir migrated north to the region of the Spineridge Mountains. Its ancestors founded Thorandor, one of the greatest of all dwarven cities. The house symbol consists of a crossed hammer and pick before a mountainous background.
The House of Bildur
The third noble house is a clan of mighty warriors and barbarians claiming descent from Bildur the Daring, the Master of Arms and a great warrior-king. The House of Bildur emigrated northeast toward the Jotunheim Mountains to continue battling their giant and troll enemies. The Bildur clan tend to be somewhat brash and prideful and consider themselves one of the most noble in spirit. Clan folklore describes the ancestors of this House having chosen the Jotunheim Mountains in order to serve as a first line of defense for all other houses against the giants. Many white dwarves are members of this noble house. The house symbol consists of an upright warhammer over a shield.
The House of Fjalar
The fourth noble house is descended from the dwarf-lord Fjalar the Crafty, a known Master of Stealth. Fjalar was a practitioneer of the stealthy arts and a keeper of secrets. The clan emigrated far to the east over the great ocean to the Dragonspire Mountains eventually settling around the Longrift and founding the city of Craghold. Many clan members are skillful rogues and thieves as well as scouts and spies. Regions controlled by the Fjalar House are often well protected by ingenious traps and other such devices. The Fjalar Clan also exhibits a great love for puzzles and games. The house symbol consists of lighted lantern.
The House of Frarin
The fifth noble house, the House of Frarin is also a powerful warrior clan that claims descent from Frarin the Bold, the Master of Strategy. Frarin was considered by the Khazar to be the first dwarven paladin and a great champion of law and justice. He was also a highly skilled warrior and a knowledgable tactician and strategist. Many nobles within this House are known for their high intelligence and wisdom. The Frarin dwarves moved to the east and settled around the Rushwind Mountains founding the Kingdom of Dunland. The house symbol consists of a downward pointing sword over a black and white checkerboard pattern.
The House of Grimir
The sixth noble house is descended from the dwarf lord Grimir the Bravehearted, considered by some to have been the first of the dwarven bards and teller of tales. Grimir was known in dwarven mythology as a charismatic leader and a joyous heart and a mischievious spirit. Many dwarves in this clan likewise share many of these traits and often become explorers, musicians and bards. The House of Grimir sailed southward to the Sahelian Continent and settled around the Dawnstar Mountains founding the land of Coronar. The house symbol consists of a silver lyre.
The House of Haenir
The seventh and final noble house is generally considered the 'lost house.' Dwarves from the House of Haenir claim descent from the youngest of the seven dwarf lords known as Haenir the Pious, Master of Devotions. Haenir was known for his legendary knowledge and wisdom. He was a practitioneer in the arts of divination. Dwarves from this clan often pursued more mystical careers including arcane magic and monasticism. There are believed to be no known Haenir dwarves left in the world. The clan was often quiet and speculative and ventured off on its own searching for transcendence. It was also believed to have sailed far to the east possibly to the lands of Huan but was eventually lost to time. Many members of this clan were known as powerful dwarven wizards and monks. Dwarf legends claim the existance of a fabled lost city where the descendents of the House of Haenir thrive and dwell to this day. The house symbol consists of rune-covered hammer over an open book.