I have spent some time designing a dwarven civilisation. They don’t live below ground all the time. In fact I heavily draw upon the actual culture of mountain tribes, such as The Lisu for inspiration. But they are forced underground periodically by the ashes of a volcano, which is very much tied to their religion and also provides fertilisation to high altitude fields.
I envision dwarves as absolutely unmatched master craftsmen (they make excellent armour, crossbows and might even exploit steam from geysers for some very basic steam powered applications). I think it would add a lot to the flair if they had some kind of tool kit or even better multitool that every adult would carry.
The question arises: what are the most essential, universally useful tools for a dwarf, particularly one having to go underground every few years?
I guess a few very useful items are obvious:
- Rope
- Flint
- Light source
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Knife
- Compass
- Spade
Some of these are heavy items, not easily integrated in what I think of as multi tools, at least in my life. I have tried to find information on medieval multi tools, but found mostly useless (?) knife-fork combinations. Perhaps I should make something like a multitool spade?
I have also tried to look into trendy modern multitools. My practical ineptitude, coupled with my limited historical knowledge have made it difficult for me to judge, which of these a medieval master craftsman would even appreciate.
If you need to know about more aspects of the world, ask freely! I would say it is rather standard fantasy with a few alterations, such as having dwarves live above ground. I like to be able to explain how they sustain themselves. I try to use as little magic and as much biology as possible, to explain my worlds (internally to myself).
...having to go underground every few years...
. That is quite some time between delves, do they go underground at other times as well or just when the volcano erupts? Do any volcanoes count or only that single one? Are dwarves spread far or dense (many countries, etc.; or just around that single volcano, like extremophiles)? How long do they stay underground? $\endgroup$