Daruks

Daruks are a fictional ethnic group and cultural tradition described in world-building literature and role-playing settings. They are traditionally associated with the highland regions of the Karad Mountains, where climate and geology support a clustered settlement pattern and a long history of metalworking and crafts. The name is derived from the Daruk language, in which it designates both the people and their homeland.

Daruk society is organized around extended kin groups or clans, governed by elder councils with rotating leadership. Most communities are tied to hillside fortifications or cliff-dwelling villages, and seasonal cycles guide agriculture, herding, and smithing. The economy centers on metalwork, leather goods, and cross-border trade, with caravans and water routes linking mountain towns to desert and coast regions.

Language and culture: The Daruki language comprises several dialects and belongs to a small, isolated language family. Most Daruks are bilingual, speaking the regional lingua franca in formal settings. Cultural practices emphasize craft guilds, oral storytelling, and ritual mountaintop festivals. Iconic crafts include ironwork, enamel, and carved bone ornaments. They maintain a tradition of mentorship in craft, passing skills from elders to apprentices.

History and current status: The Daruks emerged as a distinct cultural group by the medieval period, developing a reputation for engineering and trade. In modern times, they participate in regional governance and cultural exchanges, while facing challenges related to language preservation, land rights, and economic integration with neighboring communities. Notable landmarks attributed to the Daruks include the Iron Gate arch and the Star Needle tower, though many such sites are shrouded in legend.