Kmekh
Stout, dense, and strong, the Kmekh /ˈkmeχ/ peoples of Gradia generally stand between four and five feet in height, possessing a stockier build compared to Humans or Halflings. Their hair colors are similar to those of humans, though they tend to turn grey or white much earlier in their lifespans.
Culture and Lifestyle
The majority of Kmekh reside in their vast underground mountain cities within the Kvakhmir Mountains, collectively known as the Nauglimir. Despite the stereotype of being insular and single-minded, the Kmekh are just as likely to wander and seek knowledge as any other people. Their exceptional skills in navigating and living underground give them an edge in environments that other races might find challenging.
Kmekh are often considered innate craftsmen, a reputation that stems from their cultural values. Their society places a high premium on hard work and craftsmanship, and these values are instilled in Kmekh children from an early age. This cultural emphasis results in a population that excels in various crafts, from metalwork to masonry, contributing to their esteemed status as master artisans.
Religion
Most Kmekh of the Nauglimir, and many beyond its borders, worship Zmix̂oda, known as The Hammersmith. He is revered as the creator of their kind and a symbol of their industrious spirit. Some non-Kmekh scholars suggest that Zmix̂oda may be an aspect of the Underlord or a related deity, a theory that many Kmekh find deeply insulting. To the Kmekh, Zmix̂oda is a unique and vital figure, integral to their identity and heritage.
Language
Most Kmekh speak Kankhri as their native language, though there has been an increasing trend with Kmekh children growing up beyond the Nauglimir and never learning the language.