Longbeard

Lomek-Duradii, or Longbeards, are cultural authority figures among Dwarves. The term refers not to an elected or appointed position, but rather an unofficial position of wisdom and experience.

Etymology
The Dwarven term for Longbeard is Lomek-Druada (pl. Druadii). The word Lomek ("long", "storied") is a cognate of the Old Dwarven Iomic ("tall", "strong"). Druada ("deeds", "actions") comes from the Old Dwarven Dyrziidi ("saga", "poem"). Combined to form the honorific, Lomek-Druada refers to a Dwarf whose deeds are considered honorable and deserving of mention.

How the Imperial Standard term "Longbeard" came about is unclear. Its etymological roots can be traced both to the Dwarven Iomic and the Thronian word Lungun ("far", "broad"). The word "beard" comes from the Mountain-Men's Broud ("hair of the face"), and together the two formed Lungebrod, then Longbroad, and finally Longbeard in the Imperial Standard. What is unclear is how the Standard translation, which refers entirely to the length of a beard, relates to the Dwarven, which refers to honor and deeds.

Many human historians theorize that the term comes from the earliest interactions between humans and Dwarves, when no shared language existed between the two races. As Honorius Tibrus II writes in his Concerning the Relations between Imperial Folk and the Folk of the Dwed:"'Our ancient ancestors, no doubt surprised by the existence of these small fellows from under the earth, perhaps took some time to understand their ways and customs, many of which must have seemed queer to them. Strangest of all, perhaps, was their system of governance, which seemed to favor the Dwarves with the longest beards. While this seems a foolish thing for us to think now, it may not have seemed so odd to a folk with no common language to communicate by.'"

History
Lomek-Druada are mentioned in Dwarven history frequently. The first mention of a Longbeard in the annals is a topic of some debate among historians, but most name Artomaias the Ancient the first Dwarf who unequivocally held the title.

Nearly all Dwarves of historical importance have at some point held the title of Longbeard. In some cases, Longbeard status is an unspoken prerequisite for other positions, such as Nakum-Dwed (Oathswearer).

Cultural Significance
Longbeards are considered voices of great authority, especially among their clans and local communities. Longbeards are often called upon to settle minor disputes or impart wisdom to younger generations. Many function as leaders in expedition groups or as veterans on the battlefield.

While the name is misleading, Longbeard is explicitly not a term reserved for men. As it refers in Dwarven to deeds rather than hair, many great Dwarven women have held the title.

If a Dwarf is to become an Oathswearer or Grudgekeeper, they must first have proven themselves as a Longbeard.