Culture
The Khuldinai culture is not well known by outsiders. This is partly due to their habit of carving their settlements into mountains rather than atop them, hiding behind smoke-choked vents, reinforced with iron-banded gates, and lit by forges that never sleep. They do not fear the darkness beneath the earth, they live in it, shape it, and command it.
In addition to the geography, Khuldinai have a natural distrust of outsiders. Above all else, they focus their efforts on logic and engineering. Efficiency is paramount to them, and anything that cannot be defined and measured is not worth bothering with.
Politics
Internally, the Khuldinai have a rigid system of merit that is based on one’s individual contribution to the machine (literal or societal). Their primary governing structure is a council of individuals selected by trial, not vote.
Externally, the Khuldinai mostly ignores diplomatic efforts unless it revolves around safety for their people or trade for resources not native to their homeland. They have a long-standing feud with the Visari over the redwood trees the Visari consider sacred.
Economy
Khuldinai engage in trade with other factions for resources not native to their homeland. In exchange, they provide various metals, gems, and other resources obtained through mining.
In addition to raw materials, they are excellent engineers and often barter their services. It serves two purposes for the Khuldinai:
Gain access to resources not otherwise available. Personal fulfillment through perfection of a craft.