On Dwarven Elevators

The use of vertical transport systems in deep settlements has some bearing upon the discussion of circulatory stress, though perhaps less than I initially intended when beginning this note. Dwarven mountain cities contain some of the finest lift mechanisms known to the Principal Races. Their reliability is extraordinary. Their operating etiquette is not.

In Khord Marr, I entered a public lift alongside six Dwarven miners, two merchants, and one priest. The car descended nearly eight hundred feet without incident. Upon reaching the lower station, none of the passengers moved. I assumed the doors had malfunctioned. They had not.

Dwarven custom in that district apparently requires the person nearest the control lever to exit last, on the theory that he bears temporary responsibility for the safety of the car. The person nearest the lever, unfortunately, believed I had been operating it. I believed he had. We remained there for approximately four minutes, during which no one explained anything. I eventually stepped out first and was informed that this was “technically acceptable.” I remain uncertain whether this was courtesy or insult.