"In the common age, the common Dwarf is not a miner, nor a recluse in the mountains. He is a merchant, a sailor, a patron at your local tavern. The days of the old legend of Dwarven men in the mines and Dwarven women in battle and Dwarven children born in dungeons has passed. The remaining sects that survive independently refused to comment or permit access for research purposes, but make no mistake, they hold the true Dwarven bloodline and passion for fighting and craft of steel and are not to be triffled with. The Empire has commissioned great feats of architecture for prisons and palaces; To the Dwarves, their homes are equally both; They have outlasted the empire and the age of man, and it can be surmised they will only continue to do so long after we're gone." - Alber Hunningbottom, The Dwarves: A History
Dwarves have a history dating back to ancient times and are best known as builders, forgers, and miners. While there has never been a Dwarven Empire in comparison to that of the Elven Dominion of Thirewynian Empire, what they lack in quantity they surpass all others in quality. Dwarves find something to set their mind to and only stop when it has been perfected to the best of their ability, and even then they will continue to hone their craft. While there are different types of Dwarves, and those found in cities are far more open and varied than their stereotype, that does not mean they are pushovers; Even the common 'domesticated Dwarf' is quick to hold a grudge if they feel it worthy, and are sure to stand their ground in any fights.
Unlike many species, Dwarves prefer to work alone than large groups. If a Dwarven blacksmith could spend all of their available hours in the forge with nothing but their steel and ale, they would. This doesn't mean Dwarves are stand-offish or even hostile. However, they prefer a lifestyle in relative solitude, something likely that comes from their roots being in clans and not mingling with other species or populations on a wide scale until the past few hundred years, making many Dwarves only a first or second generation to this new lifestyle.
Lifespan of an Dwarf:
Dwarves are the species with the second longest lifespan on average, living for about 350 years, although some have been known to live up to 425 on the longer end of the spectrum, coming close to rivaling Elven lifespans. It's not uncommon for Dwarves between the age of 25 to 50 to be considered "young adults" and be treated more critically by older Dwarves; The only ones who would be willing to call out a Dwarf and not fear a harsh reprocaution. This is not typically because younger Dwarves act out, in fact, they are usually more timid than their counterparts and are generally more recluse and absent from socialization. It's theorized this is imitating young Dwarves who would often be the ones to work in the mines or construction projects in fabled Dwarven undercities. Once a Dwarf had reached 'maturity' around the age of 75 they would then be allowed to apprentice at forges or on other projects. This is thought to give the young Dwarves discipline and understanding for the work it takes to gain materials to craft the works of art they are known for.
Dwarves who are in their twilight years of 350 onward will often have accomplished what they set out to do, and are generally more open to mentoring younger generations, including other species. However, though some Dwarves who initially migrated from their traditional lifestyle may have become accustomed with city life, that doesn't mean they don't know their worth and won't make their price for mentorship steep to root out anyone who doesn't have the patience or appitude for their chosen craft.
Dwarven Sub-Species:
Dwarves are known to have sub-species, or 'sects', which can change their appitude and features in some ways. It's noteworthy that even though it's thought that the majority of Dwarves live above-ground, either in population centers or in the Barrens as workers or explorers, there are several known sects of Dwarves who continue to live in their traditional lifestyle and largely underground. While it's not known how large these populations are to this day, they are willing to trade with merchants. However, many of these deals are done in a personal basis and they will only accept trade with those they know and have respect for, and will not associate with larger productions or businesses. It's also an open secret that the known Dwarven holds, such as Verndur and Thandur, are not the only remaining Dwarven populations living a traditionalist lifestyle. It's believed that they vary across the entire continent and beyond, and because of the vast network of tunnels, caves, and chasms they are said to create and navigate through, it's impossible to know just how deep these settlements go.
Legend also tells of Dwarves that lived thousands of years ago in the far south when the winter was far harsher and spread deep into Thirewyn. While it's said some Dwarven populations moved deeper underground and created new sects of Dwarves to survive the bitter cold, these Dwarves instead remained near the entrances, and would venture out to the open world in search for food, supplies, and a renewed purpose. Stories of their heritage are not spoken of openly by those with knowledge beyond what is publically known, but some rumors have circulated dating back to this time that these Dwarves were known to have a pale white skin tone and hairier body to adapt to the colder climate. While some expeditions to the deep south have been made by explorers even before the Empire's formation, there has never been hard proof that these Dwarven sects existed, or that they still do. And elder Dwarves who know the history of their clans remain secretive about all aspects of traditional Dwarven lifestyles.
