Dwarven Nations

Dwarves are a short race, as their name implies, standing from 4'3"–4'9" (1.3–1.45 meters) on average. What dwarves lack in height they make up for in bulk; they are, on average, about as heavy as humans. A dwarf can weigh anywhere from about 160–220 lbs (73–100 kg). Dwarven males are a bit taller and heavier than their female counterparts. Like humans, dwarves have a wide variety of skin, eye, and hair colors, typically shades of grey among the dweorg and the same as humans among the skuld.

Dwarves are a long-lived race, though not so much as elves, and reach physical maturity somewhat later than humans. A dwarf is traditionally considered an adult once he or she reaches age fifty. Dwarves age much like humans but over a longer period of time, remaining vigorous well past 150 years. Most dwarves live to see their bicentennial and a few live to be over 400. A dwarf is considered to be young until they reached the age of 50.

Whether or not the dwarven claim that they'd been carved from the world's stone is true, dwarves share many qualities considered similar to the stone they live with. Strong, hardy, and dependable, dwarves are polite, particularly to elders, and possess a wisdom beyond that of many other races. Dwarves value their traditions, regardless of where they come from, and look for inspiration from ancestral heroes. Dwarves are also known for their stubborn nature and cynicism, traits widespread amongst the dwarves but which contributed to and were commonly offset by their bravery and tenacity.

Mountain Dweorg, The Grey Dwarves

The Dweorg are mountain dwarves known for their martial might, craftsmanship, and technological prowess. They tend to have skin hues in greys with white to black hair. They are sometimes called Mountain Dwarves after their custom of building kingdoms in, on, and around the tall mountains of Myr Badur, their ancestral homeland. Other times they are called Grey Dwarves after their appearance. They are known for their commitment to civil duty, honor, and a general stoic nature.

Grey Dwarves are considered the second eldest peoples of the First Age after the High Elves. These counts do not count dragons, who are rumored to be older than all the ages of men.

Dweorg are less jovial than their Hill Dwarf cousins, but they have kind hearts behind their stern interiors. They are renouned craftsmen and are adept at the study of magical items and artificing. They also commonly take on knightly military traditions, as they value kindship and honor greatly.

Skuld, The Hill Dwarves

The Skuld are dwarves known for their skill in architecture, trade, craftsmanship, economics, and brewing. They are the descendants of dweorg from the First Age, having left their mountain homes to help cities and nations build. They can be found almost anywhere on Andorra, but they also have their own nation called Ireald. They look like your traditional fantasy dwarf and come in any combination of characteristics as humans do. They are sometimes called hill dwarves after their habit of building their cities in and around the tall hills of their homeland. Unlike their close dweorg cousins, the skuld are often more jovial and boastful. They are known for being fierce enemies or unshakeable allies.

Like Grey Dwarves, the Skuld often take on clerical or martial careers. Unlike their cousins, however, they have fierce tempers and a wilder nature. Skuld sometimes harness such fury as battle ragers, or barbarian like warriors.

The Hill Dwarves of Nim Batar

The Dwarves of Luscaria are most closely related to the Skuld, but are have darker brown skin and thicker or curlier hair textures. They reside in the rocky arid landscape of Nim Batar, where they make their fortresses on tall stone pillar mesas. They appoint leaders much the same as their Luscari neighbors instead of going by the divine right to rule.