Dwarf, Hill
Short and enduring folk of the rugged lands of Armea.
Basic Information
Ecology and Habitats
Hill Dwarves often stick to hilly or mountainous regions, though they are much more adventurous about their choice of homes than their Mountain Dwarf cousins.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Similar to the Mountain Dwarves, the Hill Dwarves value clan and hierarchy above other social factors. Large groupings of Hill Dwarves will fall into old specializations based around clan caste systems, but in areas where they are surrounded by other races they will often try to fill a particular niche in the community that they believe only a dwarf could do best.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Hill Dwarves can be found across Armea, particularly in Eregoth and Norstir.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
House Oakenshield: The leading non-royal noble house in the Kingdom of Eregoth.
Beauty Ideals
Beards
Relationship Ideals
Dwarves usually view marriage as a business contract rather than an emotional affair. Although Hill Dwarves are much more open to new ideas than Mountain Dwarves, their preference for productive relationships over love remains a driving factor, even if it is no longer the only one.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Common, Dwarven
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Hill Dwarves venerate Moradin the most out of the Armean Pantheon despite their exodus from their native mountain halls. Those that settled in northeastern Norstir have also taken a strong interest in Boccob, the god of magic and knowledge, owing to their proximity to Mithras, Boccob's City of Heaven.
History
Hill Dwarves split off from the Mountain Dwarves in the early days of the Age of Dreams, primarily due to fall out regarding the loss of Moradin from the Material Plane. Hill Dwarves in that time were those who felt there could be a life outside the mountains their god so adored.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Hill Dwarves are wary of most other races, but they are still more than willing to get along with potential trade partners or allies. Larger groups of Hill Dwarves will form their own strongholds and broker deals with neighboring peoples, ranging from trade to alliances. Those that live among larger mixed communities usually coalesce around guilds catering to their interests, where the dwarven strive for perfection remains strong. More hostile outsiders are treated with great distrust, however, and the scorn of a dwarf clan is not easily erased.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
250+ Years
Average Height
4-5 Feet
Average Weight
150-200 lbs.
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