Dwarf

A hardy and stalwart race, dwarves often come off as stubborn and rude to those who are unfamiliar with them. White their outward attitude is definitely abrasive to the uninitiated, dwarves are among the most brotherly and welcoming people you could meet; especially after you manage to get a few drinks in them, which is a laughably east task to complete.
Generally found in the rocky and mountainous terrain of the world, dwarves are very in tune with the natural elements of the world. Mining, sculpting, jewelcrafting and smithing are common profession in dwarven cities and outposts. If it involves the crafting, refining, or handling of natural ores and jewels in some way, you can safely bet that there's at least one dwarf who's a master at it.
Hatred for Elves: If there's anything that all dwarves can jointly can agree upon, it's a hatred for the fair folk; the elves. Borne from a millennia old war, the hatred for elves runs deep in dwarves. This hatred won't necessarily come to blows, but it is absolutely discussed openly and loudly amongst other dwarves, especially when making a scene in front of other elves.
While dwarves themselves are highly attuned to particular areas and landscapes, you can find them all matter of places. As it stands now, dwarves are about as widespread on Oscana as humans, if not as common. This spread has resulted in a few different variations of dwarves.

Subraces:

Hill Dwarves

Hill Dwarves are the result of several long exiled mountain dwarf clans being forced to a name for themselves on the surface. They are very friendly with other neighboring races, and tend to intermingle nicely in their cities and towns. They're easily the most widely spread of all of the Dwarves races, being found across all the regions of Oscana. 

Mountain Dwarves

Blood Iron Dwarves

The Blood Iron Dwarves of the Nadhorod Basin were originally mountain dwarves, but, with their discovery of Blood Iron over 500 years ago their way of life has drastically changed, to the point where they're effectively an entirely different society. They've switched over to mining Blood Iron almost exclusively, and use its natural absorption of magic to do amazing things. Self propelled elevators, a train system, and a myriad of other inventions were born from it. It's use is now so widespread within their culture that they decided to rename themselves after the material, cementing the it within their legacy.
Enormous amounts of goods and products are created out of the precious ore on a daily basis, but are very protective of their mines and any raw material as it gets moved about. To this day, only the reigning clan, Bloodthane, knows exactly where the material is mined from, as they keep a tight rein on all knowledge of the material.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Most dwarves follow a strict patriarchy headed by a Thane. The thane will usually have a council beneath him to assist in the running and maintaining of the realm. While leaders are primarily male, that's not to say female dwarves are looked down on altogether. While they believe that the managing of the state should belong to the men, the women have just as much say so in society as the other non-seated men do.

Facial characteristics

Male dwarves are easily recognized by their usually long and groomed beards. A male dwarf that is clean shaven or has a short beard is usually a criminal, with forced shaving going alongside most punishments.

Lifespan

400 - 500 years

Average Height

4 - 4 1/2 ft.

Average Weight

150-200 lbs.

Average Physique

Dwarves are a hardy bunch, and are often very stocky and muscled despite their small stature.