Dwarf - Hill
Golden Dwarves, Hillsmen, Sunstone Clan, Grasswardens
Basic Information
Anatomy
Hill dwarves are slightly more compact than mountain dwarves, with a sturdy, resilient build that allows them to excel in both aboveground and underground environments. They tend to have slightly lighter frames and more flexible joints, which allow for nimble work in varied terrain. Their hands are often calloused from handling tools and crafting, and their skin is hardened from exposure to the sun and elements.
Genetics and Reproduction
Like other dwarves, hill dwarves have a slow reproductive rate but a strong genetic resilience, passing down both physical traits and cultural affinity for wisdom and intuition. They are known to have robust constitutions, which they attribute to generations of adapting to both rugged terrains and the shifting weather aboveground.
Ecology and Habitats
Hill dwarves are unique among their kin for their preference for the gentle slopes and rolling hills, as opposed to the dark, enclosed mountain depths. They often settle near grasslands, valleys, and open ranges, where they can farm, mine, and craft in harmony with the land. Though they can handle underground work, they find a particular joy in the sunlight and open skies, often establishing dual settlements on both sides of the mountain.
Behaviour
Hill dwarves are pragmatic, community-driven, and resilient. They are slightly less reserved than mountain dwarves, more inclined to trade and interact with nearby societies, though they still carry a cautious respect for other races. They value wisdom, intuition, and common sense, often acting as advisors or mediators in conflicts. Their humor is dry, often laced with wisdom and lessons passed down from elders.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
High, particularly in fields such as brewing, agriculture, and environmental study
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Hill dwarves possess acute senses, particularly when it comes to detecting changes in the earth and soil. Their intuition is honed, allowing them to sense minute vibrations or disturbances, making them excellent trackers and defenders of their settlements. Their heightened wisdom grants them a deep understanding of their surroundings.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Hill dwarves favor names that reflect their love for nature, community, and resilience. Names such as Feldorin, Erdran, and Lysandra are common, often with surnames that highlight family skills or a connection to the land (e.g., Stonefoot, Greenhill, or Ironbrew).
Beauty Ideals
Hill dwarves appreciate practicality in appearance, valuing well-kept hair and a sturdy, resilient physique. Long hair is often braided with beads or small charms symbolizing accomplishments or clan affiliations. Both men and women admire signs of wisdom and age, viewing wrinkles and graying hair as markers of experience and respectability.
Gender Ideals
Gender roles among hill dwarves are flexible; both men and women work in various crafts, with each individual's skills and interests guiding their role in society. Leadership, wisdom, and kindness are valued above traditional gender roles, with a high respect for parental figures and elders.
Courtship Ideals
Courtship often involves gift-giving and acts of service. Dwarves looking to court another might craft a personalized item or perform a helpful task for their beloved’s family. A common custom includes planting a small tree or hardy plant as a symbol of growing affection.
Relationship Ideals
Hill dwarves value partnerships based on respect, shared goals, and loyalty. Family and community ties are paramount, and marriage is seen as a merging of clans, not just individuals. Hill dwarves are known for their deep, lasting commitments and support for each other's families.
Common Etiquette Rules
Hill dwarves greet each other with a firm nod or an arm clasp. It is customary to introduce oneself by clan or craft, demonstrating both pride and respect for one’s lineage. Guests are expected to accept any food or drink offered to show respect for hospitality, with ale and tea being common offerings.
Common Dress Code
Clothing among hill dwarves is practical and durable, often earth-toned and decorated with small woven or embroidered symbols of clan and family. They favor leather and wool, suited for outdoor conditions, and add decorative metal clasps or belt buckles that reflect their craftsmanship.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Hill dwarves take pride in their self-sufficiency and work ethic. Their culture emphasizes a balanced relationship with nature, seeking to sustain the land they inhabit rather than dominate it. They maintain oral traditions, passing down tales of the Pandora War and their ancestors’ travels, with each story carrying a lesson or moral.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
The Gathering of Hands: An annual celebration where hill dwarves from various clans come together to share stories, trade, and renew alliances.
Hearth Lighting: A symbolic act performed in each home at the start of winter, honoring the warmth and unity of family.
Golden Harvest: A festival celebrating the end of the growing season, with feasts, brewing competitions, and games.
Common Taboos
Disregard for Land: Hill dwarves believe in respecting the land, and any act of unnecessary destruction or pollution is frowned upon.
Breaking Oaths: To a hill dwarf, one’s word is a bond, and breaking an oath is a grave offense that can lead to social ostracization.
Disrespecting Elders: Hill dwarves value the wisdom of age, and disrespect towards elders or dismissing their advice is seen as deeply offensive.
History
Hill dwarves have a rich history intertwined with both the mountain dwarves and other nearby societies. Known for their nomadic tendencies, they were once wandering craftsmen and traders before settling in Coalacium, the Arid Steppe, and other places with fertile ground and rich resources. During the Pandora War, they maintained trade routes and supplied both their mountain kin and allied races, creating a network of support and alliance that persists to this day.
Common Myths and Legends
Hill dwarves tell tales of Beldar the Wise, a dwarven sage said to have discovered sacred groves of knowledge in hidden valleys, and The First Forge, where dwarves claim the gods gave them the gift of fire. Another tale is The Long March, a legendary journey where the ancestors crossed deserts and mountains to find their homelands. One of their favorite stories involves The Stone Owl, a mystical creature said to guide dwarves lost in the wilds back to safety.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Humanoidia Dweorh Hill
Lifespan
350 years
Average Height
4-5 feet
Average Weight
140-160 pounds
Average Physique
Compact, sturdy, with more flexibility than mountain dwarves
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Hill dwarves tend to have earthy skin tones, with hair colors ranging from golden brown to deep auburn. Their eyes are often shades of amber, green, or hazel, mirroring the landscapes they cherish.
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