Dwarf - Mountain
Stonekin, Obsidian-Born, Forge Folk, Sons of the Peaks
Basic Information
Anatomy
Mountain dwarves are robust and stocky, with a dense, muscular build that grants them remarkable endurance and physical power. They have broad shoulders, stout limbs, and thick hands, built for the rigors of mining, stone-cutting, and combat. Most Mountain dwarves are slightly taller than their hill dwarf cousins.
Genetics and Reproduction
Mountain dwarves reproduce similarly to humans but have a slower rate of birth. Their natural resilience and constitution are passed down genetically, and their traits remain strong across generations. Children are often raised communally within a clan structure, with a heavy emphasis on loyalty and tradition.
Ecology and Habitats
Mountain dwarves thrive in rugged mountainous regions, particularly those with deep caves, vast underground chasms, and stable rock formations. They tend to avoid the open plains and forests, preferring the sheltered, enduring nature of mountain ranges. Brightgorge, their iconic subterranean city, reflects their mastery of merging architecture with nature, especially with the bioluminescent algae lighting their stonework.
Behaviour
Mountain dwarves are known for their pragmatism, loyalty, and resilience. They possess a natural distrust of outsiders, especially those of goblin or orcish descent. Their society emphasizes endurance, hard work, and reverence for tradition. Humor and storytelling are also common, often revolving around grand tales of ancestors and the greatness of dwarven civilization.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
High intelligence, especially in fields of engineering, metallurgy, and stonemasonry.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Mountain dwarves have sharp eyesight adapted to low-light environments, giving them excellent vision in the darkness of their mountain homes. Their sense of smell is also finely tuned, allowing them to detect changes in air quality, which aids in the detection of gas leaks or unstable ground in mines.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Dwarven names are often harsh-sounding and guttural, representing their connection to the land. Names like Thralmir, Gorund, and Bhaldir are common. Surnames often reflect a dwarf's clan or notable achievements, such as "Ironhammer" or "Stoneforger."
Beauty Ideals
Mountain dwarves value physical strength and a hardy constitution as symbols of beauty. A well-groomed beard (for males) or elaborate braids (for females) signify pride in appearance and are considered highly attractive.
Gender Ideals
Mountain dwarves place little emphasis on gender distinctions, with both males and females participating equally in mining, forging, and combat. However, there is a deep respect for parenthood and a unique reverence for those who choose to guide the next generation.
Courtship Ideals
Courtship often involves demonstrations of skill or resilience. Dwarves seeking a partner might engage in competitions of strength, crafting, or storytelling to impress. Gifts of finely crafted items, often imbued with personal or cultural significance, are a common part of dwarven courtship.
Relationship Ideals
Dwarves value loyalty and partnership, seeking to form lifelong bonds. Clan and family are at the core of their relationships, and they believe that a union between two dwarves strengthens not only themselves but their entire clan.
Common Etiquette Rules
Respect for elders and adherence to tradition are paramount. Dwarves greet each other with a hearty handshake or clasping of forearms and typically introduce themselves by clan affiliation. Visitors are expected to show humility and acknowledge dwarven hospitality by observing local customs.
Common Dress Code
Mountain dwarves wear practical, durable clothing suited to rugged environments. Leather and thick wool are common, as well as metal adornments crafted to represent their clans. When venturing above ground, they don thick cloaks to protect themselves from sunlight.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Their culture revolves around craftsmanship, history, and loyalty. Mountain dwarves preserve their heritage through song, storytelling, and intricate carvings. Each family maintains an archive of sorts, detailing their lineage, accomplishments, and notable events in dwarven history.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Stone-Carving Festivals: Celebrations of craftsmanship where masterworks are displayed.
Ancestor Honoring: Annual events to pay tribute to deceased family members and heroes.
Forge Lighting: Ceremonies marking the start of a new venture or a seasonal change, where fires are ritually lit in every forge in the city.
Common Taboos
Cowardice: Retreating from battle is seen as disgraceful, and those who flee are often shunned.
Desecration of Stonework: Defacing a crafted stone or leaving it unfinished without good reason is highly disrespectful.
Breaking Clan Ties: Dwarves who abandon their clan for personal gain are viewed with contempt.
History
Mountain dwarves are an ancient lineage, famed for their persistence in the face of adversities such as the Pandora War and the conflicts against goblinoids and orcs. During the Pandora War, they suffered immense losses but managed to create the fortified city of Brightgorge within the Obsidian Vertice, a marvel of dwarven resilience and ingenuity.
Common Myths and Legends
Mountain dwarves tell tales of ancient heroes like Thragmir Stonehewer, who is said to have carved his way through an army of orcs to save his kin, and The Forge of Endless Fire, a legendary forge blessed by the gods that could supposedly smelt any metal known to mortals. Another legend speaks of The Stoneborn, ancient guardians made of living rock who once protected dwarven halls and may yet still exist, slumbering deep within the mountains.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Humanoidia Dwarf Dweorh
Lifespan
350 years
Average Height
4-5 feet
Average Weight
~150 pounds
Average Physique
Muscular, stout, and solidly built for heavy labor and combat.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Often pale due to limited sunlight, with common hair colors including shades of brown, black, and red. Eyes tend to be deep brown, gray, or green. Some dwarves adorn themselves with clan tattoos or brands as marks of pride.
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