Blackpowder

Blackpowder is a chemical substance first discovered by the dwarves and has remained a heavily guarded secret ever since. Whilst some alchemists claim to know the exact ratios of the components, they also admit that experimentation with the wrong, or even right formulae may have undesired effects. All agree that it is made with sulfur, as the odour is unmistakable. This is one of the reasons that the origin for the discovery may have been in the Trove volcanic mountains.
Whilst the dwarves do not employ magic in any recognisable fashion such as humans or elves do, they certainly have an understanding of technological and alchemical processes that put them on par with even some of the greatest magicians. It is certainly the rise of blackpowder within their technological ranks that has led them to become a greater power in the world, giving them a weaponry that may often be used with devastating effects.
Since the invention of blackpowder, the dwarves have implemented such devices as the cannon, the mortar, the aquerbus and the blunderbus, not to mention their hand thrown pot-o-fires and the larger versions used with mangonels, catapults and trebuchets that are so capable of raining down firey destruction.
Although not extremely common, it is certainly known that the dwarven nations all shared this discovery with their kin, but all that carry or use the substance swear an oath to not let it fall into the hands of any non-dwarf, upon destruction of the powder, which often, as sighted, takes the dwarf's life with it. It is said that even a certain guild of engineers have dedicated themselves to the research and improvement of the powder, and even though the current effects are yet to be seen, it is of great concern to the other races as to what may next unfold, or what new weapons may be developed with this new technology.