Dwarf

The dwarves of Avenaria are best known for their crafted metal goods, especially arms and armor. Within their mountain stronghold, the Dwarves craft astounding works of art and magic. They once created great towns to trade their goods with all, but humans and other races sought the secret of their crafting, and brought ruin to both the towns and the relations with the dwarves. Dwarves owe their great works of magical arms to the same thing they owe their magical resistance to, Novistone. For centuries, during the first age of humankind, the dwarves shared their wares in the cities outside the forges that reside deep within the mountains. Unfortunately, greed drove humans, and others to covet what the dwarves created, and to desire the secrets of their creation. When it became apparent that it was Novistone that allowed for the great creations, and also became apparent that the dwarves were not going to share the source of the stone, those that were covetous began attacking the dwarves to steal the stone. After many years of warfare, where dwarves were hunted for their stone, the “Nation of the Mountain” retreated to their mountain stronghold and sealed themselves away from contact with the outside world. Those dwarves that remained above ground, either by choice or by being locked out, became known as “Topworlders” to the dwarves or Hill Dwarves to other races. To this day the “Hollow Peak” remains impregnable to the outside world, and travel through the mountains is dangerous at best, and often proves lethal as the Mountain Dwarves seek to protect their homeland. The War of the Fallen Kings drew some of the Mountain Dwarves from the Nation of the Mountain into the world to help push the tide of the war. While not as trusting as they were, the alliance between the humans and dwarves from the war has held, and Mountain Dwarves are now more common, but still somewhat rare outside of dwarven holds.

Additional Information

Social Structure

The dwarves are ruled by a Thane, elected by council. When the council cannot agree on a course of action, the Thane will make the decision. While elected, the Thane does have a great amount of influence on the outcome of many policies, and is generally the public face of the kingdom.

Facial characteristics

Broad flat faces with prominent noses and chins, Dwarves wear their beards as long as possible. Usually only cutting the length when it would present an issue at the forge or in combat. Often braided with intricate braids and adorned with gold bands and jewelry.

Lifespan

400 Years

Average Height

4 ft to 5ft tall

Average Weight

250 - 350 lbs

Average Physique

Dwarves tend to be very stocky, being almost as wide as they are tall.