Dwarves
Dwarves are stubborn, as a piece of rock is stubborn under the pickaxe - it breaks before it would bend. They value acts over words, treasuring hard work and meticulous improvement over inherent talent. They take great care to preserve their history and tradition, be it the ancient knowledge of stonework or how a certain family sets the table.
Naming Traditions
Family names
Most family names of the Dwarves carry the name of the traditional family craft or the magnum opus of an ancestor; many simply have metals or gemstones in their clan names. A family name does not only identify the origins of a person, but it has great impact upon how someone is perceived. The deeds of the ancestors can bring respect to their relatives - or they can be the basis of unwanted rumours.
Dwarven clan names: Stonecarver, Ancientforge, Obsidian, Gold, Steadyshield, Silvermine, Jeweller, etc.
Culture
Shared customary codes and values
Tradition: Dwarves treasure their past - if a scholar is looking for extensive material on ancient times, they should visit the archives of the Dwarves. Their language was mostly preserved from the old ages, which makes it quite hard to understand for foreigners. While they do not despise innovation, they generally do not try to fix anything that is already working - unless they see how it could be done better. They like to dig up old family recipes for holidays, and often give their children names of ancient heroes or late clan members.
Hard work: Nothing is so looked down upon in their society as sloth. They know when there is time for rest, but they like to spend most of their time productive. If a complex task requires much time and effort, they are glad to invest in it, even if crafting a single item takes years to complete. They believe in hard work over talent.
Complexity: As it is often tied in with hard work, Dwarves love intricacy. They take pleasure in objects and concepts which have multiple layers and which reward the careful eye with new things to notice. Their signature carved, intermingling patterns, complex braidings and beads on their clothing show this interest of theirs quite explicitly to the outside eye.
Honesty: They like to be straightforward, and they value the truth, even if it is unpleasant. A Dwarven child is raised to avoid lies - even white lies if possible. They like to be true to their claims even when circumstances change, which may not make them the most flexible kind, but a thrustworthy one nevertheless.
Art & Architecture
Though they are mostly known for their sturdy and detailed architecture, the Dwarves of Badoen were the inventors of the first pianos on the continent. These instruments are relatively small, either less wide than their real world counterparts, or built for multiple people. Indeed, it is fairly common for Dwarves to play the same instrument in pairs or even small groups, providing an additional challenge for the musicians.
Historical figures
King Berrhof Brasshelm: A late king of the Dwarven kingdom and founder of the city of Barantiir. His clan was remembered as great smiths, preparing armour that became legendary through the ages.
Thorka Silvermine: One of the Twelve Knights of Syron.
Hlíf Brighfire: The youngest child of Clan Brighfire, she was a paladin, a free spirited warrior and an artist known for her stained-glass pieces in the Battle Halls in the Below, and in the grand Cathedral of Royonne. She also fought in the Khuuli revolution and liked to brag that she was allowed to hold Dreadnought for a moment. Her own weapon was a warehammer adorned with her clan's sigil, named Sudden's Bane.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Dwarves respect complexity and it is reflected in their idea of beauty. A strong build that shows care and slow build-up of physical strength, intricate tattoos, a series of ornamented braids, masterfully carved jewellery are all indications of beauty. They attach little value to a thin frame or spotless skin as is common within human societies.
Dwarves of both sexes avoid revealing or skin-tight clothing for the most part. They know the place for a practical attire, especially when they pursue their crafts, but at social gatherings, they often choose more intricate clothing that would be unfit for everyday activities. Their preferred patterns often vary from family to family, but they are generally angular or ray-like, repeating motives. When it comes to the most important occasions, each Dwarf has some clothing pieces or jewellery which displays their clan's sigil. They proudly show everyone their kinship through these motifs.
Gender Ideals
Dwarves usually think along the lines of male-female distinction. While women are considered equal members of the clan when it comes to family decisions, marriage, going to battle, inheriting the family home or workshop; they have no place in politics and military leadership. It is a tradition that female members of the clan stay away from the stei'r table, where important nationwide decisions are made; even if they occasionally let their opinion be known through their fathers, brothers or husbands. It would be considered unladylike to join such a meeting or question the status quo.
It is often said that this decision was due to the nature of politics in the early days. Dwarven women are believed to be morally sensitive - that is, they are impacted greatly by their environment: nurtured right, they gain otherwordly wisdom and virtue, while faced with corruption, they become immoral themselves. Thus, the ancient Dwarven mothers and daughters are believed to have given up their rights to politics in order to be pillars of virtue within their clans. Since then, they have less impact upon national politics, but are theoretically respected for their clarity of sight, and wisdom. However, this situation often causes them to loose power and agency within their society. More and more voices are starting to challenge the present balance of power to this day. It is uncertain whether progress towards a more even society will prevail, or the tried and tested traditions will be preserved.
Men of noble clans are expected, in return, to have an interest in politics. Even those who serve the gods are required to attend meetings and speak in the name of their clans. They need skills in rhetorics, or at least a sharp tongue to cut back in case it is needed. Dwarven men are generally considered more talkative than women should be, and women are not encouraged to take initiative as much as male Dwarves are.
In terms of professions, almost all are open before both genders. Two exceptions are politics and teaching. Women have no right to attend political gatherings, but their moral benefit is thought to make them ideal educators. Even though men are not forbidden from becoming tutors themselves, a well-situated noble clan would sooner hire a female teacher for their children.
Courtship Ideals
Much like in other areas of their life, Dwarves like to invest time and effort in courting. They would find it most unfitting to gift something to their beloved that has not been crafted by them. It might be anything from a suit of armor to a piece of jewellery or an epic - in fact, stories say this was how one of the famous Dwarven sagas was born - as a young lover's gift to their betrothed.
It is usual for male Dwarves to start the courting process, but later on, the ladies might give gifts as well.
Though it is considered unusual and rare, most Dwarven families are accepting of attraction towards one's own gender. In these cases, any member of the couple may initiate the courting.
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