Dwarf Species in Caanae | World Anvil

Dwarf

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dwarves are short, stocky beings with large heads, bushy beards, and muscular builds.

Biological Traits

There are few physical differences between male and female dwarves. Both genders have similarly stocky builds, bushy beards, and muscular frames. However, there are some societal distinctions between the two genders. In traditional dwarven societies, men are often the primary providers and protectors of their families and communities, while women are typically responsible for domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning. However, these gender roles are not set in stone, and many dwarves, both male and female, are capable of performing a wide range of tasks and occupations. In fact, some dwarven societies are known for being more egalitarian, with both genders having equal opportunities for leadership and advancement.

Growth Rate & Stages

Dwarves have a slow growth rate compared to other races, taking up to 50 years to reach adulthood. However, they have long lifespans, living up to 400 years or more. Dwarves go through several stages of development throughout their long lives. In their youth, they are called "younglings" and are often coddled by their elders. As they grow older, they learn the skills necessary for mining and crafting. Once they reach adulthood, they are expected to contribute to their clan in some way. Dwarves place great importance on tradition and the wisdom that comes with age and experience. As such, they value their elders and their contributions to their society.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Meat is a staple of the dwarven diet, and they are known for their skill in hunting and cooking it. They prefer red meat, such as beef and venison, and often add spices and herbs to enhance the flavor. Dwarves also enjoy fish and seafood, especially if it has been smoked or cured.
Bread is another dietary staple for dwarves. They prefer their bread to be dense and hearty, with a thick crust and a soft interior. They often add nuts, seeds, and grains to their bread for added flavor and nutrition.
Ale is the beverage of choice for dwarves, and they take great pride in brewing their own. They prefer their ale to be dark and strong, with a rich, malty flavor. Dwarves often add herbs and spices to their ale to give it an extra kick.
In addition to meat, bread, and ale, dwarves also enjoy a variety of vegetables and fruits. They prefer root vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots, and often cook them in stews and soups. They also enjoy mushrooms, onions, and garlic, which they use to add flavor to their dishes.
Despite their love of food and drink, dwarves are generally very healthy. They have a strong constitution and are resistant to many illnesses and diseases. They also have a high metabolism, which allows them to burn off excess calories quickly. However, dwarves are also prone to overeating and can become obese if they are not careful. They also have a tendency to drink too much ale, which can lead to health problems if consumed in excess.

Behaviour

Dwarves are known for their strength, hardiness, and dependability. They are polite, especially to elders, and possess great wisdom. Dwarves value their traditions and seek inspiration from their ancestral heroes.
Dwarven friendship is not easily earned, but once it is won, it is strong. Dwarves are slow to trust others, especially those outside their family, and tend to suspect the worst of individuals until they prove their goodwill. Once trust is gained, dwarves hold their friends to it and view betrayals, even minor ones, with a strong desire for vengeance.
Dwarves are renowned for their dependability as friends and allies, as well as for their tendency to hold grudges much longer than most. For dwarves, loyalty is more than just a word; they believe it should be valued and rewarded. To stand beside a friend in combat is considered a gift and a mark of respect, and to protect that ally from harm is an even deeper gift.
Many dwarven tales revolve around the sacrifice of dwarves for their friends and family. Although dwarves are known for their stubbornness and cynicism, these traits are often balanced by their bravery and tenacity. A dwarf approaches all tasks with care and a stubborn determination.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Dwarves are easily recognized by their distinctive facial features. They have large, bushy beards and thick eyebrows, which often obscure their eyes. Their noses are broad and strong, and their jaws are square and muscular. Dwarves also have thick, calloused skin that helps protect them from the harsh environment of the underground. They are known for their rugged, sturdy appearance and their resilience in the face of danger.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Dwarves, with their rugged and stout frames, possess acute senses that are perfectly suited for life underground in the depths of the earth. Here are the five senses that dwarves rely on:
1. Sight: Dwarves have excellent vision, particularly in low light conditions. They can see in complete darkness up to 60 feet away, giving them a clear advantage in the dark and twisting tunnels of the world below.
2. Hearing: Dwarves have sharp hearing, which helps them detect danger from afar. They can hear even the slightest echoes or whispers in the stone, allowing them to stay alert and aware of their surroundings.
3. Smell: Dwarves have a keen sense of smell that helps them detect hidden dangers like poisonous gas or underground fires. They are also able to detect the faintest scents of minerals and precious metals, which helps them in their mining operations.
4. Taste: Dwarves have a discerning palate and are able to taste even the slightest impurities or toxins in their food and drink. This helps them avoid contaminated supplies and maintain a healthy diet.
5. Touch: Dwarves have tough skin and are able to endure extreme temperatures and rough surfaces. Their fingers are also adept at feeling out the texture of rock and ore, allowing them to identify valuable minerals and metals with great accuracy.
These senses, combined with their natural resilience and hardy constitution, make dwarves an ideal race for exploring the dangerous and unpredictable world below.

Civilization and Culture

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Dwarves generally avoid speaking their minds about others and do not consider behavior that is "good enough" to be any of their business. While they get along passably well with most other peoples, they believe that true friendships can only be forged over long periods of time, and few members of shorter-lived races ever forge strong bonds with dwarves. As competitors for underground resources, dwarves and kobolds frequently fight over subterranean claims. The kobolds make diplomacy difficult, and while the two do not always attack each other, neither side needs much provocation to start fighting. Dwarves have a pragmatism and sense of honor that serves diplomacy well, and few reasonable societies cannot come to some level of agreement with them. However, their relations with kobolds are not helped by how dwarves frequently ally with or fight for gnomes against kobold tribes. If the two end up working together due to circumstance, they can discover a common work ethic that can form the foundation of respectful friendships.
Lifespan
~400 years
Average Height
4 to 5 feet
Average Weight
150 lbs
Related Materials

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