Dwarf

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

Dwarven gestation typically lasts 12 months.

Ecology and Habitats

Dwarves live underground by choice, although they can survive on the surface and can generally tolerate the same environments as Corth's other sapient races.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Dwarves of both sexes are capable of growing thick, bushy beards, which they typically grow long and braid or fasten into patterns.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

Every dwarf—and any half-dwarf who chooses to acknowledge that side of their heritage—is a member of one of seven clans, although one has been lost, leaving only six still active. Most of these clans form relatively unified kingdoms, each with their own defined territory and leadership.
The Goldcrest Clan, due to the long period in which they were driven out of their homeland, have been scattered and disunited. Although the kingdom of Seredina was reclaimed in the Crusades and many Goldcrests returned there, many more chose to continue their migratory existence or remain integrated into Kadarin society.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

The Dwarven tongue, Yazyk, has at least one dialect for every dwarven clan. These dialects are largely mutually intelligible, but dwarves from particularly distant clans may run into confusion when attempting to hold more technical conversations, or when using slang.

Common Taboos

With the exception of the Goldcrest clan, most dwarves consider it taboo for a baby to be born aboveground.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

By the strictest interpretation of orthodox dwarven theology, the vast majority of non-dwarves are ritually unclean and fall into the same theological category as the untouchable caste. In practice, treating all other sapients—with the exception of mardik—as untouchable is impractical. However, non-dwarves are barred from entering temples to any of the dwarven gods other than Burya and Begunok, and from descending below the merchants' level of dwarven cities. A few individuals may be permitted to enter the artisans' levels once they have spent seven dwarven day-cycles underground first.
This does not in any way inhibit trade between dwarves and others, and dwarven merchants can be found in every major city across three continents, trading with everyone from dragonfolk to afisi.

Genetic Descendants

• Half-Dwarf
• Lich

Scientific Name

Homo sapiens taenarius

Lifespan

350 years

Average Height

3'9"–4'5"

Related Ethnicities

• Brassfoot Clan
• Claybeard Clan
• Copperhead Clan
• Flintjaw Clan
• Goldcrest Clan
• Ironheart Clan
• Silverfist Clan