Dwarves
Dwarvish culture can be largely divided into 3 groups: Traditional, Metropolitan, and Barbarian.
Traditional
Traditional dwarves commonly live in large mountainous city states composed of other dwarves. These dwarves can often trace their lineage back all the way to the first dwarves, and as such likely consider their ancestry to be their standing in their society. A dwarf who is the descendant from a long line of blacksmiths, one of which created the legendary warhammer named Orstr Olgad, may consider himself one of the best smiths in the region as a result. A dwarf who is the descendant of a betrayer or failure way carry the sins of their ancestors as well. These dwarves commonly take pride in smithing, stonework, mining, and battle. A dwarf like takes pride in anything they do, but will be more likely to respect dwarves from families great at those skills.
Dwarvish city-states typically have few if any other races living within them. Dwarves don't disallow other races within their borders, but many find it hard to live with them for extended periods of time. Dwarvish cities are run by a King or Queen, most dwarvish rulers are seceded by a blood heir, but it is not unheard of for a King or Queen to designate their next heir to be a great leader in their community if they do not wish to sire an heir.
Humans can be friends as often as they can be enemies, but often don't interact enough with them to become great allies outside of political means. These dwarves typically look down on the elves, seeing them as lacking the strength and grit typically valued in their societies. If the elves and dwarves agree on one thing, its the eradication of orcs and goblinkind.
Dwarves in these societies are typically Lawful.
Metropolitan
Metropolitan dwarves are those that live in large multicultural societies. They may be responsible for introducing impressive smithing into an area, but are just as often impressing locals with their brewing skills by opening a tavern. These dwarves value their lineage less than those that live in dwarf-led societies but can still likely recount impressive tales of the success of their ancestors. Dwarves born into multicultural areas are still often found as craftsmen or artisans. Most metropolitan areas are human run, so rarely are they found in positions of power, though they still may be seen as leaders within the community.
Humans can be friends as often as they can be enemies, but often don't live long enough for a dwarf to consider them a great friend. Sometimes a dwarf will become great family friends and see to it that their human friend's next of kin grows up healthy and strong. Metropolitan dwarves typically still see elves snooty bastards, but aren't against becoming friends with them if they can handle a little good natured ribbing. Their relationships with other races or cultures typically reflects the views of those who live in their city.
Dwarves in these societies are typically either Lawful or Neutral (neutral on the law scale).
Barbarians
Barbarian dwarves could be considered a misnomer, they are not all necessarily barbarians. These dwarves live in less settled regions and are occasionally nomadic. Most often they live in mountainous forests, and can often be found within range of dwarvish city-states. These dwarves are the descendants of outcast of dwarvish societies. Though more traditional dwarves may be able to trace when these members left their society, they likely can't trace their lineage back that far as their last names have long since changed to reflect their new societies. They likely know a great accomplishment of their parents or grandparents, and may know a great accomplishment of their ancestors if it was significantly impressive.
These dwarves typically do not interact without other races outside of a grand quest or adventure they may have gone on and usually regard them with ambivalence. Elves are snobs though.
Dwarves in these societies are typically Chaotic.
Dwarvish Family Names
Here's a cute little last name chart I made for dwarves. These are not the only last names for dwarves, but I think it present the general naming scheme of different dwarves.
| Traditional | Metropolitan | Barbarian | Suffix | Suffix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver- | Barrel- | Bone- | -axe | -brow |
| Iron- | Leather- | Shatter- | -beard | -gut |
| Gold- | Coin- | Blood- | -chest | -basher |
| Copper- | Brew- | Rune- | -forged | -shoulder |
| Steel- | Boulder- | Mountain- | -belly | -toe |
| Sapphire- | Flint- | Lake- | -guard | -hand |
| Ruby- | Ale- | Brown- | -helm | -brand |
| Amber- | Merry- | Black- | -master | -back |
| Jade- | Plate- | Red- | -mantle | -shaper |
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