Dwarf

The ancient dwarves of Utopian Valley were known for the magnificent wares and structures they built in the valley. This artisan-based society keeps that tradition alive. No matter where they ended up thriving, this belief is still strong with them today.

Basic Information

Anatomy

They are taller and more robust than their ancient gnomic cousins.

Biological Traits

Like gnomes magic does not come easy to dwarves.

Genetics and Reproduction

Dwarves are only able to reproduce with other dwarves. In cases where two different subspecies mate, they will take after one of their parents. The gestation period for females is three years.

Growth Rate & Stages

Behaviour

All dwarves are said to be born with an innate stubborn streak. Due to their long life, they are known for their grudges. With their clan-style social structure, if you have wronged an individual of a clan, you have wronged the whole clan. Dwarves pride themselves on their determination, loyalty, and staying true to their word. They generally have a strong sense of justice and apply it to everyday life.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Dwarven society is clan-based. Your clan is a cherished thing to the dwarves. The relations and affiliates between the clans are of vital importance. These networks are known as clanships. When they travel abroad, these networks allow them always to have a bed wherever a particular clanship resides.
Every clan is a little different in how they run a particular group. They do have some commonalities. They are always based around some kind of artistry. Some of the clans are known far and wide for their artisans. When one comes of age, they will either stay with the clan or attempt to apply for apprenticeship in a particular clanship. Generally, denial does not happen, but if denied, their original clan will accept them back with open arms and give them an apprenticeship.

Facial characteristics

Dwarven facial features are rugged looking. Thick facial bones are easily noticed if a beard does not cover them up. Men and some lucky women of the dwarven clans can grow facial hair. For men, how long their beard is is a source of pride. Some of the ancient dwarves' beards drag along the ground as they walk. The term longbeard is a sign of respect to the dwarven clans.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Thanks to their magnificent eyes, they can see heat. This allows them to find subtle differences that most miss because of subtle temperature differences.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

To the dwarf, true beauty comes from within. What one can do with their gifts and tools allows anything one creates to be a work of art.
To put it in simpler terms, a dwarf's attractiveness is tied to their artistry. To them, the arts are things like smithing, tailoring, sculpting, architecture, and especially the art of combat.

Gender Ideals

To the dwarves males are considered superior to women. However, women are considered near equals to men.

Relationship Ideals

Dwarves are known to be slow to trust. Once a relationship is formed to them it is unbreakable. Each relationship should be cherished and nurtured, from family to clan to friends. Betrayal of these relationships causes the grudges they are so famous for.

Average Technological Level

Unlike their smaller cousins, dwarves prefer to stay away from technology. They believe sweat, blood, and muscle always produce a far superior product. This keeps their idea of advanced technology anything beyond the Medieval (5) level.
There are a few pieces of advanced technology that they have embraced, chief among them firearms.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

All dwarves speak Uxpan as their ancestors did.

Common Etiquette Rules

Dwarves are known for their hospitality as long as they feel they can trust you.

Common Dress Code

Dwarves prefer to wear the finest clothing they can afford.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

One's Heritage is significant to clan members. Being able to associate the clan with great artisans, rulers, and heroes is a central bragging point. One thing all the types of dwarves out there seem to excel at is Brewery. Dwarves make the finest ales, meads, and distilled liquors in the land. However, they do not care for wine in any form.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

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Common Taboos

Any crime or offense that can cause one to become clanless is highly taboo to the dwarves. The expulsion from one's clan is the harshest form of punishment. Even death is preferred to banishment.
Suicide is unacceptable in the eyes of dwarves. Their ingrained sense of loyalty will not allow one to contemplate this even if banished from one's clan.

History

Along with the Gnome and Elf they are one of the few sapient species to survive the The Cataclysm.
The surviving clans were thrown into different environments than where they had originated, giving birth to the four subraces.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Dwarves are slow to trust, but when they do, they do so with great loyalty. Because of this, races like the Vulpini are rarely trusted. For the rest of the races, as long as they gain the trust of the dwarves, they have friendly relations with the rest of the Sapiens of Dungar.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Sapien

Genetic Descendants

• Dark Dwarf
• Glacial Dwarf
• Glass Dwarf
• Mountain Dwarf

Average Physique

What dwarves lose in height is made up for with strong thick bones and dense musculature.

Related Ethnicities

• Ancients