Dwarf

The Dwarves of Eldaivyr are a formidable and resilient race, deeply rooted in the cavernous realms beneath the rugged landscapes of the world. Known for their expert craftsmanship, staunch traditions, and complex social hierarchies, these Dwarves have forged their society around the bounteous resources of the underground and their devotion to The Stone, a central element of their culture and spirituality. Highly skilled metalworkers and stonemasons, Eldaivyr's Dwarves are renowned for their architectural marvels and finely crafted artifacts, which are both a testament to their expertise and a central aspect of their economic and social structure.
Personality: Dwarves are known for their steadfast natures, marked by a blend of staunch conservatism and a profound respect for tradition and order. Their society values loyalty, honor, and diligence, fostering a community where each individual knows their role and duties. Dwarves possess an innate connection to the materials they work with, which often extends into their stoic yet pragmatic approach to life. Intelligence in craftsmanship and strategy is highly prized, as is a keen sense of practicality in everyday matters. This does not mean Dwarves lack emotional depth; rather, they choose to express their feelings through actions rather than words, and their bonds—whether familial or forged in the fires of friendship—are deep and enduring.
Physical Description: Dwarves of Eldaivyr are robust and stocky, typically standing between four to five feet tall but boasting a dense, muscular build that belies their height. Their skin ranges from deep earthy tones to paler hues reminiscent of stone, often reflecting the minerals and ores of their subterranean homes. Facial features are prominent, with broad noses, strong jawlines, and deep-set eyes shielded by heavy, often bushy brows. Their eyes gleam with the luster of polished gemstones, possessing remarkable clarity—a testament to their enhanced vision in low light conditions, an evolutionary trait from living underground. Dwarves are known for their impressive beards and hair, which they often braid with metals or gems as a display of status and craftsmanship. Their hands are calloused, their fingers dexterous, adept at detailed and delicate tasks that their crafts demand. Dwarves are generally considered to be an adult at the age of 20, but may not be finished physically, physiologically, and psychologically developing until around the age of 25. The average expected life span of a Dwarf is about 150 years.
Relations: The Dwarves maintain a complex network of clan relationships, where loyalty to one’s clan is paramount, often leading to rivalries or alliances that can last for centuries. Within their society, castes play a significant role, dictating one's profession and social standing. Relations between the surface dwellers and the deep cavern Dwarves can be strained, as those who leave the underground communities to live on the surface (often referred to as Surface Dwarves) are sometimes viewed as outcasts or renegades. However, these Surface Dwarves frequently serve as vital links between their subterranean kin and other races, facilitating trade and diplomatic efforts that benefit all parties involved.
Alignment: Dwarves tend to lean towards lawfulness, given their structured society and value system that emphasizes honor, tradition, and a well-ordered community. Their alignments typically range from Lawful Good, where they act as protectors and benefactors, to Lawful Neutral, abiding strictly by codes and traditions regardless of wider moral implications. Chaotic alignments are rare and usually frowned upon, seen as a deviation from the stability that has long preserved their way of life.
Lands: Dwarves predominantly inhabit the vast network of caves and tunnels that span the underground of Eldaivyr. These subterranean landscapes are rich in minerals and ores, providing the resources necessary for their famed metallurgical and stoneworking pursuits. The Dwarven cities are marvels of engineering, showcasing sophisticated architecture that is both functional and artistic. Above ground, Dwarves are less common but may establish fortified strongholds in mountainous regions, which serve as trading posts and diplomatic hubs.
Religion: The predominant religion among the Dwarves is the worship of The Stone, a faith that venerates the earth itself as a living, divine entity. This religion profoundly influences their culture, dictating everything from social structure to daily routines. The Stone's clergy—known as Shapers—hold significant power, guiding the spiritual and practical lives of their communities through rituals and teachings that reinforce the sacred bond between the Dwarves and the earth.
Language: Dwarves speak a language known as Dwarvish, a tongue that is as ancient as their race. It is known for its harsh tones and guttural sounds, well-suited to vocalizing in the deep caverns of their underground homes. Many also learn Common to trade and communicate with other races, and those who deal frequently with magic may learn additional languages relevant to their studies or alliances.
Names:

• Masculine Names: Agmundr, Bjornar, Dain, Eitri, Fargrim, Gorm, Harald, Isarr, Jorund, Kjeld, Lofar, Mjolnir, Njord, Ove, Pall, Quorin, Rurik, Sigurd, Torin, Ulfric
• Feminine Names: Astrid, Borghild, Dagmar, Eir, Freydis, Gudrun, Helga, Ingrid, Jora, Karelia, Lina, Morwen, Nyssa, Orla, Pia, Runa, Sif, Thora, Unn, Vedis
• Family Names: Ironfist, Stoneshield, Hammerfall, Deepforge, Orevein, Mountainroot, Hearthward, Grimbrow, Anvilborn, Coldforge, Darkmine, Firebeard, Goldweaver, Highpeak, Ironbraid, Lodehammer, Mithrilarm, Oreheart, Silveraxe, Thundermark

Adventurers: Dwarven adventurers often arise from a desire to protect their community, seek out new resources, or prove their mettle in the wider world. Many Dwarves are drawn to adventuring as a means to gain honor for their family or clan, especially warriors and paladins. Others, such as artisans and craftsmen, may seek rare materials or lost Dwarven artifacts. Dwarven adventurers typically fill roles that make use of their natural resilience and strength, such as fighters and barbarians, though many also excel as clerics or wizards, especially those dedicated to the craft of magic as it pertains to metallurgy and stone.

Genetic Descendants

• Gnome
• Halfling

Lifespan

150 years

Average Height

4-5 ft.

Average Weight

150-220 lbs.

Related Organizations

• Ardania
• Calbrune
• Emeralhelm
• Hammerdeep
• Raelia
• Stoneheim
• The Stone

Related Ethnicities

• Gray Dwarf
• Hill Dwarf
• Mountain Dwarf

Personal Characteristics

Personality Traits

• "I approach every task with meticulous attention to detail, whether forging a weapon or drafting a contract."
• "My word is my bond, and once given, I'll move mountains to keep it."
• "I value the simple joys in life: a well-crafted ale, a finely tuned axe, and the comfort of stone walls around me."

Ideals

• Tradition: "The ancient ways of my people guide my every decision; to abandon them is to abandon my identity."
• Endurance: "No matter the hardship, a true dwarf endures, for our resilience is carved from the very mountains."
• Craftsmanship: "I strive to perfect my craft to honor the legacy of my ancestors whose work has endured through the ages."

Bonds

• "My clan is my heartbeat; I will do anything to ensure its prosperity and security."
• "I am bound to an ancient artifact crafted by my forebears, tasked with its protection and preservation."
• "I owe a great debt to the guild that trained me, and I will uphold their standards and reputation with my every action."

Flaws

• "My stubbornness has cost me dearly in the past, making it difficult to adapt or compromise."
• "I hold a deep-seated grudge against a rival clan, which sometimes blinds me to potential alliances."
• "My obsession with my craft can make me oblivious to the needs and concerns of those around me."