Hill Dwarf

The Hill Dwarves of Eldaivyr, also revered as the guardians of the earth's surface, stand distinct from their subterranean cousins. Living predominantly in the rolling hills and mountainous regions, these Dwarves have cultivated a unique culture that blends their ancestral heritage with the bounties of the surface world. With a deep-seated devotion to The Stone and an inherent connection to the land, Hill Dwarves are known for their exceptional skills in agriculture, stonework, and metallurgy.
Cultural and Social Structure: Unlike their kin who delve deep into the earth, Hill Dwarves have adapted to life under the open sky, which has influenced their societal structure and customs. They live in well-organized communities that are often built into the sides of hills or mountains, utilizing the natural landscape to fortify their homes and workshops. These communities are typically governed by a council of elders, each a master in a particular craft or a respected spiritual leader, who guide the Hill Dwarves in both mundane and spiritual matters.
Their society places a high value on the balance between taking from the earth and giving back to it. This philosophy is reflected in their careful mining practices and their reverence for the land, which they cultivate with the same precision and dedication as they forge their metals and carve their stones.
Physical Traits: Hill Dwarves are robust and sturdy, typically standing between four and five feet tall. They are characterized by their weathered skin, which ranges from deep tan to earthy brown, mirroring the soil they so cherish. Their hair is usually thick and long, often braided with beads or small stones that signify their family lineage or clan. Eyes of amber, green, or brown sparkle with a keen sharpness, indicative of their close ties to the natural world and their adeptness at spotting ore veins or assessing soil quality.
Personality and Psychology: Hill Dwarves are grounded and patient, often perceived as less gruff than their underground counterparts due to their frequent interactions with traders and other surface-dwelling races. However, they are fiercely protective of their lands and traditions, demonstrating a stubborn resilience when their way of life is threatened. They possess a profound sense of community and duty, and their celebrations and rituals often emphasize thankfulness for the earth's bounty and reverence for the mysteries of The Stone.
Relations with Other Races: Hill Dwarves maintain cordial relations with neighboring races, particularly Humans and Elves, who often trade with them for their agricultural products and finely crafted goods. While they are open to trade and alliances, they remain cautious, with a well-founded wariness of outsiders that might seek to exploit their resources. Within their own race, Hill Dwarves are regarded with a mixture of respect and bemusement by their subterranean kin, who see them as somewhat unconventional yet vital to the broader Dwarven culture.
Religion and Spirituality: Religiously, Hill Dwarves are devout followers of The Stone, integrating their faith seamlessly with their daily lives. They believe that The Stone's spirit is not confined to the depths of the earth but spreads through all earthen matter. Their spiritual leaders, known as Earthcallers, are both priests and skilled geomancers, capable of interpreting the will of The Stone in the surface world. They lead rituals that bless new mines, celebrate the harvest, and consecrate new constructions, ensuring that all such activities are in harmony with the earth.
Adventurers and Explorers: Hill Dwarves become adventurers often out of a desire to protect their homeland, discover new resources, or recover lost Dwarven relics that may have surfaced from below. They excel as fighters, rangers, and druids, bringing their deep connection to the land and robust physiques to the fore in their questing.
In summary, the Hill Dwarves of Eldaivyr embody a harmonious blend of tradition and adaptability, their lives a testament to the richness of living in tune with both the ancient depths and the vibrant surface of their world.

Encompassed species

• Dwarf

Personal Characteristics

Personality Traits

• "Every stone tells a story, and I have the patience to listen."
• "A hearty laugh and a good ale solve more problems than a sharp axe."
• "My hands may be rough and my clothes dusted with soil, but my heart is as steadfast as the mountains."

Ideals

• Stewardship: "The land sustains us; in return, we must care for it and defend it."
• Tradition: "Honoring the ways of our ancestors fortifies our future."
• Hospitality: "A guest under my roof is a friend yet to be cherished, regardless of their origins."

Bonds

• "I am fiercely loyal to my clan and will do anything to ensure its prosperity."
• "My craft is my legacy; I strive to create works that will endure for generations."
• "The ancient battleground where my ancestors won their freedom is sacred to me."

Flaws

• "I am stubborn to a fault, often to my own detriment."
• "My devotion to tradition can make me resistant to change and new ideas."
• "I underestimate the complexities of the world beyond my hills."