Mountain Dwarf

The Mountain Dwarves of Eldaivyr epitomize the quintessential characteristics of their race—resilient, tenacious, and deeply connected to the earth. Nestled within the highest reaches of the mountainous regions, these Dwarves are the stalwart defenders of their ancient traditions and the staunchest believers in the religion of The Stone. Living amid sprawling networks of mines and forges that tap into rich veins of iron and other precious ores, the Mountain Dwarves have built a culture that is both insular and richly adorned with the fruits of their relentless labor.
Cultural and Social Structure: Mountain Dwarves live in formidable stone fortresses and expansive underground cities carved from the heart of mountains. Their society is highly organized, with a clear hierarchy that respects age, wisdom, and skill. The clan is the central unit of their social structure, with each clan ruled by a chieftain and a council of elders who oversee the community's welfare, from mining operations to martial defense. These communities are often self-sufficient, relying on their skilled artisans to produce everything from daily necessities to intricate ceremonial items.
These Dwarves hold a deep reverence for The Stone, which influences all aspects of their lives, from architecture to philosophy. Their cities are marvels of engineering, showcasing vast halls lined with stone columns, intricate relief sculptures, and luminous forge-fires that reflect their mastery over metal and stone.
Physical Traits: Mountain Dwarves are robust and compact, typically standing around four to four and a half feet tall but built with a muscular heft that makes them formidable adversaries and tireless workers. Their skin tends towards a ruddy hue, a reflection of the fiery forges they work at and the cold, wind-blown cliffs they call home. Their hair, thick and often dark, is usually worn long and decorated with metalwork beads or clasps that signify their clan and status. Their eyes, bright and sharp, gleam with the determination and endurance that their lifestyle demands.

Personality and Psychology: Known for their stubbornness, Mountain Dwarves are unyielding in their beliefs and traditions. This stubborn streak is often seen as a virtue, as it underscores their reliability and steadfastness in all aspects of life. They are cautious with trust, but once given, it is unshakeable. Loyalty to family, clan, and tradition defines their personal and collective ethos, making them honorable allies and fearsome enemies. Their work ethic is unparalleled, driven by a strong sense of duty and the sacredness of their craft as an act of worship.
Relations with Other Races: Mountain Dwarves are typically isolationist, preferring the company of their own kind and wary of outsiders. However, their expertly crafted wares and the precious metals they mine make them important players in trade, often out of necessity rather than preference. Relations with other Dwarven subraces are generally respectful but formal, governed by ancient codes and treaties. With non-Dwarves, their dealings are cautious and measured, always vigilant against exploitation or deceit.
Religion and Spirituality: Their faith in The Stone is profound and all-encompassing. Mountain Dwarves believe that their spirits are carved from the very mountains they inhabit, making their connection to The Stone not only spiritual but elemental. Their rituals and religious observances are elaborate, often involving the entire community in celebrations that honor the earth and seek blessings for their endeavors in mining and crafting. The clergy, revered as both spiritual leaders and practical advisors, wield significant influence in guiding the community’s spiritual and temporal affairs.

Adventurers and Explorers: While not typically adventurous, Mountain Dwarves often venture from their strongholds to fulfill ancient oaths, protect their lands from encroaching threats, or recover lost artifacts of Dwarven heritage. Those who do take up the adventurer’s mantle are driven by a deep sense of duty and often excel as warriors, paladins, or clerics, embodying the indomitable spirit of their people and the unyielding strength of the mountains.
In summary, the Mountain Dwarves of Eldaivyr are a people of iron and stone, shaped by the peaks they call home and defined by the depth of their faith. Their culture is a fortress as much as their cities, guarding age-old traditions and a way of life dictated by the rhythms of their mountainous landscapes.

Encompassed species

• Dwarf

Personal Characteristics

Personality Traits

• "Precision in craft and thought is the mark of a true Mountain Dwarf."
• "I measure twice and mine once; every strike of my hammer counts."
• "My mood might be as rocky as my home, but my loyalty is as solid as the mountains."

Ideals

• Endurance: "Endure and prevail. Nothing worth having comes easily, especially in the mountains."
• Honor: "My word is as strong as my steel. I uphold the honor of my clan above all."
• Self-Reliance: "Dependence is for the lowlands. Up here, we rely on our strength and wits."

Bonds

• "My ancestors carved their legacy into these mountains, and I must uphold it."
• "The forge where I learned my craft is my sacred place, the heart of my world."
• "I am bound to retrieve the ancient relics of my people lost in forgotten deeps."

Flaws

• "I am gruff and blunt, which sometimes alienates allies and kin."
• "My pride in my work can turn to obstinacy against any form of criticism."
• "I am overly cautious, sometimes to the point of indecision, fearing to mar perfection."