Dwarf
Standing between 3 and 4 feet tall the stout Dwarf has skin that ranges from an iron color to sandy tan to pale, and hair from a walnut to auburn. The grand will, hope, and fortitude of the Dwarves is a thing of legend to the other races. Tales of the Dwarf planted into the ground before hordes of enemies rings through the echoed halls of the Seven Cities. Dwarves have a will, perseverance, and mind that keep their kind save from the ravages of the outside world, and get them into trouble with the other races. The Dwarves live for 500 years - often older; they are beings that slowly gain mastery throughout their lives, but as such, have a difficult time learning and adapting to new things - perpetual masters of aging crafts.
Clay of Osoro:Tales tell of the creation of Dwarves in the first era; the second race was created of clay to watch over and protect the Humans as they learn of Eldara. Being crafted of clay may explain Dwarves' distaste for vast bodies of water. Blown in the blasting heat of Osoro's furnace Dwarves were hardened and materialized as a long-living, sturdy race of earth. Crafted by Osoro, the Dwarves pay a great respect to trade, crafting, prosperity, civilization, and architecture. They craft entire cities through natural stone, making crafts, and great furnaces to destroy waste; many seek the expertise of an ancient Dwarf to pursue their own craft.
History of the Dwarves:Long ago Dwarves were created to accompany Humans on their conquest of Eldara, Dwarves were to be lorekeepers and scholars to pass information between the generations of Humans thanks to their age. As ages passed and more races were created on Eldara, the Dwarves found themselves fighting for space between the Humans and Thaelron. Their willpower alone drove them in their decision to occupy far reaches of the mountains, and their love of stone drew them under it. Though they learn and adapt more slowly than the other races, the Dwarves' sheer determination and age make them eventual masters of any craft - many Dwarves practice old, or even ancient techniques, but with an expertise that can bridge almost any gap in technology.
Stout Traditionalists:Dwarven culture is equally slow to grind along, having originally been divided into separate clans Dwarves established a complex system of castes and roles for every Dwarf to follow. This rigid framework has created entire generations that train their progeny to fulfill their role, creating long-lasting family dynasties. Dwarves form small families inside their societal core, and their sterility compared to other races makes any chance a risky assessment, so Dwarves almost always avoid confrontation unless it's required for their survival. Dwarves rarely ever stray from their roles, and straying too far from what they are expected to do results in the Dwarf being shunned, or exiled - almost all Dwarf adventurers are exiles.
Subrace Intro:All Dwarves live together in large underground metropolises along Ylera's Spine; their separation from each other and rigid social structure has made distinct subraces of Dwarves. The three subraces of Dwarf have different roles, and usually live in different districts as they have adapted to their new living space in different ways. Each subrace also has a few distinct outposts of their own, but even these are designed in ways that delegate roles to other outposts.
Hagen (Hill Dwarf):The Hagen are Dwarves that grow average beard, have a tanned complexion, and powerful musculature. They are known to be the few Dwarves that leave their strongholds; they leave to gather materials that cannot be found underground. The Hagen are renowned woodsmen, and traders; they often take materials from the mountains with them to trade with Humans for their needed materials. The Hagen also take the raw materials and craft them into artisinal goods, and are known as the most prestigious crafters among Dwarfkind.
Bergen (Mountain Dwarf):The Bergen are Dwarves that grow thick, straight beards, and have pale skin. Living in the highest reaches of their mountain fortresses, and underground for most of their lives, and venturing out only when necessary to speak with the Hagen, the Bergen have adapted to underground life. They are most well-known as diplomats, accountants, and administrators for Dwarfkind. Hagen almost never travel alone, and are almost always escorted by the Hagen when on diplomatic missions or trading affairs above ground, or Dugen when below.
Dugen (Deep Dwarf):The Dugen grow wispy ashen beards, and have complexions of deep iron or copper. The Dugen separate the Bergen from the many threats that live underground, and serve as miners and soldiers for the great Dwarven city-states. The Dugen have spent entire generations of generations underground, and have almost lost the ability to live above ground. These sturdy people are known to be resilient as far as Races go, and have a great keen eye for the unordinary, and supernatural.
Dwarves gain the following:
1.) +1 to constitution and +2 to will scores and their maximums.
2.) Summon object and fabricate as a spell with a maximum level = 1/3 level (min 1.) Learning these spells increases their mastery by 1.
3.) +2 bonus to crafting skills, further, these skills may have their primary attribute modified from intellect to will.
4.) +1 bonus to persuasion, appraisal, and reputation.
5.) Resistance to poison and disease damage and effects.
6.) Common and Dwarven.
Dwarven society is largely divided between the three subraces and the feats they accomplish for their kingdoms. The Hagen are workers, industrialists, and traders, often ranking in the middle of Dwarven society; Bergen are administrators, diplomats, and the royalty, almost always ranking at the top of Dwarven society; Dugen are workers, miners, and soldiers, often ranking lower in Dwarven society. Dwarven society is largely based on castes, locking each Dwarf into their place in society unless great circumstances interfere. Dwarves often function as a larger social unit than other races, putting others before themselves, which means that most Dwarves do not seek change.
Hagen, Bergen, Dugen
Dwarves are often looked up to by other races. Humans look at Dwarves as long-time allies, and people of unshakable will; others see them as either great defenders, or those who live in lands other races are uninterested in. As the longest-living race on Eldara, many envy the Dwarf's life and lifestyle, but fail to understand their motives; Humans, living for a much shorter time hold great ambitions, but the life of a Dwarf is slow-moving, and a sure thing; other races often find a safety in this assuredness.
+1 bonus to Strength and its Maximum
A Hagen's Strength Score is counted as being 10 points higher for the purposes of determining his carrying capacity.
A Hagen gains an additional +2 bonus to any crafting skill of his choice.
+1 bonus to Intellect and its Maximum.
A Bergen gains a +1 bonus to his Light Rating.
A Bergen may once per day choose to increase the success rating of a persuasion check by 1 step. At 10th level they may increase it to 2 steps.
A Bergen automatically detects whether stone is real, ot whether illusions are pretending to be stone. Additionally, they gain a +2 bonus to detecting traps hidden by stone.
+1 bonus to Acuity and its Maximum.
A Dugen gains a +2 bonus to his Light Rating.
A Dugen gains a +1 bonus to his Perception Skill.
A Dugen gains +1 DR.
