Dwarves

Dwarves live isolated in their citadels in desperate fear of the disease Garamenia. There are two major dwarven citadels in Western Eochora: Ther Malduhr, home of the Overdwarves, and Dhul Furuhan, home of the Underdwarves.

For most people, Garamenia is relatively harmless, but very contagious. Most people have it for most of their lives without knowing it. However, if it infects a dwarf, the dwarf undergoes a slow, painful transformation into a rottendwarf, with pale grey skin and sickly white hair.

Dwarves were once the most populous and powerful race on Eochora, but that was millennia ago. Because of Garamenia, dwarves must avoid any contact with the outside world and their societies cannot expand beyond the confines of their thick walls. A very small percentage of dwarves turn out to be immune to the disease. These emissaries are highly valued for their ability to trade and converse with outsiders. However, the fear of the disease is so rooted in dwarven culture that most immunes go their whole lives without realizing it.

In spite of the disease, dwarves live rich, productive lives in their citadels. Merchants from outside the citadels will pay much for dwarven artwork, weaponry, armor, gems, and brew.