Dwarves

Dwarves have inhabited Eoth since time immemorial. The hardy mountain dwarves are concentrated in the southwest region within the Kaspial Mountains, though they have been known to dwell near almost any mine-rich earth. Hill Dwarves primarily inhabit the eastern regions near the Copper Hills and often live above ground. While similar in appearance, no dwarf would ever mistake one for the other; and if appearance isn't enough, the accents are. There is no love lost between these two sub-races, but sustained conflicts are uncommon since they rarely want the same thing. In fact, the animosity between the mountain and hill dwarves exceeds even that between dwarves and elves, who coexist on the continent with mutual indifference.

Dwarves and humans, don't think much of each other. Their relationships tend to be strictly business. Humans consider dwarves inferior, and for the most part, the dwarves don't respect the opinions of humans enough to care.

Dwarves are highly regarded for their stonework and crafting abilities, and can often be convinced, for enough coin or appealing to their pride, to take jobs, even in cities. Some (mostly hill dwarves) even established places of business within a city, but occasionally a mountain dwarf can be found plying his trade as a blacksmith or armorer.

Dwarven militias have been declared illegal (by humans, of course), but it is generally assumed that every dwarven clan trains in secret. Occasionally a dwarf will be found as a mercenary, hired by merchant caravans while traveling through the still-wild central region, as proof against bandits and more toothy predators. Dwarven mercenaries are expected to relinquish their weapons upon entering a city.

Strangely, dwarves, even mountain dwarves, do not occupy the northern Drakensberg mountains.