Dwarves

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Traditionally living under the earth, in grand kingdoms, they have adapted to the environment, which has hardened their bodies, making them fairly hard to kill.

Civilization and Culture

Common Dress Code

Traditionally, given the relative lack of leathers and cloths, dwarves have made heavy use of clothing in large part made out of solid materials, such as metal and rocks. They are, of course not entirely without softer materials. Though with how harsh life can be below ground, their clothes tend to be made for function, rather than form.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Among dwarves, a beard is a symbol of status. The larger and more ornate, the more said dwarf is respected. This naturally leads to women being disenfranchised. Though breadless males are below even women. One of the more severe punishments handed out is to shave off a dwarf's beard. This also often leads to family disownment, causing the dwarf to become an outcast. These dwarves often leave the hold to seek a new life somewhere else.

Common Taboos

The dwarves body shape has caused a derogatory term to appear, "Stumpy". A fair number of dwarves doesn't care, but most are grossly offended by it. For them, comparing a dwarf, strong and hardy as the mountains to the weak and bendable tree, and a dead tree at that is a gross insult.

History

Living in their ancestral kingdoms underground, the dwarves have built the wealth of their realms with their hard work, be it mining or craftsmanship. Mostly keeping to themselves, the dwarves guard their hold fiercely. Honour and bloodlines are a key part of dwarven society. As a result, family honour is of the essence, and to insult someone's family honour is one of the worst insults you can throw at a dwarf. The dwarven family is led by their patriarch.
Traditionally, holds are ruled by a king, aided by a council composed by the patriarchs of the most prominent family houses in the hold. The council is there to keep the king in check. The councils were formed after a number of the dwarven kingdoms collapsed after their king went mad with power.

Common Myths and Legends

Traditionally, dwarves have worshipped Arianrhod, the Earth Mother, on account of her creating the very earth they live in, as well as Cináed, the Forge Lord, owing to their artistic and industrious way of life.

Lifespan

Dwarves live decently long lives, around 150 – 200 years on average.

Average Height

Dwarves stand at a height ranging between 1,25m to 1,6m, with an average of 1,5m.

Average Weight

With their stocky build, dwarves tend to weigh between 60kg and 85kg, with an average weight of 70kg

Average Physique

Dwarves stand with a very wide frame despite their short stature.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Dwarves skin tone range from pale to olive. This has caused them not to be as exposed to the harsh treatment by the sun as the other races.