Dwarves

Dwarves are a stoic but stern race, ensconced in cities carved from the hearts of mountains and fiercely determined to repel the depredations of outsiders. More than any other race, dwarves have acquired a reputation as dour and humorless artisans of the earth. It could be said that their history shapes the dark disposition of many dwarves, for they reside in high mountains and dangerous realms below the earth, constantly at war with giants, goblins, and other such horrors.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Dwarves are a short and stocky race, and stand about a foot shorter than most humans, with wide, compact bodies that account for their burly appearance. Male and female dwarves pride themselves on the long length of their hair, and men often decorate their beards with a variety of clasps and intricate braids. Clean-shavenness on a male dwarf is a sure sign of madness, or worse—no one familiar with their race trusts a beardless dwarven man.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Majority of Dwarves lived in the mountains of Scandinavia. In 375 to 568 ad some tribes migrated south, the extent of this travel is the Carpathians in Hungary to the east, mt. Etna in Sicily to the south, and the Pyrenees mountain range in the west between Castile and france.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Dwarves depending on location with often pick a name from the locals, but will still carry important family name with them.

Major Organizations

A few duchies exist inhabited and ruled by dwarves. Some examples are the Principality of Andorra, Voivodeship of Transylvania, and the Swiss Confederation.

Scientific Name

Homo dwarvus

Origin/Ancestry

Norse

Lifespan

200 years

Average Height

3 ft. 9 in. – 4 ft. 5 in.

Average Weight

134 – 206 lbs.