Dwarfish

"Stout, brawny, maybe a little crass, but loyal as a hunting dog."

The Dwarfish people, renowned for their resilience and craftsmanship, are a close-knit and pragmatic race shaped by centuries of hardship. Deeply tied to family and tradition, they uphold values of loyalty, honesty, and industriousness, with a reputation for boldness and a love for hearty food and drink. Their culture celebrates strength, both physical and emotional, as well as the artistry of stone and metal, Dwarfish funerary rites even, turning to stone upon death, reflect their enduring connection to the earth. In Dwarfish myth, they did not emerge from womb or sea, but from the bones of the world itself, shaped by pressure, time, and fire into thinking stone, given breath not by the gods but by the grinding of mountains and the molten whisper of the deep. Despite their sometimes brash demeanor, Dwarfish folk are fiercely loyal, valuing bonds of kinship and shared struggle above all else. Dwarfs are seen as a people who carry the weight of their own survival on their shoulders. Their ethos is grounded in persistence, resilience, and the belief that only hard work and loyalty can carry a family through hardship. Dwarfs, however, are not without a dark humor, often laughing at their own misfortunes, treating their rugged life as something to be endured with a drink in hand and a song in their hearts.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

• Lila.
• Persephone.
• Emerald.

Masculine names

• Oison.
• Gregor.
• Steel.

Unisex names

• Kelly.
• Leslie.

Family names

Dwarfs typically are only referred to by one name, in-place of any last name or family name being 'son or daughter of so-and-so', or sometimes 'descendant of'' followed by a particularly accomplished descendant of theirs i.e. 'Jace, descendent of Cameron' if they choose to carry this title at-all.

Other names

• Stoneborn: Referring to their connection with and believed birth from the stones beneath Gaiatia.
• Grumblebeards: A playful yet affectionate term for their often grumpy but endearing nature.
• Ironclads: A nod to their legendary resilience, both physically and emotionally.
• Forgefolk: Emphasizing their artistry and craftsmanship, particularly in metalwork and stonework.
• Kiltriders: Reference to their iconic attire of kilts and their affinity for riding massive beasts like moose.
• Brassbeards: A reference to the gleaming metal often used in their craftsmanship, highlighting their pride in both their work and their rugged nature.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The Dwarfish folk speak, easily enough to remember, Dwarfish atop Everwealth common. Some examples;

• Fàilte: Means "welcome"
• Tapadh leat: Means "thank you"
• 'Se do bheatha: Means "you're welcome"

Culture and cultural heritage

Dwarfish culture is deeply influenced by their rugged, hard-working past and their storied heritage. Their origins lie in the northernmost regions of the continent, known for their harsh climates and tough landscapes. Their traditional attire draws inspiration from their Scottish and Canadian influences, with fur-lined kilts, sturdy leather boots, and woolen tunics to battle the cold. Their love for hearty food is no mere stereotype but a necessity given the difficult environment they come from. Dwarfish cuisine features hearty stews, heavily spiced meats, and fermented foods, all often accompanied by rich syrups and strong ales to fend off the harsh winters. Many Dwarfs are known for their syrup-making, using the rich natural resources of the land to craft everything from sweet treats to potent liquors. Their festivals often involve large feasts, with kilt-clad riders of massive moose making appearances, marking celebrations of strength and survival. They also cherish their arts of smithing, stonecrafting, and brewing, honing their skills across generations.

Shared customary codes and values

A real Dwarf never lies to another Dwarf, never steals from another Dwarf, and certainly never kills another Dwarf. The other races are open season in all respects, though.

Average technological level

The Dwarfish at their peak before the horrors of the Schism were remarkably advanced, in some regards the pinnacle of Lost Ages technological progress. They were the inventors of alcohol, firearms, hot-air balloons, and eventually in conjunction with the Canid race, the Ironbirds. The Dwarfish people crafted machines, tools, and magic in ways that were a blend of practical application and artistry. Even though many of their technologies were lost due to the Schism, their ancient knowledge still exists in the form of tomes, artifacts, and broken machinery scattered throughout the land.

Common Etiquette rules

The Dwarfish adhere to a strict code of etiquette, one that reflects their respect for family and tradition. When visiting someone’s home, it is customary to bring a gift, usually something crafted by hand. The gift represents respect for the host and their culture. Always be straightforward and honest with a fellow Dwarf, and you can expect the same in return. When drinking together, Dwarfs adhere to a ritual known as the "pub crawl," where they challenge one another to match drinks across several taverns, competing until one of them falls, defeated. These pub crawls are considered a rite of passage and a way to prove one's stamina and fortitude.

Common Dress code

Dwarfs are rarely seen without their kilts, especially in colder climates where these are paired with thick woolen tunics, leather vestments, and fur-lined cloaks. The kilts are crafted not just for practicality but as a symbol of their culture, linking them to the tough, hardworking ancestors who braved their cold homelands. In the warmer months, the Dwarfish folk tend to wear lighter tunics or sleeveless garments, with their iconic kilts still in place, though usually adorned with simpler belts and pouches for carrying tools and herbs. Jewelry is also common, with many Dwarfs adorning themselves with rings, necklaces, and earrings made from the stone and metal they craft, with many pieces telling the stories of their victories, struggles, and heritage.

Art & Architecture

The Dwarfish are renowned for their stonework and metalcraft. The grandeur of their creations lies in their precision and the labor-intensive nature of their designs. They are particularly skilled at crafting statues from stone, some of which are so finely sculpted that they rival the most advanced artistry of other races. Their architecture is similarly focused on durability, with deep-set stone structures that can stand the test of time, often carved directly into mountainsides or the earth itself. Their buildings reflect their cultural heritage, with intricate carvings and motifs celebrating their ancestors and heroic tales. Some of their most famous works are the carvings of their kings and warriors that adorn their public halls and battlefields.

Foods & Cuisine

Dwarfish food is as hearty and durable as its people. Dwarfs favor spicy meats, often cooked in rich stews and accompanied by fermented beverages or syrup-based sauces. Their food is heavy on spices like pepper, cinnamon, and garlic, which provide heat and energy to fuel their active lifestyle. One of the most iconic Dwarfish dishes is the "Torchtongue steak," a fiery hot delicacy known for its robust flavors and intense heat, representing the Dwarfish belief that "the hotter the fire, the harder the steel." Dwarfish folk also have a strong tradition of making syrup from maple trees, a custom passed down from their northern roots. These syrups are used in cooking, for baking, and, of course, as a key ingredient in their potent ales.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

The Dwarfish people celebrate many customs that tie them to their roots. One such tradition is the "pub crawl," which serves as both a test of endurance and a social gathering. The Dwarfs also hold yearly festivals to mark important cultural dates, where they gather to feast, drink, and tell tales of their ancestors. They also maintain close ties with their family and kin, with the focus on the importance of bloodlines and legacy. Some of their most elaborate rituals occur during death, with the Dwarfish turning to stone upon death. This is seen as a return to the earth, an eternal bond with their ancestors and the land they came from.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

When born, Dwarfish folk are welcomed into the world with 'the tumbling' where the infant who's skin is often stone-gray as a byproduct of the birth, will be soaked in a purified mineral water to wash away this coloration, 'tumbling the stone' to clean it and revealing their true pale pinkish complexions.

Coming of Age Rites

The mark of a Dwarfish youth's maturity is usually determined by a feat of creation or conquest. The two most recognized rites include:

• The First Craft: Typically an artisanal piece such as a piece of jewelry, a forged tool, or a carved statue. It must be made without aid, and judged by a senior artisan.
• The First Hunt: Slaying a great beast (a moose, bear, or worse) and returning with proof, antlers, hide, or claw, symbolizes readiness for adulthood.
• Many clans celebrate these rites with a modest feast, and the individual is then granted the right to wear their family’s sigil or smith their own tools.

Funerary and Memorial customs

When a Dwarf dies, their body does not decay. Instead: They turn to stone, solidifying in the final pose they held before death, often seated or lying peacefully. These statues are placed in stone cemeteries, graveyards that resemble grand sculpture gardens, each figure a memorial. Families will visit these statues as if visiting their ancestors in person, cleaning them, decorating them with garlands or metal offerings, and speaking with them as if they still lived. If the individual died in battle or disgrace, their statue may be exiled to the outer edge of the cemetery, facing away from the others in silent penance.

Common Taboos

• Murder is a capital offense among the Dwarfish and is considered the ultimate betrayal. Their close-knit societal structure makes this the only crime punishable by execution.
• Dishonoring kin, whether by public shame, betrayal, or cowardice, is viewed as a stain that affects not only the individual but the entire bloodline.
• Lying to another Dwarf is not just rude, it's sacrilegious; truth among kin is held as sacred as stone.
• Stealing from fellow Dwarfs is met with harsh social exile. Most communities will refuse trade or aid to the thief.
• Turning one's back on tradition—such as refusing the tumbling ceremony, pub crawls, or a forging rite, is regarded with deep suspicion, even among more progressive clans.

Common Myths and Legends

• Knocking on Stone: A Dwarf must knock on stone when boasting or speaking of good fortune to avoid tempting fate.
• The Mirror Curse: Breaking a mirror invites seven years of misfortune, not just upon the individual, but upon their descendants.
• The Black Cat Omen: Should a black-furred beast cross your path, your ancestors are warning you not to proceed.
• The Living Forge: It's whispered that somewhere in the world exists a forge that can breathe and feel, built from the soul of a Dwarfish king, any weapon made there is a blade of destiny.
• The Statue That Watches: Some say the oldest stone-cursed Dwarfs can still move, but only when no one is watching.

Historical figures

No Dwarf is a stranger to 'Ailill and Cú' the twin sons of the last king of the Dwarfish people before the Schism, who rallied their scattered and broken peoples from across many nations on a tireless campaign against extinction; Winning the day, both dying arm-in-arm looking on in-pride at the construction of their new capital of Newforge. The brother's stone visages affixed now at the highest point in the city, so that they may continue to watch their kin rise further from the ashes by the day.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

For Dwarfish women, strength is key, physically and emotionally. They are expected to be fierce protectors, not passive caretakers. For men, strength comes with wisdom, and they are expected to be great teachers.

Gender Ideals

Unlike many other cultures, the Dwarfish have no clearly defined gender roles. Both women and men are expected to excel in whatever role they choose, be it crafting, war, or family leadership. While traditionally women were the primary artisans, men are often skilled in the same trades, creating a more fluid system of responsibilities than is common in other societies.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship among Dwarfs is based on merit, where a Dwarf demonstrates their skills and virtues over the course of an entire day to prove their worth to a potential mate. The "rite of matrimony" is a day-long ritual where one offers the other the opportunity to display their virtues. The bonding process culminates in the exchange of "wedding brands," a painful but meaningful act where both partners receive marks on their ring fingers as a sign of their commitment.

Relationship Ideals

Relationships among Dwarfs are based on loyalty, mutual respect, and patience. They expect their partners to be as capable and committed to the family and community as they are themselves. Trust is paramount, and betrayal is seen as the greatest dishonor.

Major organizations

The Dwarfish Cartel.

Interesting Facts & Folklore:

• Origin of Stone-Bonding: Dwarfish bodies are said to turn to stone upon death, a transformation believed to bind their souls to the earth for eternity, allowing them to watch over their kin from beyond the grave.
• Inventors of Alcohol: The Dwarfish are credited with the creation of alcohol, with their signature brews said to have magical properties, providing clarity or strength depending on the blend.
• Pub Crawls: Dwarfish pub crawls are a popular pastime where participants compete to see who can endure the most drinks across the city’s taverns. It's considered a test of both endurance and skill.
• The Tumbling Ceremony: At birth, Dwarfs undergo a ritual where their stone-gray skin is washed away with purified mineral water, a process known as “tumbling the stone,” marking the beginning of their true life.
• The Forging of Great Works: Dwarfish folk believe that a truly skilled craftsman can imbue part of their soul into their work. The finest items, such as jewelry and weaponry, are said to be blessed with the maker’s spirit, bringing good fortune to their owners.

Metaphors & Idioms:

• "Hard as stone": Used to describe someone unyielding or incredibly resilient, often in the face of adversity.
• "A stone in your path": Refers to an obstacle that is both hard to overcome and seemingly permanent; something that must be accepted or dealt with in a way that takes immense effort.
• "Grumble before you strike": A metaphor meaning to plan ahead and grumble or complain first, but take decisive action afterward, reflecting the Dwarfish tendency to complain about difficulties before tackling them head-on.
• "Like fire on cold steel": Describes a challenging situation where one thing is out of place in another; it can be used to describe an unbalanced situation or a clash of ideas, reflecting the intensity of Dwarfish work ethics and traditions.
• "Shine like gold, but stay grounded like stone": An idiom that highlights the Dwarfish respect for humility and craftsmanship. It suggests that one should aspire to greatness but never forget their roots.