Dwarves

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dwarves are short and stocky, standing about a foot shorter than most humans. They have wide, compact bodies and burly frames. Dwarves of all genders pride themselves on the length of their hair, which they often braid into intricate patterns, some of which represent specific clans. A long beard is a sign of masculinity and honor among the dwarves, and thus a clean-shaven male dwarf is considered weak, untrustworthy, or worse.

Growth Rate & Stages

Dwarves typically reach physical adulthood around the age of 25, though their traditionalist culture places more value on completing coming of age ceremonies unique to each clan than reaching a certain age.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Darkvision

Civilization and Culture

History

The proud dwarves are one of the older races in Isera, once having an empire that covered the world, and ruled it with an iron fist. The great dwarven empire has been on the decline since the elves struck them a mighty blow in the Enlorn war, and have been under siege as much by the changing of the world as they have been by orcs and hobgoblins. The dwarven supremacy was held as much by their mighty spellcasters as it was by their superior craftmanship. When magic died down, the dwarves, unable (or perhaps unwilling) to adapt, suffered a great collapse. Many of their great holds were lost and abandoned, their numbers greatly depleted by their countless wars born from their many grudges. The dwarves still boast the greatest smiths, using techniques passed down for generations of dwarven masters. Each region is ruled by a Thane presiding over a mountain keep. The Thanes used to answer to an emperor, but the last emperor died hundreds of  years ago, and with him, the dwarves conceded their empire. Dwarves tend to be xenophobic, unwilling to let other races into their culture. Often times this stems from their sense of superiority. After all, They did rule the world. The return of magic is seen by many thanes as a sign that the dwarven empire will be reborn.

Lifespan

A typical dwarf can live to around 350 years old.

Average Height

1.2 - 1.7 M