Dwarf
In the deep, echoing caverns of the world, the stone dwarves—sculpted beings carved from the very rock they cherish—live in grand, subterranean halls. Each dwarf is not born but carved from "parent" dwarves, brought to life through the sharing of essence, a ritual that binds their lineage to the carvers that hew them. Their bodies can be composed of multiple types of stone, from marble to granite, each reflecting their parent’s traits and lineage.
Architects of the Deep
As masters of stone and metal, these dwarves shape the earth into wonders of craftsmanship. Their underground cities are breathtaking fortresses, with halls that stretch for miles, pillars of polished stone, and intricate metalwork that showcases their unmatched skill.
A Stoic Heart of Stone
Known for their unshakable self-control, they are stoic and measured in all things. That is not to say that the dwarves shun emotion, however. Emotional outbursts are are either considered a dangerous loss of discipline or a well-considered display. They view the passions of surface species with disdain, finding them volatile and unpredictable, preferring instead the tranquility of their stone-crafted homes.
When the Stone Cracks
However, a dwarf who succumbs to overwhelming emotions risks a tragic transformation. When a dwarf loses control and allows their passions to consume them, their stone flesh begins to crack and ignite from within, and they become an Azer—a fiery, smoldering being, with molten light bursting from fissures in their rocky skin. These Azer are embodiments of the raw, untamed forces the dwarves fear, a reminder of what happens when their natural restraint is shattered.
