Dwarves

Masters of the Mountains and Artisans of Fire

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"In the hammering of iron and the rumble of the forges, we hear the beating of our heart. The mountains are our refuge, stone is our ally, and fire is our inspiration."

— Grunthor Thorston, Patriarch of Khaz'Dûm

Dwarves embody perseverance, mastery of craftsmanship, and a deep attachment to their homeland. Locked within their subterranean cities carved into the rock, they dedicate themselves to excellence in all aspects of their culture, whether in metallurgy, their warrior traditions, or their solidly hierarchical social structure. Although often seen as reclusive, their influence on the world is undeniable.

Origins and Mythical Foundations

Creation by Gaëdras

According to their myths, the dwarves were forged by Gaëdras, the God of Earth. Desiring to create a people capable of understanding and mastering the raw power of the earth, he shaped them in the depths of the mountains. Their robust skin, akin to stone, and their affinity with fire are seen as divine gifts. The first dwarves emerged from the great caverns of Mirkuldihr, which they consider the cradle of their civilization.
From the beginning, the dwarves understood that their survival would depend on their ability to exploit natural resources. They quickly developed advanced techniques for forging and mineral extraction. Dwarven cities were not merely built; they were sculpted from the rock with unmatched precision, each tunnel and hall designed to reflect their architectural mastery and reverence for stone.

The Divine Wars

During the War of the Elemental Gods, the caverns of Mirkuldihr were devastated. The titanic battles between deities caused massive landslides, burying the city under tons of rock. The surviving dwarves were forced to flee and scatter across The Ancient World.
Some of the survivors sought refuge in the mountains that would later become part of the world of Andoris. There, they founded Khaz'Dûm, a city built with unwavering determination to honor the memory of Mirkuldihr. Khaz'Dûm became not only a sanctuary for the dwarves but also a symbol of rebirth and perseverance.

Appearance and Physical Traits

Dwarves are easily recognizable by their robust stature and imposing presence despite their size. They typically stand between 1.30 m and 1.50 m tall, with stocky, muscular bodies that reflect their hard-working lifestyle. Their skin, often tinted in earthy or stony shades, is thick and resilient—an adaptation to their harsh underground environments.
Their hair is a symbol of pride, often worn long and carefully groomed. Dwarven men sport impressive beards, often braided and adorned with metal or gemstone jewelry. Their eyes, ranging from steel-gray to deep brown, shine with keen intelligence and unwavering determination.

Society and Hierarchical Structure

Dwarven society is based on a strict clan system. Each clan specializes in a particular domain, whether forging, mining, construction, or military strategy. Clan leaders sit on the High Forge Council, the ruling assembly that makes major decisions for the entire dwarven people. This system ensures tight cohesion between clans, although rivalries occasionally flare up over control of resources or prestigious contracts.
Daily life among the dwarves is marked by a deep respect for labor and discipline. Every individual, regardless of rank, must contribute to the well-being of the community. Young dwarves spend several years in apprenticeship under the tutelage of their elders, learning not only the techniques of their craft but also the values that underpin their culture: loyalty, honor, and endurance.

Art and Craftsmanship

Dwarves are best known for their incredible skill as artisans. Their forges, always active, are considered sacred spaces where fire and metal unite to create timeless works. Every weapon, armor, and piece of jewelry produced by a dwarf carries the imprint of its maker, often marked with rune motifs that tell a story or grant magical properties.
Dwarven architecture is equally impressive. Dwarven cities, built underground or into the sides of mountains, are both functional and aesthetic, with towering vaults, massive columns, and frescoes carved into the stone. These frescoes recount the deeds of past heroes, legendary battles, and the blessings bestowed by Gaëdras. The tunnels connecting these cities are often illuminated by luminescent crystals, creating a supernatural atmosphere within their subterranean realms.

Relations with Other Peoples

Although often isolated, dwarves maintain complex relationships with other peoples. They share a mutual respect with elves for their dedication to craftsmanship, although their philosophies differ greatly. Humans, though impulsive in the eyes of the dwarves, are considered important trade partners.

Capabilities and Military Strategy

Dwarves lack innate magical gifts but compensate with immense physical strength, endurance, and military engineering. Their strategy relies on compact, disciplined formations, using massive shields to create impenetrable lines. When they fight, they prefer using weapons they have forged themselves, often reinforced with protective runes. Their fortresses, carved into the mountains, are designed to be impregnable, with sophisticated defenses such as retractable bridges, mechanical traps, and strategically placed tunnels.

Spirituality and Legends

Dwarves revere Gaëdras as their primary deity but also honor a multitude of lesser spirits associated with stone, fire, and metal. Their rituals include offerings to the forges before starting important works, as well as songs etched into their collective memory, passed down through generations.

Lifespan

300 - 400 years

Average Height

1.3 - 1.5 meters

Average Weight

70 - 100 kg

Related Organizations

• Khaz'Dûm
• The Insurrection

Related Technologies

• The Steam Engine