Mountain Dwarves

Basic Information

Anatomy

Mountain Dwarves stand between 4 and 5 feet tall, with broad, sturdy builds. They are known for their strength and endurance. Their skin tones range from deep tan to light brown, with ruddy cheeks. Hair is typically dark brown, gray, or black, and both males and females grow full beards, which are often intricately braided. Eyes are usually brown, gray, or black.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Omnivorous, with a preference for hearty meats, root vegetables, and strong ale. Their robust digestive systems allow them to consume minerals that would be indigestible to other races, supplementing their diet and strengthening their bones.

Behaviour

Mountain Dwarves are known for their stubbornness, loyalty, and work ethic. They value tradition, family, and craftsmanship highly. Their society is clan-based, with a strong emphasis on ancestry and lineage. They are naturally distrustful of outsiders but form unbreakable bonds with those who earn their respect.

They have a deep love for gold and precious gems, not merely for their value but for their beauty and the craft involved in mining and shaping them. Mountain Dwarves take great pride in their work, striving for perfection in everything they create.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Mountain Dwarves have darkvision, allowing them to see in total darkness. They have an uncanny sense of their depth underground and can detect unusual stonework, estimating depth and sensing the approximate age of stone structures.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

• Clan Names. Passed down through generations, often relating to great deeds or crafts.
• Given Names. Usually reflect virtues or desirable traits.
• Nicknames. Often earned through notable actions or characteristics.

Examples:

• Grimnak Azagh-Durum ( Steelbrow )
• Dorna Narag-Thrakin ( Flamebeard )
• Khazur Gor-Karaz ( Stonehearth )

History

The Mountain Dwarves, often considered the archetypal dwarven people, trace their lineage directly back to the two original dwarves who chose to stay together after Moradin's creation. These two ancestors, embodying the spirit of dwarven brotherhood, set out to build a kingdom in the mountains that would make their divine father proud.
One dwarf was tasked with digging, the other with building. Over time, they perfected their roles, with the builder focusing on creating grand structures above ground and within the upper layers of mountains. This progenitor became the forefather of what we now call Mountain Dwarves.
As Moradin witnessed the great works of his children, he blessed them with long life, allowing them to achieve even greater and more majestic feats of construction and craftsmanship. This divine gift became a cornerstone of Mountain Dwarf culture, emphasizing the importance of leaving a lasting legacy through one's work.
Mountain Dwarves established their kingdoms primarily in and around mountain ranges, carving out massive halls and intricate tunnel systems. These strongholds became marvels of engineering and artistry, showcasing the dwarves' unparalleled skill in stonework and metalcraft.
Over generations, Mountain Dwarf society developed a strong clan-based structure, with emphasis on ancestry and lineage. They cultivated a deep respect for tradition, family, and craftsmanship, values that continue to define their culture to this day.
The harsh mountain environments shaped Mountain Dwarf physiology and temperament. They developed sturdy builds, great strength, and exceptional endurance. Their bodies adapted to digest minerals, supplementing their diet and strengthening their bones, a trait that proved invaluable in their mineral-rich habitats.
Mountain Dwarves became renowned for their skill in mining, metalworking, and stone masonry. Their weapons, armor, and jewelry became highly prized across many lands. This expertise in crafting, combined with their love for precious metals and gems, led to the accumulation of great wealth in many Mountain Dwarf strongholds.
Despite their insular nature and distrust of outsiders, Mountain Dwarves engaged in trade with other races, primarily for resources they couldn't obtain in their mountain homes. These interactions, while often cautious, allowed for cultural exchange and the spread of dwarven crafts and techniques.
Throughout history, Mountain Dwarf kingdoms have faced numerous challenges, from wars with orcs and goblins to natural disasters. These trials have only served to reinforce their stubborn nature and their commitment to preserving their way of life.
The Mountain Dwarves stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of dwarven kind, their history a saga of persistence, craftsmanship, and unwavering devotion to their ancestral ways. Their kingdoms, hidden within the peaks and ridges of the world's great mountain ranges, continue to be bastions of dwarven culture and marvels of engineering prowess.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Dwarvenkind

Scientific Name

Khazad'dum'adrie ( Children of the Mountains )

Lifespan

350 years

Average Height

4-5 feet

Average Weight

150 pounds