Dwarf

Avarice and Hubris

The once-great dwarf citadels of Rolara now lie in ruins, their forges extinguished and their treasures lost to time. The dwarves, once renowned for their craftsmanship and fierce warrior spirit, have become nothing more than legends in the minds of the people.
However, rumors persist that some dwarves still survive, hidden away in remote corners of the world. The most well-known of these is Doldrum Toldenstone, a fierce warrior who has made a name for himself as the last surviving dwarf.

Dwarf Player Characters

For Players who are interested in playing Dwarf characters in Rolara, there are several options available. Perhaps your character has remained in stasis from a time before the Extinguishment of the Stars, only to awaken now to a world that is just relearning that Magic even exists. Alternatively, your character could have a secret past - you weren't always the last dwarf. There was another you met some years ago, though in a struggle over a magical item, they were killed and the item was destroyed.

Keiter Dwarves

Keiter Dwarves, the stellar sailors of the cosmos, are a unique breed of dwarves hailing from the world of Keiter, located in the same wildspace as Rolara. Over the millennia, these dwarves have evolved to become distinct from their Rolara counterparts, their bodies adapting to the cosmic environment of their home world.
Physically, Keiter Dwarves are pale, their skin reflecting the starlight that bathes their world. Their eyes are black and starry, mirroring the purple-silver void of the Astral Plane, a testament to their celestial heritage. These eyes are not just for show; they are a symbol of the Keiter Dwarves' deep connection to the cosmos and their mastery over astral navigation.
Keiter Dwarves are known for their intelligence, their minds honed by centuries of navigating the stars and manipulating the cosmic energies of their home world. This intelligence is reflected in their ability to manipulate matter, a skill they have developed over generations. Keiter Dwarves are capable of casting spells like mold earth, earthen grasp, and erupting earth, their magic tied to their Intelligence.
The Keiter Dwarves' civilization is built within the halls of Aetherite Crystals, a rare and potent source of magical energy found deep within Mount Origin. These crystals, with their mesmerizing, iridescent appearance and powerful magical properties, are a testament to the Keiter Dwarves' mastery over magic and their ability to harness the power of the cosmos. The Aetherite Crystals are not just a source of power for the Keiter Dwarves; they are a symbol of their culture, their achievements, and their enduring legacy.
Keiter Dwarves are a unique option for Dwarf Player Characters, offering a different perspective and a host of unique abilities. As a Keiter Dwarf, players can explore the mysteries of the cosmos, harness the power of Aetherite Crystals, and navigate the complex politics and cultures of the astral realms. Whether as a stellar sailor, a cosmic artificer, or a star-touched mage, playing a Keiter Dwarf offers a wealth of opportunities for adventure and exploration.

Background Suggestions

Regardless of your character's background, one thing is certain: they are among the last of their kind. With the fate of the dwarves shrouded in mystery, it is up to them to discover the truth behind their people's extinction and forge a new path forward in a world that has long forgotten their kind.

• Dwarf Out of Time

  Your character has been awakened from a long slumber that began before the Final War, and now finds themselves in a world that has forgotten the true power of magic. They must navigate this new world and rediscover their roots as a dwarf.

• Last of a Hidden Clan

  Your character is the last surviving member of a secret clan that managed to evade the destruction of the Final War. They have emerged into a changed world and seek to find other dwarves and rebuild their clan.

• Exile from the Forge Kingdom

  Your character was exiled from the legendary Forge Kingdom, a dwarven nation known for their mastery of metalworking, for a crime they did not commit. They venture into the wider world seeking to clear their name and prove their worth as a true dwarf.

• Cursed by a Vengeful Spirit

  Your character was cursed by a vengeful spirit seeking retribution for the dwarves' role in the Final War. The curse caused all other dwarves to disappear, leaving you alone to seek a way to lift the curse and reunite with your kin.

• Descendant of the Mountain King

  Your character is a descendant of the legendary Mountain King, a dwarf known for their immense strength and control over the earth. As a descendant, you seek to uncover the secrets of your ancestry and become a true master of the mountains.

• Survivor of the Burning Citadel

  Your character survived the destruction of the Burning Citadel, a great dwarven stronghold that fell during the Final War. They seek to avenge their fallen kin and reclaim lost dwarven knowledge and artifacts.

For Players interested in playing Dwarf characters in Rolara, the few remaining survivors are shrouded in mystery and myth. With inventive backstories and motivations, players can create unique and compelling Dwarf characters that explore the ruins of their ancient culture and discover lost secrets of their past.

The Last Dwarf

The title "The Last Dwarf" carries a profound weight and a sense of melancholy, a testament to the tragic history of the dwarves in Rolara. It is an epithet that dwarf adventurers often use, not just as a statement of fact, but as a symbol of their unique status and the heavy burden they carry.
The dramatic irony of this title lies in its inherent contradiction. While each dwarf adventurer refers to themselves as "The Last Dwarf", the very existence of others using the same title disproves the claim. This irony is not lost on the dwarves; instead, it adds a layer of complexity to their identity. It is a poignant reminder of their loneliness and the extinction of their race, yet at the same time, it is a beacon of hope, a sign that they are not entirely alone.
The title also serves as a rallying cry, a statement of defiance against the fate that has befallen their race. Each "Last Dwarf" is a survivor, a living testament to the resilience and tenacity of their kind. They carry with them the legacy of their people, their skills, their culture, and their stories. In this sense, each "Last Dwarf" is a living, breathing monument to the dwarven race, a symbol of their indomitable spirit.
Furthermore, the title "The Last Dwarf" is a call to action. It is a reminder of their mission to uncover the truth behind their people's extinction, to reclaim their lost heritage, and perhaps, to find a way to bring their race back from the brink of oblivion. Each "Last Dwarf" is not just a survivor, but a torchbearer, carrying the light of hope for their people into an uncertain future.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

"The Tome of Dwarven Beauty: A Guide to Aesthetic Perfection" is a unique textbook detailing the beauty ideals of dwarves, never before seen in any other culture. It is written in a scholarly tone and includes detailed illustrations and examples of the physical attributes and traits that are considered beautiful in dwarven culture.
According to the Tome, dwarven beauty is not just about physical appearance, but also encompasses inner qualities such as strength, courage, and determination. The ideal dwarf is seen as having a sturdy and muscular physique, with a thick beard that signifies wisdom and virility. Women are celebrated for their strong and capable bodies, and are often depicted with intricate braids and ornate jewelry.
The Tome also emphasizes the importance of personal grooming and hygiene in achieving dwarven beauty. Dwarves are known for their love of precious metals and gems, and so adorn themselves with intricately crafted jewelry and finely embroidered clothing. The perfect dwarven appearance is seen as a reflection of their inner strength and resilience, and as such, dwarves take great pride in their appearance and place great value on physical beauty.

History

Sit ye down and lend an ear, for I've a tale to tell, a tale of glory and of woe, of Magic and of war. It begins in the Age of Wonder, a time when the Stars of Power shone bright, fueling the Great Mechanisms of ancient times and allowing the great magic of Rolara to fuel our advanced civilizations. The Dwarves, we were one of the elder races, and we had long centuries to develop our mechanism, using the Star of Abjuration. Our citadels, both above and below the surface of Rolara, were impenetrable.
Then came the Extinguishment of the Stars of Power. The Stars, they were sealed away, each by a Great Chief of a Great Tribe, fearing the greed of the rulers of humanoids and seeking to prevent catastrophic wars. But we Dwarves, stubborn and long-lived as we are, we continued on, even after the stars were sealed away. Our society, it survived, and it thrived.
But then, the greed and the hubris, they took hold. We Dwarves, we began to fight over our remaining relics, failing to ration the power they held. And so, it came to pass, a final, grand war, a war that saw our numbers dramatically dwindle. It was a time of great sorrow, a time of great loss. My own grandfather, he was a participant in this war.
And then, the final battle, more than half a century ago. It was a battle like no other, a battle that saw the end of our great civilization. The once-great dwarf citadels of Rolara now lie in ruins, their forges extinguished, their treasures lost to time. We Dwarves, once renowned for our craftsmanship and fierce warrior spirit, we became nothing more than legends in the minds of the people.
And now, here I am, Doldrum Toldenstone, the last known living Dwarf. I carry the weight of being the last of my kind, but I keep a good humor, and I tell my tales, tales of our history, tales of our glory, and tales of our downfall. For it is through these tales that we Dwarves live on, in the hearts and minds of those who listen. So, remember our tale, remember our glory, and remember our downfall. For we were Dwarves, and we were mighty.

— Doldrum Toldenstone, Raconteur

The history of the Dwarves in Rolara is a saga of resilience, innovation, and ultimately, tragedy. It is a tale that spans centuries, beginning in an era known as the Age of Wonder, when the Stars of Power fueled the Great Mechanisms of ancient civilizations and magic was a pervasive force in everyday life.
The Dwarves, one of the elder races of Rolara, were renowned for their mastery of the Star of Abjuration. This Celestial artifact powered their Great Mechanism, rendering their citadels both above and below the surface of Rolara virtually impenetrable. The Dwarves were celebrated for their craftsmanship and fierce warrior spirit, and their society thrived in this era of magical abundance.
However, the Age of Wonder was not to last. The Stars of Power were sealed away by the Great Chiefs of the Great Tribes, who feared the destructive potential of magic if left unchecked. This event, known as the Extinguishment of the Stars, marked a turning point in the history of Rolara. Yet, the Dwarves, known for their stubborn resilience, managed to adapt and continue their civilization even after the stars were sealed away.
The subsequent centuries saw the Dwarves grappling with the loss of their magical resources. Internal conflicts over the remaining relics escalated, as the Dwarves failed to ration the power these artifacts held. This period of strife culminated in a grand war that dramatically reduced their numbers. This war, which took place 56 years ago, was a devastating event that marked the beginning of the end for the Dwarven civilization.
The final battle of this war was a cataclysmic event that saw the near-extinction of the Dwarves. The once-great Dwarven citadels fell into ruin, their forges extinguished, and their treasures lost to time. The Dwarves, once a vibrant and powerful race, were reduced to mere legends in the minds of the people of Rolara.
Today, the last known living Dwarf is Doldrum Toldenstone, a raconteur who carries the weight of his people's history. His tales, filled with the glory and sorrow of the Dwarves, serve as a poignant reminder of a civilization that once was. Despite the downfall of his people, Doldrum maintains a good humor, sharing his stories and preserving the memory of the Dwarves for future generations.
Thus, the history of the Dwarves in Rolara is a testament to the power of resilience in the face of adversity, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the enduring spirit of a people who refused to be forgotten.

Genetic Descendants

• Mul

Scientific Name

Humanoid

Conservation Status

Extant in Rolara