Dwarf

From the mountains, the gods carved the Dwarves. Master craftsmen and miners. They were charged with finding minerals to help the new civilizations flourish, and create the weapons and armor to defend themselves

Basic Information

Anatomy

They are shorter and wider than humans.

Biological Traits

After centuries of drinking ales and mead, and surviving the poisonous gases that sometimes linger in caves, they have become resistant to poison.

Genetics and Reproduction

Same as humans.

Growth Rate & Stages

They reach maturity at their 15th cycle, and can live to their 300th cycle

Ecology and Habitats

They are adapted to live in the tight interiors of mountains, but can survive anywhere.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Like the Elves, Dwarves are omnivores, but are accustomed to a carnivore diet, surviving on the animals that inhabit the mountains.

Additional Information

Social Structure

The mountain country of Erebor symbolizes the perfect Dwarven society. Disputes are settled with fists and fighting, but almost never to the death. They are also settled with drinking competitions. The head dwarf is typically a master of their craft, and oversees production of their craft, and is typically a male.

Facial characteristics

Dwarves typically have a round full face, and a bulbous nose. Male Dwarves almost always sport a long beard.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Dwarves are typically found in mountainous and hilly environments.

Average Intelligence

The stereotype of a dumb dwarf is not without basis. Dwarves typically only learn about their trade or craft, most not caring for most other things.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

After spending generations in the mountains, their eyes have adapted to see in the dark.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

The first name of dwarf typically contains a hard sound, usually made using the common letters “D” and “K”. The last name is a clan name, and references a physical characteristic or a past event that the clan is known for. Should a dwarf bring shame to the Clan name, they are stripped of the name and forbidden to taking another.

Beauty Ideals

Dwarves find beauty in craft. Male dwarves are judged physically by their beards. Female dwarves rarely wear makeup, and pride themselves on their large figure, as it is a good sign for bearing children.

Gender Ideals

Males are the head of the clan and home, while women care for the children. That being said, only the most foolish of dwarfs would consider a female dwarf as a maid.

Courtship Ideals

The courting process begins with the males. A male mines, cuts, polishes a gem, and sets in a piece of jewelry that they also crafted. The female responds by wearing the jewelry publicly if interested, and if not interested, smelts the jewelry down and returns it. When it is time for marriage, the couple makes each other's rings.

Relationship Ideals

Once joined, the new couple join the male's clan. It becomes their duty to make sure the clan stays strong, and have many children. Adultery hurts the clan name, and is strictly forbidden. Divorce is also extremely frowned upon, and is considered the destruction of a clan.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Dwarvish

Common Etiquette Rules

When meeting a male dwarf of higher stature, it is common to compliment their beard. If you know anything about their clan, you should make a comment regarding their clan, and it should be positive. When critiquing a dwarf's craft, one should be honest, but not brutally. It is the only way to make sure the dwarf improves.

Common Dress Code

Clothing is not as important as jewelry. One must wear at least one piece of jewelry that they crafted, one thing a partner crafted, and one that was crafted by an older member of the clan. Although bright color clothing is not forbidden by dwarfs, it is looked upon as strange.

Common Taboos

Swearing off jewelry Hurting the clan

History

Dwarfs were created by the god of Craft to be the smiths of the world.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Dwarfs see elves as prissy creatures who care to much about themselves See humans as wonderful drinking companions Have no opinion about halflings or gnomes, but look more favorably towards them than not.

Lifespan

275 cycles

Average Height

4 feet

Average Weight

140-150 lbs

Average Physique

A dwarf is short and wide, typically muscular but almost never thin.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

A dwarf usually has a pink tint to their skin.