Dwarves

When I first set foot in the great halls of the Dwarves, I was simply astounded by how magnificent and detailed their statues and stonework were. These people truly mastered the art of stoneworking and they sure weren't humble about it. Their smithing abilities aslo proved superior to ours when it came to weaponry and armours.
But the most astounding thing the Dwarves had shown us was a wonderful drink they called 'Ale'. At first I did not like this drink, for it's bitterness was unpleasant. But soon the drink started to loosen my lips and fuel me with courage, prompting our expedition's leader to share our adventures with the Dwarven embassy. A few of these ales later I even learned one of their cultural songs and sang along valiantly! Before we left this merry folk to discover what else lies beyond these stars, I smuggled an ale barrel onto the ship for further studying!

— Karl Lingers, expedition member under Gilleon Galley.
Who now owns a multi-million brewery on Chton.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Sturdy build, short legs compared to their body and arms.

Genetics and Reproduction

The first dwarves were created when Moradin took a chunk out of the Holy Mountain Esaird and planted it under the earth. The precious ores from this piece of the mountain grew into dwarves whose beards started sprouting out into the open. Moradin then pulled the dwarves out by their beards. Dwarves still reproduce in this manner, by planting ores in rich soils. There are no male or female Dwarves as they reproduce asexually. The Dwarf who pulls out a newborn is imprinted by the child as his parent. Sometimes Dwarven babies can be found in the wild on their planet Andonam.

Ecology and Habitats

Most Dwarves tend to live in mountain halls where they can mine to their heart's content. Though there are also Dwarves who tend to the land in the hills, supplying their brethern with food and ale. There are also albino dwarves who live in the jungle parts of the planet, but their territory is becoming scarce.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Mead, bread, ale, meat and mead!

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Beard, usually a big nose.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Mostly concentrated near mountains or hills.

Average Intelligence

Not very smart.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

5 basic senses. Good sight in the dark. Rather bad smelling capability. Some have a sense for magic.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

They require a symbiotic bacteria species that lives in the soil of their homeplanet to sporulate from an ore.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

A beautiful Dwarf is a strong one, with a magnificent beard and one who can handle his liquor.

Average Technological Level

Strong smithing and stoneworking. Exquisite brewing.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

The heritage of a parent goes to their eldest offspring. This Dwarf is then responsible for producing more offspring from then on. If one of the other offspring does not agree with the inheritance, they can either challenge the inheritor to a fistfight or a drinking contest. If he defeats the older dwarf, he gets half of the inheritance and has to start his own family. If he loses, the inheritor can choose to exile the dwarf from his family.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Tugging a Dwarf's beard is something only his parent is allowed to do. Doing it to someone else is highly unrespectful.

Common Taboos

Shaving off the beard. It's a sign of cutting all ties to your parent and to your Dwarven heritage.

Historical Figures

King Dule Moradin

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Gnomes: friendly Elves: unstable peace Humans: Protectorate

Scientific Name

Pumilus sapiens sapiens

Lifespan

350 years

Average Height

1,4 - 1,7 m

Average Weight

90 - 120 kg

Average Physique

Strong and sturdy.