Dwarves

Dwarves are a sentient species, shorter than Humans, about 2/3 of their size, but overall wider in circumference, stronger and sturdier. Since they live underground for the most time and only male dwarves guard the gates to the surface, most Humans have only, if any, seen the males. The gates to the dwarven tunnels are scattered all across Zang-Thara. The tunnels are a connection of dwarven-made and natural caves, where most dwarves spend all their lives.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dwarves are shorter than Humans, about 2/3 of their size, but overall wider in circumference, stronger and sturdier. Male dwarves like to grow long hair and beards and braid them. Female dwarves lack the facial hair but look generally similar to their male counterparts except for their larger breasts.

Genetics and Reproduction

Dwarves live much longer than Humans, about twice their age. Thus fertility age is higher and pregnancies last longer.

Civilization and Culture

Average Technological Level

Dwarves are well known for their exceptional craftsmanship in regards of smithing and masonry. Everything they build and craft is made with longevity and sturdiness in mind. With that attitude they attained quite an advanced technological level in terms of machines and weapons.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Dwarves in Zang-Thara are divided into multiple underground kingdoms. But virtually above the kings of these kingdoms of varying sizes is the high Runelord, which they all simply call 'Father'. This person is the leader in terms of theology, spirituality and also to some degree politically. Originally that position was introduced to lead the dwarves spiritually in their faith, they see him as the representative of The LORD on this world and all his words are true and holy. The Word of The LORD is not as important to a dwarf as the word of the current high Runelord. But with his word being this important, he also holds significant power in a political sense.
The dwarven church is highly organized with one or more Runelords in every dwarven kingdom as the local head of the church and priests representing the church and its teachings in their local communities. There is a highly heriachal structure from the high Runelord down to the members of the church.
The title of High Runelord can only be attained by a Runelord who is then elected out of the collective of Runelords and is held for life. A Runelord can only be a dwarf with relatively strong magical abilities and a strong devotion to the church.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

In some parts they run into conflicts with The Swarm. But since both come from the underground, most surface species are suspicious of the dwarves and some even blame them for The Hunt. This lead to the dwarves more and more keeping to themselves. There are occasional trades at the gates to the tunnels but no non-dwarf is ever allowed to enter the tunnels.

Related Historical Events

• 907 AS
  The Duhn-Dwarven war