Hill Dwarf
The Hill Dwarves of Meneros come from many different backgrounds and live in many different places. The main difference between them and their Mountain Dwarf cousins is that they prefer to live in the world, not under it. Because of their restless natures, hill dwarves found the underground caverns too cramped and small for them. They are also more willing to travel the world, hiring themselves out as master craftsman. They have taken to farming and raise many crops and other beasts for trade.
Hill dwarf clans form small villages that consist of modest houses of thatch, wood, and stone. Because of their dwarven roots they are excellent miners, metalsmiths, and woodworkers. The eldest male serves as clan leader, but most major decisions are made by consensus.
Hill dwarves are unusually distant from other races and will not share any of their secrets with them. If secrets are shared, this is known as “breaking faith” within their society.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Amber, Diesa, Eldeth, Finellen, Gurdis, Helja, Kathra, Ilde, Riswynn, Sannl, Vistra
Masculine names
Alberich, Baern, Dain, Darrak, Delg, Eberk, Fargrim, Flint, Gardain, Harbek, Kildrak, Osrik, Rurik, Storn, Thoradin, Tordek,
Family names
Bladebite, Brawnanvil, Fireforge, Frostbeard, Hammerstrike, Ironfist
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Hill Dwarves speak Dwarvish and the Common tongue. Many also learn Gnomish and Halfling and one or more of the various Mannish dialects near their homelands.
Common Dress code
Muted, solid colors are favored for clothing with earth tones being most common.
Art & Architecture
Hill Dwarf architecture is more flowing than the harsh angular style of Mountain Dwarves. Carpentry is just as common a trade among Hill Dwarves as metalworking.
Foods & Cuisine
Hill dwarves have voracious appetites, favorite dishes include cornbread, mushroom soup, and roast kingfisher.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Hill Dwarves build simple tombs for their dead. Many are started before the future occupant has died, and some are even constructed by the future occupant themselves.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Hill Dwarves have black or brown hair and hazel or green eyes. Their skin can be very dark, but it is always some shade of tan or brown. The wear their hair in many styles, unlike other dwarves and even known to shave their heads. Braids and ornaments are extremely common in the beards of all hill dwarves.
Courtship Ideals
Unmarried hill dwarves often set out on their own, returning to their original clan when they have made a name for themselves.
Relationship Ideals
Hill dwarves get along well with Men and stout halflings. Some have established cordial relationships with Elves. However, most other dwarven cultures shun the hill dwarves particularly the mountain dwarves. Fond of animals, they keep kittens, sparrows, and ponies as pets.
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