Dwarves

Classification: Common Race
Dwarves are a stout, hardy race of people that pride themselves on their resilience, determination, and masterful craftsmanship. Slightly shorter than Humans but taller than Halflings or Gnomes, the Dwarven people are strong and stocky, and can endure environments that would be unpalatable to most other races. This resilience also makes them impressive combatants, and it would be foolish to underestimate a Dwarf in battle simply because of their smaller stature.
Dwarves were created by the God of Retribution, Torach, to be the first line of defense against Malavach's destructive spawn, the Orcs and Demons. As such, Dwarves have a deep hatred for Orcs, and it takes a good deal of convincing for a Dwarf to believe a Half-Orc is any different from their Orcish parent. Furthermore, the fact that they were created to be warriors and defenders means that most Dwarves tend to have a somewhat grim, no-nonsense personality, which makes it somewhat difficult for other races to find them endearing. Lastly, Dwarves are notoriously unforgiving of those who do them wrong, likely a trait of their creator showing through their behavior.
If one does take the time to understand Dwarves however, they will soon learn that they are far better friends than they may initially seem. Dwarves are above all else a dependable and determined people, and have a strong cultural emphasis on duty and reliability, which is perhaps why they prefer to live in their underground stonework citadels rather than out in the open. They may seem grim while there is a job to do, but are famously cheerful and friendly folk when it is time to relax and share a drink.
They are also impressive craftsman, with Dwarven-made arms and armor being prized across much of the world for its dependability and efficiency. Dwarven under-cities are daunting feats of engineering and stonework, with cities like the Dwarven capital of Dorak'heim in Torvahl often being described as breathtaking in their construction.