Dwarves

'You want to know how to have a good working relationship with the dwarves? First things first, learn to hold your ale - you wouldn't believe how much they respect that. Otherwise, compliment their crafts, don't complain about being stuck underground, and absolutely never say anything bad about their beards.' - Ola Summerwing, merchant

The dwarves are a short and stocky peoples, native to the Domhananar Mountains in the east of the world. The dwarves are a race with a strange affinity for the stone of the world, likely related to their goddess' domain. Sometimes, they are divided into mountain and hill dwarves, though this is a purely cultural division - mountain dwarves inhabit the peaks of the Domhanar mountains and fiercy defend them from the encroaching giants, meaning they are typically better trained in combat, while hill dwarves are found in the lowlands, and receive much less specialised combat training. Dwarven culture prides stability, and dwarven craftsmen are some of the finest in the world - especially when smithing at one of their Heart Forges. Their affinity for the earth means that they are typically content to live underground, but very reluctant to leave the ground, whether to cross oceans or fly.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

The dwarves are native to the Domhanar Mountains, where they live in strange cities found partly above and partly below the ground. Once, they had an Underkingdom spanning much of the known world, but much of it has since been lost. They tend to prefer high, cool environments, and fare poorly in humid heat.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Dwarves are largely vegetarian, particularly favouring heavy carbohydrates such as potatoes and rough breads. While they do eat most forms of meat, they seem to have no real requirement for them - they do typically farm goats and sheep which can tolerate high altitudes for meat, milk, and wool. Dwarves are also widely renowned for their alcohol production and consumption, meads and ales especially having a major cultural significance.

Biological Cycle

Dwarven women have a gestation period similar to that of humans, though will fall pregnant significantly less frequently. Twins and triplets are very common. A dwarf ages at a rate similar to humans, though they are considered young by other dwarves up to the age of 50.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

The most notable feature of the dwarves is their magnificent facial hair - many posses beards almost as long as they are tall, which they will often braid elaborately with pieces of jewelry. The length and intricacy of a dwarf's beard is often considered a major factor in his attractiveness. Some female dwarves can also grow beards, though they tend to be less impressive than those of males. Otherwise, dwarven facial features are very similar to those of humans, though they do tend to have larger noses.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Dwarves will typically have a 'child-name' for the first 50 or so years of their life, which is usually a single, short Dwarven name. When inducted into their clan at age 50, they will be given an adult name, and will take their clan name as the equivalent of a human surname. Those who fail or refuse to be inducted into their clan will take an adult name for themselves, and may give themselves a surname in addition.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Dwarven is the language of the dwarves, and most also speak Common, though with a very distinct accent.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Dwarves are almost all members of clan, an extended family group which typically focuses on a particular craft. Clan politics can be complex and cutthroat, though most clans are friendly with each other.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Dwarves are on friendly terms with most other civilized races, being widely renowned for their craftsmanship and mercantile prowess. They are notably aggressive, however, to the Drow, following the ancient War Below, and their tendency to hold grudges can make relations tense.

Genetic Descendants

• Duergar

Lifespan

Around 350 years

Average Height

4-5ft

Average Weight

Heavier than similarly-sized humans due to their stockiness

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Dwarven skin tones are largely similar to humans', though they notably burn in the sun very easily.