Dwarves
There are two major offshoots of the dwarven race; the Mountain Dwarf and the barbaric dwarves that hail from Brondheim-the Northern Dwarf . Both are similar in appearance, the main difference between the two being lifestyle and philosophies. The Mountain Dwarves are slow to trust beings of other races but will interact with them if it makes fills their coffers with metals, gems, and coin, while the Northern Dwarves live amongst the barbarians of Brondheim and appropriated the human's gods and way of life to survive the brutal terrain and climates of the north; just as an example.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Dwarves are bipedal humanoids characterized by their compact and dense skeletal structure. On average, they stand between 4 and 5 feet tall, but their broad and stout build gives them a formidable presence. A dwarf's girth is nearly equal to their height, resulting in a stocky physique.
Despite their shorter stature, dwarves often weigh as much as humans and are typically heavier than elves and catfolk, though they are lighter than orcs. Their skin ranges from fair to a deep tan, often showing signs of ruggedness due to their labor-intensive lifestyles. Dwarves typically have thick hair, often worn long or braided, and are known for their impressive beards, which they take great pride in.
Genetics and Reproduction
Dwarves have a notably low birth rate compared to other humanoid races, which is influenced by their long lifespan and the harsh conditions of their mountainous habitats. They typically reach maturity around the age of 40, though their lifespan often extends well beyond 200 years, allowing them to have fewer offspring over their lifetime. Dwarven families tend to be close-knit, with strong bonds formed among generations.
Dwarven genetics are characterized by a robust and resilient constitution, which is a reflection of their history of survival in treacherous environments. Most dwarves exhibit a range of physical traits, including stocky builds, strong musculature, and thick bones, which contribute to their formidable presence.
In terms of reproduction, dwarves engage in traditional courtship rituals that often involve shared activities, such as crafting or mining, to strengthen their bonds. Mating occurs within tightly-knit clans, ensuring that the lineage remains strong and connected to their ancestral heritage. Dwarven children are typically raised communally, with all adults taking an active role in their upbringing, instilling a sense of duty and loyalty to both family and clan from a young age.
Growth Rate & Stages
Dwarves reach adolescence at around 25 years of age. Adulthood, marked by the development of a robust beard for males, is attained at approximately 40 years. Middle-aged dwarves begin to show signs of slowing down around 90 years old. Old age typically sets in when a dwarf reaches 200 years. A dwarf is considered venerable at around 280 years, and while it is rare, some can live up to 450 years.
Ecology and Habitats
Dwarves primarily inhabit mountainous regions, where they carve out vast underground kingdoms filled with intricate tunnels and grand halls. Their habitats are often rich in minerals and precious metals, which they mine extensively. The surrounding landscapes typically feature rugged terrain, with rocky outcrops and deep caves that provide both shelter and resources. Dwarven settlements are usually designed to withstand the elements, with sturdy stone architecture and reinforced structures.
Dwarves have a strong connection to their environment, often working to maintain the balance between mining for resources and preserving the natural beauty of their mountainous homes. They cultivate hardy crops such as barley and potatoes in terraced fields and are skilled at raising livestock that can thrive in harsh climates, including goats and sheep.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Dwarves are known for their hearty appetites and preference for rich, robust foods. Their diet primarily consists of meats, root vegetables, and hearty grains, reflecting their traditional mountain-dwelling lifestyle. Dwarven cuisine often features stews and roasts, utilizing meats from game hunted in the mountains or livestock raised in their underground communities. They have a fondness for potatoes, turnips, and carrots, often grown in subterranean gardens illuminated by magical or natural light sources.
Dwarves are also skilled brewers, producing a variety of ales and spirits that are a staple of their diet. The brewing process is considered an art form, with each clan having its own unique recipes and techniques passed down through generations. A dwarven feast is a celebration, filled with laughter, storytelling, and plenty of food and drink, reinforcing their strong sense of community and tradition.
Due to their robust physiology, dwarves can consume large quantities of food and drink without ill effects, and they take pride in their culinary skills. Sharing a meal is a vital part of dwarven culture, as it fosters bonds and strengthens relationships within their clans.
Behaviour
Dwarves are known for their strong sense of community and loyalty to their clans. They value tradition and heritage, often holding deep respect for their ancestors and the customs passed down through generations. This cultural emphasis on heritage instills a sense of pride in their identity, leading dwarves to be fiercely protective of their kin and homeland.
In social settings, dwarves are typically straightforward and honest, favoring direct communication over subtleties. They appreciate humor, often engaging in friendly banter and storytelling, especially during gatherings. While they can appear gruff or stoic at times, dwarves are deeply compassionate and value friendships forged through shared experiences, often forming lifelong bonds.
Dwarves tend to be industrious and resourceful, demonstrating an exceptional work ethic in their crafts, whether in mining, smithing, or brewing. They take great pride in their skills and achievements, striving for excellence in all they do. This dedication can sometimes lead to stubbornness, as dwarves may be resistant to change or new ideas, preferring to adhere to traditional methods and practices.
Despite their tenacity, dwarves can also exhibit a deep-seated sense of camaraderie and honor. They are willing to stand by their allies in times of need, demonstrating bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. This collective mentality makes them formidable allies and fierce defenders of their way of life.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Dwarven society is typically organized into clans, each led by a chieftain or elder known for their wisdom and strength. Leadership often falls to the oldest and most respected members, with a focus on familial ties and heritage. Dwarves value loyalty and honor, and their social hierarchy can be influenced by craftsmanship, combat prowess, or contributions to their community. Festivals and gatherings are common, where dwarves share stories and celebrate their heritage.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Dwarves are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, particularly in metallurgy and stonework. They create durable weapons, intricate jewelry, and sturdy architectural structures that stand the test of time. The mining and extraction of precious minerals not only support their economy but also lead to trade with other races. However, their practices can sometimes strain local resources, leading to tensions with neighboring communities.
Facial characteristics
Dwarves possess a distinctive heavy brow that gives their faces a strong and determined appearance. Underneath this brow sit two small, keen eyes that can range in color from deep brown to bright blue, reflecting their emotions and intentions. Their noses are typically broad and slightly flattened, allowing for a robust sense of smell, which is essential in their underground habitats. Dwarven mouths are wide with strong, defined lips, often set in a firm line, conveying their no-nonsense demeanor. The chin is generally strong and prominent, contributing to their overall sturdy appearance. Together, these features create a visage that exudes strength, resilience, and determination.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Dwarves predominantly inhabit rugged mountainous regions, often establishing their kingdoms in deep caverns or fortified citadels. The mountains provide them with natural defenses and abundant resources such as precious metals and stones, which they expertly mine. Different ethnicities of dwarves may prefer distinct regions: for instance, Mountain Dwarves might reside in snow-capped peaks, while Northern Dwarves could be found in the frozen tundra of Brondheim.
Average Intelligence
Dwarves are known for their practicality and resilience, which is reflected in their intelligence. They possess a strong aptitude for craftsmanship, engineering, and strategic thinking. While they may not always excel in theoretical pursuits, their intelligence is often applied in practical, hands-on skills, making them adept in trades such as blacksmithing, masonry, and gem-cutting. Dwarven scholars are respected for their extensive knowledge of geology, history, and ancient lore.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Dwarves have evolved in the subterranean depths of their mountain kingdoms, leading to remarkable adaptations for their dark environments. They possess the innate ability to see in dim and very dark conditions as if the area were illuminated, a trait often referred to as darkvision. This allows them to navigate the intricate tunnels and caverns of their homeland with ease, detecting subtle movements and potential threats lurking in the shadows.
In addition to their exceptional vision, dwarves maintain acute hearing and a finely tuned sense of smell, enabling them to perceive sounds and scents that others might miss. Their keen sense of hearing allows them to detect the faintest echoes of footsteps or the distant rumble of approaching danger, while their olfactory senses can identify familiar scents, such as the presence of ore or the lingering aroma of their kin. These combined sensory capabilities make dwarves adept at both survival and craftsmanship, allowing them to excel in mining and metalworking in the challenging environments they call home.
Civilization and Culture
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Dwarves maintain a complex web of relationships with other races, shaped by history, culture, and mutual interests.
Catfolk: The relationship between Mountain Dwarves and Catfolk is one of cautious respect. While the two races have different lifestyles—dwarves being staunch defenders of their mountain homes and Catfolk being nomadic horse trainers—their shared understanding of the importance of their respective lands fosters a sense of kinship. Dwarves do not participate in much trade with Catfolk, but they recognize their prowess in horse breeding. However, past conflicts with slavers lead to an underlying wariness, and trust takes time to build.
Elves: Dwarves have a long-standing rivalry with the Elves, rooted in their differing philosophies toward nature and craftsmanship. Elves, under the guidance of Silvanus, often view the dwarves' mining practices with suspicion, fearing the environmental impact on the surface world. Conversely, dwarves take pride in their craftsmanship and consider their ability to forge weapons and tools a sacred duty. Despite their rivalry, there are moments of cooperation, especially when facing common threats from orcs and other malevolent forces.
Halflings: The relationship between Mountain Dwarves and Halflings is generally amicable. Dwarves appreciate the Halflings' resourcefulness and their knack for trade and diplomacy. This mutual respect often leads to partnerships in commerce, with Halflings acting as intermediaries between dwarves and other races. Dwarven ales and spirits are particularly prized among Halflings, and shared gatherings foster camaraderie between the two races.
Humans: Dwarves view Humans with a mixture of skepticism and intrigue. While humans are often seen as impulsive and unpredictable, dwarves recognize their potential for innovation and adaptability. Many dwarven clans have established trade agreements with human settlements, exchanging precious gems and metals for human-crafted goods and provisions. This relationship has been beneficial for both parties, although dwarves remain wary of human expansionist tendencies.
When creating your dwarf adventurer, use the racial pacakge for Dwarves found in the Player's Handbook. Don't forget to choose if your dwarf is a Mountain or Northern Dwarf.
by Generated by Malekoth using Image Creator from Microsoft Designer via Bing
Lifespan
The average lifespan of all dwarves is around 300 years.
Average Height
Dwavres' height range from 4 feet tall to just stopping under 5 feet,
Average Weight
The average weight of a dwarf is in the range of 160lbs. to 220 lbs.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Dwarves exhibit a range of skin tones that can vary based on their mountainous habitats. They might have a healthy, sun-kissed complexion due to outdoor labor or a paler hue from living in darker underground settings. Their eyes can come in shades of brown, blue, green, or gray, often reflecting the colors of the minerals they work with. Notably, some dwarves may have unique markings or tattoos that signify clan membership or personal achievements.
Related Organizations
Related Ethnicities
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