Dwarf

Some Short Folk

Dwarves are a proud people, with kingdoms of their own that reach far and wide under the surface of the earth. Stout and burly, dwarves usually reach around three and a half feet tall. Dwarves are generally split into two groups: Underwalkers and Groundwalkers, but regardless of status, dwarves are considered strong, hardworking, and surly folk whose ways are very different from other races. Despite this, they are not unwelcoming to strangers. Dwarven craftsmanship is legendary, especially their woodworking and stonemasonry.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Roa, Gratha, Tvenda, Hel, Strygga

Masculine names

Tvolt, Graemth, Hvarto, Yggris

Unisex names

Hval, Grogga, Yonni

Family names

Holvo, Belruun, Frorst, Yvolda, Straud

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Dwarven, Common, Deep-speak (ancient dwarven)

Shared customary codes and values

Dwarven culture is complex, but consistently values strength, loyalty, and hard work. Dwarven codes of conduct dictate everything from how one should behave during wartime to how to treat guests in your home and when to grow crops. Of course, dwarven society only truly exists below the surface, but some Groundwalkers maintain parts of their culture aboveground.

Common Etiquette rules

Dwarves are known by other races as being stiff or overly formal, but following etiquette is important to dwarven culture in order to determine and reinforce social rank and maintain civility even in times of hardship.

Common Dress code

As a people who take great pride in their metalworking and prowess in battle, dwarves wear a lot of jewelry, often pieces that bear some small enchantment. Formal wear usually comprises of ornate, specially-made suits of armor for those of high ranking.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

Dwarves born in Underwalker societies usually have a christening ritual where the child receives their first tattoo-- a symbol of their matriarchal lineage on the left side of their head. This is their first tattoo. The rest they will decide themselves when to get and where, usually to signify something important like a battle, the birth of a child, or the forging of a powerful sword. Groundwalkers do not bear the mark on the side of their head, but usually do get tattoos to signify important events in their lives.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Dwarves are generally buried, in accordance with the belief that their essence should return to the earth from which they were created. Cremation is only reserved for those who have disgraced themselves irredeemably from Dwarven society.

Ideals

Gender Ideals

Dwarven gender roles are much stricter than humankind's, although they are accepting or and honor (binary) transgender people, because their magical process that they undergo to transition is similar to that of a warrior's ritual to become endowed with magical strength and prowess. Dwarven society is matriarchal, lineage being traced via maternity and childbearing is seen as sacred, but as far as rights go society tends to be egalitarian. Married (heterosexual) couples tend to lead clans with equal power, and neither is seen as incapable of leadership or unworthy of respect.

Courtship Ideals

Dwarven couples mate for life and do not tend to take other partners. Courtships are long and involve many rituals and levels of etiquette that seem complex to an outsider.

Relationship Ideals

Dwarves' relationships tend to last for years and be passionate affairs of which epics are written. Dwarves tend to stay monogamous after they marry, but a few flings here and there beforehand are typical. Although bisexuality or homosexuality is unusual, it is not explicitly frowned upon unless there is no chance of children.

Related Organizations

• Teios