Dwarves

The dwarves are a stalwart and resilient race of humanoids who dwell in the vast underground domain of Zul. They are proud people deeply tied to tradition and craftsmanship. Their long lifespans allow them to dedicate centuries to perfecting their crafts, whether smithing, masonry, or the intricate art of gem cutting. With their unmatched skill and patience, they create works of enduring beauty and strength, a testament to their philosophy of weathering the sands of time with wisdom and diligence. Dwarves resemble humans in general features but are shorter and stockier, standing roughly chest-high to the average human male. Despite their height, they are often broader and more powerfully built than humans. Their hair is thick yet fine, with colors ranging from red and brown to gray, and their skin tones vary from pale to mid-brown. A defining cultural trait of dwarves is their meticulous care for their hair, including both head and facial hair. Grooming and styling are deeply ingrained in dwarven self-expression, with practices like braiding, knotting, tying, and adorning hair with charms or decorations common across all social classes. Long, well-kept hair signifies pride and tradition, reflecting their dedication to personal and cultural identity.

History

The dwarves were once surface dwellers, building thriving communities at the base of Zul’s mountain ranges. These settlements prospered, but their peace was shattered by relentless dragon attacks. The dragons, with their fiery wrath and destructive power, regularly terrorized the dwarves, leaving their homes in ruins and forcing them to seek refuge. To escape this ongoing threat, the dwarves began digging deeper into the earth, gradually transitioning from surface dwellers to subterranean builders. Over generations, they mastered the art of underground construction, carving a monumental citadel known as Gorinzan deep within the earth. This vast, fortified city became a symbol of dwarven resilience and ingenuity, a sanctuary impervious to the dragons’ fury. Life underground shaped the dwarves into a people of tradition and order, valuing structure, discipline, and craftsmanship. However, their new home brought them into close proximity with the goblins, sparking an age-old rivalry.

Geography

Dwarves live all throughout the underground dens and warrens of Zul, contesting territory with the Goblins and Dark Elves. Some dwarves made lucrative careers in places like Eren and Azmith, where their family crafting traditions are highly sought-after skills in the trade.

Relations & Society

Dwarves have sour feelings for their other neighboring contenders, the likes of which they've spent centuries rubbing shoulders with. Dwarves in Zul tend to see goblins as admittedly creative and innovative, traits they share camaraderie about. But Golbins are seen as much too short-sighted and blinded by their own spontaneity. The dark elves are scorned as intruders on the scene, and the dwarves actively defend themselves against their advances, being the ones on the most up-and-up about House Voss's unsavory ambitions. The feelings with races outside of these two vary widely, as Zul itself is socially isolated from the rest of the world.

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Ancestry: Humanoid
Lifespan: 350 years
Adulthood: 18 years
Average Height (ft.): 1.3m to 1.6m
Average Weight (lbs.): 70kg to 95kg
Type: Mammal
Blood: Red
Contributors: Kashii, Taylorzilla, Yuii

Passive Ideas

Stone Stomach - Dwarves have a reputation for being a hardy folk. This comes in particular handy when it comes to their ability to handle food and drink. Dwarves can eat extremely rich foods with things like high spice, sourness, bitterness, or similar without problem. This being is also known to be able to drink many under the table, able to metabolise alchohol at a fast and efficent rate.
Blindfight - Dwarves are used to fighting in the inky black of the underground. Whilst low light vision might help, beings like this dwarf take that one step further, able to use their senses of touch, hearing, and scent to fight even while blinded. (Ignore effects that would eliminate your sight but retain your other senses.)
Stout - Your stocky build makes it very difficult to mannhandle you or knock you down. A mix of your innate build and ample reflex and training allows you to be hard to trip in the midst of combat as long as you are capable and ready to defend. You might also be heavier than you look, and a lot harder to lift off the ground than someone might realise.