Dwarf

"Dwarves be an odd folk. Ey be car-in so much about how ev'ry thin be lookin alls the time. En there be eir 'obserbances'. 'Good morn'in to yah. Please don't be lookin at me till I braid me beard.' 'Oh it be noon, we need to be taken a brek so I can sun my face.' Strange folk I be tellen yah."

~Paxton the Huntsmen

D warves are a short human like race. They pride appearance above all else, and continually strive to make themselves as presentable as possible. This permeates their entire culture.

Dwarven social structure is also subject to appearances. It dictates what you can and cannot wear, what kind of job you qualify for, what families you can or cannot marry into. All of this is decided by a Triad of the Ministry of Refinement; who judges a young dwarfs appearance at their coming of age.

All of that said, Dwarves, for all their oddities, are some of the best diplomates in Errota. They have an ability to read the must subtle expression, and have a 6th sense when it comes to saying the right thing.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dwarves' are short and stout with broad shoulders and bellies. They are not unpleasant to look at but spend an unusual amount of time and effort attempting to improve their appearance. This is done most commonly with large amounts of makeup for females, and in the cut and manufacture of their clothing and armor for the men.

Genetics and Reproduction

Dwarves are a traditional binary species when it comes to reproduction. Little is known about dwarven reproduction outside of this as they consider it a very private matter. Somehow however they maintain, and even grow in population.

Growth Rate & Stages

Infancy - Birth to 5
Dwarvling - 5 to 50
Adulthood - 50 to 100
Mature - 100 to 150
Elder - 150+

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Both male and female dwarves have facial hair. In males, this takes on the form of a beard. These beards are precisely trimmed and braided daily. No one braid may be more than 25 inches long. Likewise, there is to be 1 braid for each 25 years of life. You can tell a dwarf's age by counting the number of braids in his beard. When in uncivilized areas, or while traveling, the trimming ritual may be skipped and facial hair allowed to grow freely. However, a braid should still be made for each 25 years of life, and those braids should be trimmed off to the appropriate length.

Dwarven women have side burns from the hair line down to the corner of the mouth with the hair being up to 6 inches long. They are, however, never to have facial hair on the chin or lip.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

Dwarves are very focused on beauty. As the (according to themselves) homeliest of the sentient races, they feel a level of resentment towards the other races. Because of this, they focus on appearances above all else. They wear only the finest materials they can afford. Everything is trimmed in golds and silvers. It is also commonplace for dwarven women to paint their faces completely in white makeup.

Common Dress Code

Dwarves have a very strict hierarchy. You fall into one caste within the culture based on your personal appearance as judged by a Triad when you come of age. Other considerations are your parentage and chosen profession. The color(s) you are allowed to wear are based on this caste system; with trim, adornments, and accessories denoting you position within that caste. Generally brighter colors denote someone with high status within the society; earth tons denote lower status levels.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

The focus on appearances extends into all areas of dwarven culture. Goods that they produce are made first and foremost to look good. The actual function of the item is secondary only. Structures must be the correct size and shape, with the correct amount of trim.

This tendency can also be seen in the dwarven work ethic and technological advancement. Simply put, dwarves do not innovate much. They follow steps precisely; A to B, B to C, C to D. They do not take short cuts. They do not attempt to "find a better way". Once a system is developed that works, it becomes the gold standard.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Dwarves are obsessed with traditions and rituals. It stems from the appearances centric nature of their culture. They must appear to be doing the right things at the right times, therefore they do them.

((This area is intended to be somewhat player fill. As Dwarf PCs are run through this setting Traditions and Rituals will be formalized and added here))

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Interspecies relations are frowned upon in dwarven society. It is considered a perversion of the genetics of both species. As such, any hybrid is will generally receive poor treatment when traveling within dwarven lands regardless of their parentage.

Starting Stat Block

Scientific Name

Nanus

Lifespan

150

Average Height

Male: 4 foot (1.25 meters)
Female: 3 foot 8 inches (1.1 meters)

Average Weight

Male: 220 pound (100 kilograms)
Female: 175 pounds (80 kilograms)

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Dwarves skin tones favor the medium browns. Their eyes can come in the usual variety of colors. Their hair is most commonly black with the occasional brunette. Around the time of maturity, the hair quickly goes white.