Dwarves

Dwarves, known to themselves as Dvedar, are a race of short, humanoid beings native to the continent of Verrin. Blessed with a sturdiness, resilience and steadiness beyond even that of a Giant, they make great smiths, craftsmen, warriors and in particular, architects and designers.
Primarily living in their vast underground fortress-cities, Dwarves are notoriously proud and fiercely independent. While each Dwarf city has its own king, the greatest (or usually, richest) among the Dwarven kings is given the mantle of King of Kings or Khuzarak, and he may demand tribute and allegiance from the others. However, the southern Dwarves who inhabit the sandy lands of Sab Qhua do not recognise his authority. In fact, they are almost totally distinct culturally and linguistically from their more northerly brethren. They make up a minority of Verrin's Dwarven population, and are commonly known as Valundex's Dwarves.
Dwarves worship The Alwealda, the main pantheon, but also have hundreds of local minor gods who are worshipped alongside them. This has sometimes drawn accusations of heresy from Men and Giants, but the Dwarves remain undeterred.
Dwarves favour long weapons such as spears and poleaxes, as these give them a reach far beyond their stubby arms. A Dwarven poleaxe phalanx is truly a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, as their thick armour precludes the need for a shield, allowing all the Dwarves' might to be channelled into their formidable weapons.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dwarves are shorter than Verrin's other humanoids, making them a frequent target of mockery and ridicule. However, some Dwarves, especially those from the far southern realm of Tolkrun-Miond, have been known to reach heights equal to those of the Men of Verrin in some instances. Although they are the exception rather than the rule.
Generally Dwarves have stockier and more prominent features than Men and Elves, but are still more akin in facial features to Men than to Giants.

Genetics and Reproduction

Dwarves reproduce sexually, and the gestation/pregnancy period is 16 months.

Growth Rate & Stages

Dwarves grow relatively slowly, and will have reached full mental maturity before they reach full height.

Civilization and Culture

Common Myths and Legends

Dwarves have a rich tradition of singing songs of their great heroes of old. While the other races only commemorate strength of arms, the Dwarves also recognise great smiths, architects and masons in their songs. The legendary figure Baltharaz in Dwarven mythology is said to have designed the first mountain-keep, allowing his people to move beyond living in caves to carving out their own cities into the mountains themselves. Baltharaz's Lament is a common Dwarven marching song that recounts his death by cave-in.

Lifespan

~140 years

Average Height

1.2 - 1.5 metres