Dwarf
An extinct race of humanoids believed to have been adept with Ore Magic.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Most art featuring Dwarves depict them as humanoid with short, stout stature. However, it should be noted that most of these art pieces are from Human collections.
Genetics and Reproduction
It is hard to know given their secrecy, but it has been speculated that Dwarves had a considerably low birthrate given by the small size of their community.
Behaviour
In the lore surrounding them, Dwarves are typically described with words such as "shrewd" and "hard working" as well as "greedy", "secretive", and "arrogant".
While Dwarves would happily sell their wares with neighboring kingdoms, few outsiders were every allowed within their city for fear of their secrets and techniques being stolen from them.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The Dwarven kingdom was made up of the singular city of Gullforg, built on, around, and some say into the mountain, Gullfest.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
According to legends, Dwarves were very adept with Ore magic and had taken the practice beyond anything Humans of the era could manage. Rumors and myths about Dwarves enchanting weapons or creating men made of stone have persisted long after the race died out.
Civilization and Culture
Average Technological Level
While much of their culture is shrouded in mystery, the wares they traded in proved an unmatched talent in artificing. Surviving pieces are valued today as priceless.
Common Taboos
Dwarven craftsmanship was rivaled only by their secrecy. Outsiders were rarely allowed into their city and even those who were are said to have been met with guarded and wary looks until they passed back through through the gates.
Vows were also supposedly taken extremely seriously. Surviving texts depict the punishment for breaking official oaths (business agreements, marriage vows, etc.) ranging from imprisonment to even death.
Common Myths and Legends
The level of craftsmanship the Dwarves achieved have left many speculating what was keep locked away in their city, away from prying eyes. Rumors abound of enchanted tools and weapons infused with magic that would make even a non mage a force to be reckoned with. Fantastic tales of statues brought to life by Dwarven magic and ingenuity also rose following the race's fall.
The Dwarves' reputation for secrecy and shrewdness is mingled in stories of their crafts. Rumors abound of the few Human merchants that did business directly with them were required to perform a Binding Vow with a Dwarf to cement their business. How balanced these vows were vary between stories. Some are describe as merely a safeguard, meant to keep both parties honest and fair. Others depict Dwarves as tricksters, wording the vow in such a way that the Human would become either trapped in the deal or simply forced to break their end of it and incur the penalty for such.
The only legends that might surpass the Dwarves' accomplishments are the whispers of how they disappeared.
Some say that their mine was built on a slumbering dragon's nest and the furious beast incinerated the city for their trespassing. Other's have speculated that a grave plague ravaged the land and the Dwarves were unable to survive.
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