Dwarfs

Summary

The Dwarves of Viles are a seafaring people, their culture and society shaped by their mastery of naval technology and maritime trade. Dwarven society is built around a complex network of merchant houses and naval guilds. Their cities are sprawling port towns with intricate canal systems and towering lighthouses. The most prestigious Dwarven homes are those with the best sea views. Politically, Dwarven realms operate under a form of mercantile oligarchy. Power is held by a council of admirals and trade magnates, with positions often hotly contested through a combination of economic maneuvering and naval prowess. This system fosters a culture of strategic thinking and calculated risk-taking. Dwarven culture places immense value on exploration and discovery. Their sailors are renowned for their ability to navigate treacherous waters and chart new trade routes. Dwarven cartography is unparalleled, with their maps being prized possessions in courts across the world. Their expertise lies in shipbuilding and naval engineering. Dwarven vessels are marvels of engineering, capable of weathering the fiercest storms and outmaneuvering any foe on the open seas. Their innovative designs have revolutionized maritime travel and commerce. Dwarven magic is heavily focused on weather manipulation, navigation, and water control. Their mages are more likely to be found on the decks of ships, calming storms or summoning favorable winds, than in landlocked workshops. Dwarfs have an obsession with coral and other sea-borne materials. Dwarven jewelry often incorporates pearls, coral, and other oceanic elements, prized for their beauty and magical properties. Dwarven diplomacy is characterized by a straightforward, deal-making approach. They prefer clear terms and mutually beneficial arrangements, often sealed with complex contracts that can span generations. Their word, once given, is considered as binding as the strongest anchor. Physically, Dwarves have adapted to their maritime lifestyle. They tend to be lean and wiry rather than stout, with weather-beaten skin and hair often bleached by sun and salt. Their beards, while still a point of pride, are typically kept short and well-groomed to prevent entanglement in rigging. Dwarven cuisine is primarily seafood-based, with complex preserving techniques allowing them to undertake long voyages. Their skill with fermentation has led to a thriving trade in unique spirits and preserved delicacies. Despite their sea-faring nature, Dwarves maintain a deep connection to their history. Many Dwarven captains carry ancient logbooks passed down through generations, containing secret routes and warnings of legendary sea dangers.

Weatherwise: (Optional Class Feature replaces Tremor sense)

Your people's long history of navigating treacherous seas has given you an uncanny ability to read and predict weather patterns.

Mechanics:

You can accurately predict the weather for the next 24 hours in your current location. You have advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks related to navigating or traveling in any environment. You and your allies gain a +2 bonus to initiative rolls when in outdoor environments.