Dwarf

The Stoutfolk of the Stone

The Dwarves are a proud people, and one of the Old Races, alongside the Gnomes and the Elves. Master craftsmen and stout warriors, the Dwarves have long toiled beneath the earth in the Underdark, making a vast kingdom just below the surface. While most Dwarves are content to stay in their underground homes, many wander the surface, striking out in the mountains, or wandering the seas of Wandrei to find fortune and glory.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dwarves are shorter than humans, but taller than Halflings and Gnomes. They are much broader, and for their size are quite strong. They have good low-light vision, due to living underground for so long, and they are quite hairy.

Genetics and Reproduction

Dwarves reproduce in the same way as other humanoid races.

Additional Information

Social Structure

See Haller.

Facial characteristics

Dwarves have stout features, with low, heavy brows, lots of hair and facial hair, and large noses. Their skin, hair, and eye color tends towards darker colors, though blonde, red, and even silver hair is not unheard of, as well as blue, yellow/amber, and green eyes. Their skin tends to be a bronzed caucasian tone, though paler dwarves are common as are darker-skinned dwarfs.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Based in Dwarfhall in the Underdark, but found globally

Average Intelligence

10 INT

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Dwarves are no more inclined for extrasensory abilities than humans, and while Dwarven mages exist Dwarves do not seek out magical knowledge like many other races do. In addition, they can see well in low light, though not in complete darkness.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Dwarves have a given name at birth, and they take their clan name for their last name. If a dwarf starts a new clan, or marries into a new clan, they can choose to keep their old clan name or take their new one.

Beauty Ideals

Dwarves value strength, and ornate facial hair. Most dwarves never shave unless they lose a battle, and the length of their beards signify respect, masculinity, and beauty. Dwarven females have the capacity to grow facial hair, and some warrior-women decide to, however female beauty is measured in their hip width, muscle definition, and rounded facial features. Like males never shaving unless they lose a battle, many Dwarven women never cut their hair unless they lose a battle.

Gender Ideals

Dwarves are foreign to the concept of transgendered people, and so only Dwarves raised on the surface among other cultures may be transgendered or even know what the term means.

Courtship Ideals

Dwarves engage in a lengthy and ornate courtship ritual, where the instigator of the courtship presents their desired partner with lavish gifts, public displays of affection, invitations to social events, and regular correspondences. The receiver may or may not reciprocate, using the same methods except for the gift-giving.

Relationship Ideals

Dwarves do not believe in divorce, and as such most dwarven spouses who wish to end their marriages either run away, kill themselves, or bribe officials into nullifying their marriage contracts. However, due to their sense of duty and honor, most Dwarves do not even pursue these methods, unless in the most dire of circumstances or the most terrible living conditions.

Average Technological Level

Steampunk Colonial technology.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Dwarven, Common, Undercommon

Common Taboos

Dwarven society has outlawed cannibalism, incest, and unlawful familial murder. However, fratricide/patricide/matricide is not frowned upon if taken honorably; should a dwarf challenge his father to a duel to the death over a dispute or some form of disrespect, and win by killing him, he is regarded as being in the right by divine providence.

Historical Figures

Dorran Shieldbearer, Veera Brightanvil, Calum Golemhammer,

Common Myths and Legends

See Myths and Legends.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

The Dwarves have a civil if curt relationship with the Elves, and while they see themselves as more productive and honorable than humans they are amiable allies. Gnomes and Halflings are regarded as intelligent friends, and dwarves absolutely hate the Drow and the Orcs, and most never interact with the Deep Ones, Zoogs, or Gnorri.

Scientific Name

Homo sapien parvulus

Lifespan

200 years

Average Height

3' 8" to 4' 10"

Average Weight

150 to 300 lbs

Average Physique

10 STR, 10 DEX, 12 CON

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

As stated above, Dwarf skin tone tends to be a bronzed caucasian tone, although paler and darker skin is not uncommon. Dwarves are hairier on the body than most humans, and their stout bodies tend to be portly but well muscled. Their arms are longer than would be proportionate, but not so long as to be abnormal or uncoordinated.

Related Ethnicities

• Haller

Related Materials

• Adamantite