Anarithian Dwarves

The Anarithian Dwarves are an ancient and enigmatic race, believed to be the first beings forged by the primordial forces of the world. It is believed that one of the "gods", Thall Tharok was the one who forged this race. They were born from the very bones of the earth. These dwarves are said to have emerged from stones called Anarith—a rare and potent magical essence that merges elemental power with sentience.
According to dwarven legends, Tharok used the primordial forces used Anarith to breathe life into stone, granting the dwarves form, consciousness, and an intrinsic bond with the earth itself.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Anarithian dwarves are regarded as literal kin to the mountains, cliffs, and caves. Their stony origins grant them extraordinary resilience, with skin often resembling smooth granite or quartz.

Skin: Their skin tones range from earthy browns to shimmering, crystalline hues.
Hair: Their hair appears as metallic strands or mineral threads, such as gold, silver, or obsidian.
Eyes: Their eyes softly glow with the hues of Anarith, often in shades like deep emerald, fiery orange, or icy blue.
Physique: Compact and robust, they typically stand between 140 and 150 cm tall but possess immense strength relative to their size.

Unique Traits:
This race is almost impervious to external damage thanks to their hardened skin, and their magical origins grant them near-total immunity to Archana. Beneath their smooth and solid exterior, Archana sometimes visibly pulses through their veins, causing their skin to emit an ethereal glow, particularly noticeable in darkness.

Genetics and Reproduction

Reproduction: Functions similarly to that of Thalarian - Human, with the significant difference that during union, a profound connection is established through mental bonding between these beings.

Reproductive Period: This race can reproduce only during the early stages of their lengthy lifespan, specifically between the ages of 20-40. During this period, it is exceedingly rare for an individual to sire more than two to four offspring, making each new generation both precious and scarce.

Growth Rate & Stages

Childhood: 0 - 15 years
Adolescence: 15 - 20 years
Adulthood: Anarithian dwarves are considered adults from the age of 20 until their 500th year.
Maturity Period: 500 - 1500 years
During this stage, individuals are regarded as sufficiently mature, and their opinions carry significant weight and respect within the community.
Age of Wisdom / Elderhood: 1500 - 2000 years
This stage is seen as the winter of life. Elders at this age command unparalleled respect, and no one dares to challenge or dismiss their words. They are treated with the utmost honor and reverence.

Ecology and Habitats

This enigmatic race calls the deep underworld their home, inhabiting regions far beneath the surface where no other race has dared or managed to venture, not even their ancestors. Hidden within the embrace of stone and shadow, the Anarithian dwarves are said to have constructed sprawling kingdoms carved directly into the earth of Thalas. These underground realms are intricately woven around the radiant veins of Anarith, their sacred magical essence, forming an otherworldly landscape of shimmering mineral pathways, towering crystalline spires, and majestic halls that echo with an ancient, resonant power.
These subterranean kingdoms are not merely a testament to their unparalleled craftsmanship but also a reflection of their deep bond with the stone and the archane energy that courses through it. Some myths speak of entire cities aglow with the luminous veins of Anarith, their light creating a surreal, eternal twilight that illuminates the dwarves' enduring legacy. Others claim that the dwarves have pathways so vast and intricate that they connect the remotest parts of the world, serving as a hidden network of power and mystery.
The legends further suggest that these realms are protected by wards and mechanisms powered by Anarith, ensuring that no outsider could breach their sanctuaries. To the Anarithian dwarves, these kingdoms are more than homes; they are sacred grounds, a testament to their origin and an unbroken connection to the divine and elemental forces that birthed them.
And yet... No one really knows if they exist.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Anarithian dwarves do not require food to sustain themselves. Instead, they recharge all their energy from fragments of the earth, specifically Anarith. Their settlements are constructed deep within the earth, precisely because of the presence of these essential sources that are crucial to their survival. The abundance of Anarith in these subterranean regions allows them to thrive, drawing upon the mystical energy that flows through the very stones they inhabit.

Biological Cycle

This remarkable race experiences approximately two centuries of hibernation during their life cycle. Anarithian dwarves, deriving their sustenance entirely from shards of Anarith, have no need for physical nourishment, as their essence is inherently of archanic origin. This powerful energy sustains them through prolonged periods of activity without requiring rest.
However, as their reserves of energy begin to dwindle, they instinctively seek out a strong source of Anarith. Upon finding such a source, they settle near it, entering a state of deep hibernation. During this period, they draw life-giving energy from the Anarith, recharging their vitality and preparing for the next active phase of their extraordinary existence. This cyclical process is not only a testament to their magical nature but also a deeply ingrained ritual that ties them to the mystical lifeblood of their origin.

Behaviour

This race is extraordinarily calm and peaceful. Conflicts between individuals are almost nonexistent, and they live together in nearly perfect harmony, showing each other all the respect they deserve. The ancient traditions of the Anarithic dwarves often make them stubborn or resistant to change. Additionally, the diminishing presence of Anarith in the world causes their race to become increasingly rare, as their essence weakens with each generation. As the Anarith energy that sustains them fades, so too does the vitality of their people, leading to an inevitable decline in their numbers.

Additional Information

Social Structure

The Anarithian dwarves hold great respect for the elder members of their species, which is reflected in their hierarchy and social structure. The most influential leaders are the oldest of their kind, and leadership is predominantly dominated by males. This species believes that with time comes wisdom and discernment, and as such, they place their trust in the elders, who are seen as the most capable and wise members of their society. Their reverence for age and experience shapes their decision-making processes and leadership dynamics.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

This race exists throughout the depths of the world, but so far, no one except the Anarithian dwarves has been able to dig so deep. Their ability to tunnel into the earth and create vast underground realms is unparalleled, allowing them to thrive in places that remain inaccessible to others. The secrets of their subterranean kingdoms and the resources they harvest from deep within the earth remain largely unknown to the outside world.

Average Intelligence

An extraordinarily intelligent race, yet due to their isolation, they are a very trusting and somewhat naive species. Their deep connection to their own world and the ancient wisdom passed down through generations makes them highly intellectual, but their limited interaction with the outside world has led them to trust others too easily or be too scared. This naivety, while not necessarily a weakness, often places them at risk when dealing with unfamiliar or more deceptive races.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

This race possesses the remarkable ability to sense sources of Archana over vast distances. Detecting even a small shard of Anarith poses no challenge for them, even through dozens of meters of rock, stone, and rubble.
Another extraordinary trait of this race is their capacity to share thoughts with their offspring. This allows them to pass on their knowledge and skills in a remarkably short amount of time, ensuring their legacy and expertise endure across generations.

Genetic Descendants

• Gnomes

Scientific Name

Dwarves

Origin/Ancestry

The race of the first mortals on Thalas.

Lifespan

2 000

Conservation Status

The last known mention of the Anarithian dwarves dates back thousands of years. Since that time, no one has seen or heard from them. It is widely assumed that if any members of their kind still exist, they remain hidden deep within the depths of Thalas, concealed from the eyes of the world.

Average Height

140 - 150 cm

Average Weight

400 - 800 kg

Average Physique

A very strong and capable species, resilient to external influences and damage due to their unique skin. Their stone-like skin provides them with exceptional durability, allowing them to withstand harsh conditions and physical harm that would be detrimental to most other beings. This natural armor makes them formidable in combat and enables them to thrive in environments where others might falter.

Geographic Distribution

• Thalas

Discovered by

Tharok

Anarith

These minerals are among the rarest rocks in the world of Thalas. Even the smallest fragment of this rock contains more arcane energy than anyone could produce through metamorphosis in a lifetime. These fragments began to be studied at the end of the Second Age, and their study has continued for over five centuries to this day.