Dwarf
Dwarves are a race of short, stocky humanoids that commonly live underground.
The dwarven race is split into two separate ethnicities, the Duraenn and the Khazadur. Physiologically there are only superficial differences between the two peoples, the strongest differences are social and cultural.
Dwarves are slow to trust those outside their kin, but this wariness is not without reason. Dwarves have a long history of conflict with the Dragon Kings and struggles against the depredations of savage foes, especially Jetenn, Kobblin, and Orcs during the Age of Flame, not to mention the horrors that dwell deep below the surface. While trust from a dwarf is hard-won, once gained it is as strong as iron.
Basic Information
Biological Traits
Dwarves are short and stocky, standing about a foot shorter than most humans. They have wide, compact bodies and burly frames. Dwarves of all genders pride themselves on the length of their hair, which they often braid into intricate patterns, some of which represent specific clans. A long beard is a sign of masculinity and honor among the dwarves, and thus a clean-shaven male dwarf is considered weak, untrustworthy, or worse.
Dwarves typically reach physical adulthood around the age of 25, though their traditionalist culture places more value on completing coming of age ceremonies unique to each clan than reaching a certain age. A typical dwarf can live to around 350 years old.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
Beauty Ideals
All dwarfs pride themselves on the length of their hair. There is nothing more beautiful on a male dwarf than a long, braided beard, and nothing more emasculating than a clean-shaven face.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
The ancient surface empire the dwarves once ruled fell long ago, overwhelmed by Orc and Goblin enemies sent by the Dragon Kings. Today’s dwarves today retain many of the qualities that propelled their people to greatness in ancient times: fierceness, gumption, and stubbornness in endeavors ranging from battle and craftsmanship to forging ties with family and friends.
While the discreteness of their mountain Sky Citadels can create vast cultural divides between various dwarf clans, most dwarven societies share a number of similarities. Nearly all dwarven peoples share a passion for stonework, metalwork, and gem-cutting. Most are highly skilled at architecture and mining, and many share a hatred of giants, orcs, and goblinoids.
Few dwarves are seen without their clan dagger strapped to their belt. This dagger is forged just before a dwarf’s birth and bears the gemstone of their clan. A parent uses this dagger to cut the infant’s umbilical cord, making it the first weapon to taste their blood.
Comments