Dwarf

Dwarves are a hardy race of humanoids. Most mountain ranges hold some sort of dwarven settlement, with larger dwarven cities and fortresses in the Buzaram Mountains in the east, the Khizdumunz Crags in Misuma and Minas Cone in the north. Dwarves are also seen in many human settlements as artisans and warriors. They aren't very isolationist like the elves are, and generally have a good relationship with the other races with the exception of the Buzaram Dwarves in Gothnhar, who are almost always fighting with the humans in the continent.
They favor hammers and axes for weapons, and typically build their settlements in rocky terrain. They don't believe in any one deity, but the majority of them worship Irori, the god of knowledge, inner strength and knowledge. Dwarves are typically curious by nature and seek knowledge, and whiile most don't like to leave the safety of their mountain homes, many ambitious dwarves will go on pilgrimages and become adventurers to seek knowledge and better themselves, returning home to weave grand epics and marvelous stories of their adventures.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Dwarves are typically named with 3 names. Their family name always comes first, which usually references the most famous of their lineage or their family's trade. Their second name is a given name, which is assigned at birth, usually by the mother. Their third name is a taken name, which the dwarf will give themselves, which usually references their ambitions and drive.

Beauty Ideals

Dwarves find strength and ambition to be most attractive. Foolhardiness is often seen as a way to show resolve, and a large belly and ability to drink shows strength.

Gender Ideals

Females are typically attracted to good storytellers and partners who exhibit feats of strength. Males are typically attracted to females with a strong will, and a strong body. It is not abnormal for a female to challenge a male in a feat of strength, and the male to subsequently fall in love with said female regardless of outcome.

Courtship Ideals

The most romantic thing two dwarves can do is drink together. A day at the mead hall is more appealing than any bouquet of flowers. Dwarves with mutual attraction will typically dare the other to perform foolish or risky tasks, typically while drunk.

Common Etiquette Rules

Dwarves are not a polite race. Even the kings and leaders will end up passing out, sprawled across a table in a tavern after a good night of drinking. Tidiness is considered a trait of weakness and frivolity, and those who clean up after themselves while a party is ongoing is commonly laughed at. In the morning, all dwarves will assist each other in a post party cleanup, however.
Dwarves commonly greet each other with a hearty grunt, and those who are particularly acquainted will perform a sort of handshake, which usually ends in a mutual headbutt. It is considered rude to refuse a headbutt from a dwarf, and yes, it hurts quite a bit.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Dwarves are heavy drinkers. They live in the mountains and hills, usually carving out a settlement from a rocky outcropping or otherwise underground. They do not like to build upwards. They are loud and boisterous, and have no shame when drinking their fill. They are very pragmatic, and see ceremonies and processions to be useless and boring. Dwarven funerals are probably off-putting to many other races, as the corpse is usually lit aflame over a large bonfire in the middle of a drinking party.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

If you have not been invited to a dwarven meadhall, it can be assumed that you are not welcome in the dwarven settlement. Similarly, if you do not invite a dwarf out for a drink when attempting to befriend them, you will find the relationship will typically not go far. Drinking to dwarves is considered the most effective form of camaraderie, especially when done in a public setting. Refusing a drink from a dwarf is akin to giving a cold shoulder, and the dwarf in question will likely ask if he's done something to upset you.

Common Taboos

Gift exchanging is not typically done in dwarven culture. Dwarves are thought to be very self sufficient, and giving a gift is thought of as pointing out a weakness. Dwarves generally understand that giving gifts is a common activity among other races, and will accept a gift begrudgingly from a member of another species without much insult. That is, unless the gift exchange is done in public, where it is seen as a form of public humiliation. If you plan on giving a dwarf a gift, do it inside when no one else is looking. The exception to this is buying a dwarf a drink, though giving alcohol outside of a tavern (i.e. a bottle of liquor) is only done in dwarf culture when accompanying bad news, and may cause confusion. One way around this taboo is to give the gift under the guise of a reward or compensation for a service, as a dwarf typically will gladly accept anything if it is considered a form of payment.
Speaking ill of Goff the hero will almost certainly turn any dwarf within earshot against you. If you have nothing good to say about Goff, try to keep it to yourself.

Historical Figures

Goff of Doningothr

Common Myths and Legends

Goff of Doningothr is the most shared story by dwarves. Dwarves all over, even on separate continents, see her as an icon of beauty and glory.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Elves: Dwarves don't usually get along with elves. They don't have a deep seated hatred for one another, but their ideals of beauty differ enough to cause conflict between the two. Half elves are fine, and certain elves that don't adhere to the stiff and polite elven culture and learn to cut loose can pleasantly surprise a dwarf.
Humans: Dwarves and humans get along pretty well in most cases. Dwarves love how much humans appreciate their craft, and will have no problem setting up shop in a human city to turn a tidy profit.
Gnomes and Halflings: Dwarves typically find races shorter than them to be comical, and will have difficulty taking one seriously. Gnomes don't seem to mind, as laughter is very enjoyable to them, even when they are the butt of the joke, but halflings will generally take offense.
Orcs: Dwarves don't have a hatred for orcs, but are wary of their violent nature. Half orcs are generally considered OK, given they show restraint.
Others: Dwarves will find exotic and new species to be a curious sight, and will ask questions to gain insight on the species provided they are willing to talk. They will not, however, hesitate to take up arms if they are shown hostility by an unfamiliar race.

Genetic Descendants

• Red Dwarf

Lifespan

200

Average Height

4' 2"

Average Weight

200 lbs