Hill Dwarves

Keep it simple, stupid

CobaltDM - June 16, 2022

Hill Dwarves are the most separated from Cadros' reign of any Dwarven subrace. From creation, they felt the subterranean caves and cities under the mountains were far too cramped. Instead, they wanted lives in the valleys and stonehills of the world, and that is where they went. They have an affinity for farming and make for excellent hunters due to their surprising speed, so they were the primary support for the kingdom's most base needs.

Appearance

Slim compared to the other subraces, Hill Dwarves are usually between 4 to 4 and a half feet tall and weigh around 120 to 130 pounds. They normally have red hair, though it can be brown or black, and a range of skin tones from fair to dark brown depending on the clan. They have more squared faces than their portly cousins and often have upturned noses. Commonly, both females and males keep their beards neatly trimmed through their first century and are allowed to grow them starting on their 100th birthday.

The Open Air

Hill Dwarves highly value freedom and an open, simple life in the countryside. Farmers and hunters are as well-respected as the skilled artisans, as the villages understand how important their role is to their survival. Many villages operate on a barter system, where everyone gets what they need and shares what they don't. As such, many villages are close communities who band together in times of conflict. Dwarves with wanderlust are allowed to leave the villages once they are around 70 years old, although many return within a decade to settle down. Most of these communities form amiable relationships with nearby towns and will hold annual fairs for all neighboring settlements to come and visit.

Separated From Drama

The disappearance of Cadros was certainly a shock, but did not affect many Hill Dwarf settlements as strongly as it did their cousins. Life continued on in much of the same way. In fact, the largest impact felt by the Hill Dwarves was losing connection to Otia and Lai'lou whom they often prayed to and made offerings to, giving thanks for their harvests. As such, few followed the new wave when a self-appointed king claimed to be Cadros in the flesh.