Dwarf

Dwarves, children of Ulaa and the premier craftspeople of Talonn, hail from the mountainous regions of Ester Fal and Beré, from far before either of those countries existed. Their population has spread far and wide of their original birthplace, however, and dwarves are numerous in every region of Talonn much like humans, gnomes, and elves. Genetically, they share much with Goliaths, Gnomes, and Humans.

Naming Traditions

Family names

Dwarves tend to have family or clan names that reflect their ancestor's trade. The idea of ancestral continuity is very important in dwarven communities, who are known to have sometimes brutal and long-lasting family feuds for hazy reasons.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Dwarven, an offshoot of Giant, is commonly spoken only in dwarven company. Most if not all dwarves usually speak Common in mixed company.

Shared customary codes and values

Dwarves, on a whole, are just as varied as any other people in Talonn. However, what they are known for is reverence for their ancestors, the land itself, and for craft. It is said that a dwarven patriarch or matriarch may even disown their tradeless children, since a dwarf without a craft is considered dishonorable. In modern Talonn, though, this often does not hold true, although the stereotype remains.

Average technological level

Dwarves are well-known for their technological advancements, with the most impressive being Hyun Billunsbolt's runic engine, invented in 2378 Magic. Many dwarven-founded settlements rely on steam, runic, and clockwork technology for their infrastructure.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Many dwarves carry wooden or stone carved pendants made by their parents or caretakers, although in some regions these heirlooms may be other accessories or articles of clothing.

Coming of Age Rites

At adolescence, a dwarven ritual is performed during which the young person creates a crafted object to present to their family elders. It is generally an excuse for a family celebration, and the quality of the offering is of small consequence, and the intent is to celebrate whatever passion the young person is developing into their life's trade. It can sometimes be awkward if they later decide to pursue something else, however.

Common Taboos

It is considered extremely rude to touch a dwarf's beard without permission, a criminal act that may merit a violent response. This is because the intricate braids and hairstyles a dwarf wears represent their clan or family, and the styles themselves are heirlooms of great value.

Common Myths and Legends

Dwarves, whose patron deity is Ulaa , the goddess of mountains and earth, are Humanoids descended from the same line as Humans and Gnomes. It is said that Ulaa's blessing imbued her children, Dwarves, Goliaths, and Giants with the living rock of Talonn's body. There seems to be some truth in this, since many of those peoples have individuals who can "hear the stone's speech". However, this could also be from wild magic's influence on their ancestors as well, and current science cannot determine the source.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Dwarves, more than anything, admire cleanliness. Good hygiene is considered the most attractive trait a person can have, of any gender. This applies to the orderliness of one's clothing and hair-- beard and hairstyles that are pristine are the pinnacle of beauty to a dwarf.