Dwarf
Dwarves are a Race native to The Old World, famed for their strength, tenacity, and mastery over metal and stone. They are a playable Race best-suited to Classes which focus on intuition and martial power, such as Barbarian, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Paladin, or Ranger (see https://www.dndwiki.io/races/dwarf). There are three known Sub-Races of Dwarf: Mountain Dwarves, Hill Dwarves, and Duergar.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Dwarves are of Medium size and stout build relative to other Races. They possess two arms, two legs, and no natural armor or weapons.
Biological Traits
Dwarves possess modest sexual dimorphism, with males being somewhat larger and stronger than females and possessing blunter facial features. Both genders have visible genitalia and females additionally have visible breasts.
Genetics and Reproduction
Dwarves reproduce sexually, have both male and female genders, and give live birth following a gestation period of approximately 10 months. They have a low birth rate, generally producing no more than one child every few decades.
Growth Rate & Stages
Dwarves generally reach sexual maturity by 14 to 16 years of age, but are not considered full adults until they reach 40 to 50 years of age. Males are able to father children until they are around 300 years old, while females are generally unable to bear children after the age of 200. Average Dwarf life expectancy is between 320 and 350 years, but some individuals may live for 400 years or longer.
Ecology and Habitats
Dwarves are best suited for cold or temperate climates and are not well-adapted for heat. Thus, they tend to avoid jungles, deserts, and other hot environments. Their Darkvision and stocky build make them well-suited to living underground.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Dwarves are omnivores and are able to thrive on a wide range of diets. Most Dwarves primarily consume grains and fungi, which they occasionally supplement with cooked meat and animal products. Dwarves have moderate metabolisms and must eat multiple meals daily to remain healthy, but can survive on only water for up to a month if necessary.
Biological Cycle
Dwarves follow a diurnal life cycle. They are generally active during the day and sleep for 6 to 8 hours each night. They do not hibernate and their life cycle has no significant seasonal changes.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Dwarves are highly social and almost always live in groups, with social norms varying between different Sub-Races and cultures. The most common arrangement is for extended families to reside together in communal dwellings, with young females moving out when they marry. Generally, many families live in close proximity, forming a larger community in which labor is divided for mutual benefit.
Facial characteristics
Most Dwarves have black, blue, or green eyes and rounded ears. Both genders grow hair on their scalps, except in the case of Duergar, which are frequently bald. All males grow facial hair, as do some females.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Dwarves are widely distributed throughout the Old World, but are most commonly found on the continents of Latia Minor, Thule, and Drachen, forming a majority of the latter's population.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Dwarves have keen sight and hearing and possess Darkvision, which is particularly acute for Duergar. They have poor proficiency with magic and no innate psionic powers.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
Gender Ideals
Dwarven cultures vary widely in their traditional gender roles. Males generally predominate in politics and religion, with Duergar culture being especially patriarchal. Among Mountain and Hill Dwarves, however, females enjoy more freedom and frequently hold positions of authority within their families and in business.
Courtship Ideals
Dwarves generally mate for life and it is common for marriages to be arranged by family leaders for political or economic reasons. Romantic and sexual relationships outside of marriage are relatively common, but marital infidelity is rare and can provoke bloody feuds between families when it occurs.
Average Technological Level
Dwarven cultures vary in sophistication but generally possess a high level of technology, excelling particularly in the fields of mining, metallurgy, architecture, and civil engineering.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Most Dwarves speak Dwarven, the Language of old Maghar, which remains the common tongue in Inismore and Ussura. Hill Dwarves and Duergar generally also speak Dunnic and Alderaque, respectively. Dwarves living in predominantly Human lands, such as Eisen and Vestenjar, often learn the local language in addition to their native tongue.
History
It is believed that Dwarves descend from a now-extinct humanoid Race known as the Ostor, as do Humans, Halflings, and Orcs. They have existed in the Old World since the Age of Building, when the first written histories were recorded, and founded the great nation of Maghar, from which most current Dwarven cultures are descended, during the Golden Age. Dwarven civilizations tend to be long-lasting and insular, and Dwarves rarely make war on other Races unless attacked first.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Dwarves are often suspicious of other Races and keep to their own kind when they can, but they rarely hold violent prejudices. Their interactions with Humans, Halflings, and Gnomes are generally positive, but their relationship with Elves is a troubled one. Mountain Dwarves hold a deep grudge against Elves dating back to the days of old Maghar, whereas Hill Dwarves are more ambivalent. Duergar, meanwhile, are allies of the Drow, but hate all other Elves. Dwarves are capable of interbreeding with Humans and Halflings, but such unions are rare and children resulting from them are almost always infertile.
Genetic Descendants
Scientific Name
Homo Robustus
Origin/Ancestry
Mountain Dwarf, Hill Dwarf, Duergar
Lifespan
320-350 years
Average Height
3'10" - 4'8"
Average Weight
140-200 lbs.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Ranges from ash grey to pinkish-white.
Related Organizations
Comments