Dwarf

The dwarves, called the dwur by the Flan, have two main subdivisions. The more common hill dwarves have complexions of deep tan to light brown, with hair of brown, black or gray. Eyes are of any color save blue. They are solidly built, though seldom exceed 4 feet in height. Mountain dwarves are somewhat taller, with lighter coloration. All dwarves are bearded.
The dwarves do not speak of their origins to outsiders, so little of their ancient history is known. However, it is understood that they once had great underground halls in the northern Crystalmists that were destroyed by the Invoked Devastation. Their last High King perished in the aftermath, and the clans have ever since been sundered. Led by lords and princes of differing noble houses, the dwarf clans allied with elves and gnomes during the Suel and Oeridian migrations, and even joined humans of reliable disposition to defend their territories. In the present day, dwarves are found in rugged mountains and hills, particularly in the Lortmils, Glorioles, Crystalmists, Iron Hills, Principality of Ulek, and Ratik.
The dwur are perceived as materialistic, hardworking, and humorless. They tend to be dour and taciturn, keeping themselves separate from other folk, but they are also strong and brave. In wartime they are united and willing to see victory at any cost, but prone to avenge old slights and reject mercy. They jealously defend the honor of their clans and families, and greatly revere their ancestors, building elaborate monuments to them. Yet, their chief love is precious metal, particularly gold, which they work with great mastery. Some dwarves suffer from an affliction called gold-fever; when their desire for the substance becomes so overwhelming that it consumes their souls. The tradition of dwarven honor demands that leaders dispense treasure to their loyal followers, and the inability to do this is a sure sign of gold-fever. Dwarves also place great value on their long beards, often braiding them and twining them with jewels and gold wire. It is a terrible dishonor to be shorn.
Dwarves (“dwurfolk”) are about four feet tall, broad shouldered and muscular, with tan, gray or reddish brown skin and brown or black eyes. No Man or Elf has ever seen a beardless Dwarf, for the Dwurfolk have beards from the beginning of their lives, both male and female alike! Dwarves live long lives, though not as long as eIves, and they reproduce slowly.
The stout, sturdy folk of the mountains are considered by most to be the salt of the earth and the keepers of the realms below the surface. They prefer to live underground in vast caverns or tunnel systems where they mine precious metals and gems. They usually don’t live in human cities for more than a few weeks at a time. Dwarves have a reputation for being taciturn and grumpy (which is partly deserved), but they make excellent allies in any type of battle or warfare, though it is hard to get them involved in conflicts among those they consider “outsiders”.

Civilization and Culture

Common Dress Code

The traditional garb of dwarves is woolen trousers and a belted linen tunic, with a hooded cloak or cape worn over all. Their boots are of heavy leather, with or without buckles. Colors are a mixture of earth tones and loud, check-patterned hues. They also favor leather accoutrements, fitted with as many jewels and precious metals as they can hold. Females and males usually dress identically, except on certain ceremonial occasions when females wear a tabard-like over garment, while males don their best embroidered work aprons.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Dwarven elders hold the secrets of their race’s magic, best exemplified by their magnificent armor, weapons, and tools. They also oversee the construction of monuments and tombs, many of which have magical traps and curses of great cunning.

Lifespan

350 years

Average Height

4 to 4 1/2 feet tall

Average Weight

150 lbs.