OVERVIEW
Dwarves are a hardy and industrious race, deeply connected to the earth and its treasures.
Historically, they clashed with elves over territory, losing these battles and being driven underground. As a result, they have carved out impressive subterranean cities and fortresses within the mountains of Edeni.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Appearance
Dwarves are stocky and muscular, with robust builds well-suited to their underground lifestyles.
Male and female dwarves can both grow long, thick beards and hair, which they often braid and adorn.
Their skin tones range from fair to deep tan, and their eyes are usually shades of brown, gray, or blue.
Lifespan
Dwarves have a long lifespan, often reaching up to 350 years or more, allowing them to accumulate extensive knowledge and experience in their crafts.
Physical Strength
Dwarves are among the strongest of the humanoid races, known for their formidable physical strength and endurance.
GENERAL PERSONALITIES
These personality traits reflect the common behaviors and attitudes shaped by societal upbringing in the major cities of each race.
Remember, people are often products of their environment, and your character’s background and upbringing should greatly influence their personality.
These are not cookie-cutter formulas, and no character needs to embody these traits fully—feel free to explore and create unique personalities!
Discipline and Diligence
Dwarves are known for their discipline and diligence. They tackle their crafts with a methodical and meticulous mindset, striving for excellence in all their endeavors.
Stoic and Proud
Dwarves carry themselves with a sense of pride and stoicism. Most dwarves value their traditions and heritage deeply.
Honest and Forthright
Dwarves are typically honest and forthright, valuing integrity and straightforwardness in their interactions. They have little patience for deceit or trickery.
WAYS OF LIFE
Craftsmanship and Industry
Dwarves excel in various crafts, particularly in metallurgy and stonework. Their underground forges and workshops are the heart of their communities, where they produce weapons, armor, and intricate machinery.
Agriculture and Food
Farming is a challenge for dwarves due to their underground lifestyle. They primarily obtain food through trade, livestock rearing, and advanced preservation techniques.
While they are excellent at preserving food, their knowledge of farming techniques like hydroponics is limited, especially when compared to the tallfolk or halflings.
SOCIETAL STRUCTURE
Clanships and Councils
Dwarven society is organized around clans, each with its own traditions and leaders. A council of elders, representing each clan, governs major decisions. This council operates on a consensus model, emphasizing cooperation and mutual respect.
Meritocratic Guilds
Instead of traditional nobility, dwarves organize into powerful guilds based on their crafts and skills. Leadership within these guilds is earned through demonstrated expertise and contributions to the craft, ensuring that the most capable individuals rise to positions of power.
Forged Collectives
In some regions, dwarves live and work in large communal forges, where leadership rotates among respected artisans, and decisions are made collectively in regular gatherings.
RELIGION & BELIEFS
Under construction!
WORLDLY REPUTATION
The Good
💚 Dwarves are universally respected for their unparalleled skills in metallurgy and stonework. Their creations are sought after by many races for their durability and beauty.
The Bad
â›” Also known for their resilience and determination, dwarves are often seen as stubborn and unyielding. Their steadfast nature can be both a strength and a source of friction with other races.
More detailed information can be found in Dwarven Interactions With Other Races
Other Names
Friendly-Neutral Names
Rockers, Stonies, Hammers, Anvils, Stonekin, Forgers
Derogatory Names
Stubbies, Clods, Rockheads, Boulderbrains, Groundhogs, Clankers
PRESENCE IN FORTUNE'S REST
THE PYRE
Dwarves are most commonly found in The Pyre, where their skills in metallurgy, blacksmithing, and alchemy are highly prized. This industrial district is where they forge weapons, create intricate machinery, and produce high-quality goods sought after by all races.
The dwarves' strong sense of community and tradition is evident in their workshops and forges, which serve as both places of work and social gatherings.
THE RIM
Dwarves also have a presence in The Alcoves, where their knowledge of tunneling and masonry have helped establish robust and secure homes within the mountain's rock.