❝ They'll fight you tooth and nail over wearing clothes that aren't Anden made, only to turn around and start making those same clothes out of some new silk they discovered. Firm Soles and Free Hands, as many of them say. ❞

^{— Hargan Fiels, traveling artisan}

The Anden are a stout, dexterous people shaped by the volcanic, storm-lashed island of Vedua. What began as isolated communities in the temperate highlands and caverns now sees every clime claimed by Dwarvish hands.

Their nimble nature sees them renowned for their crafts, but that agility has earned them a place as practiced sailors, musicians and explorers all the same.

Anden are distinguished by stocky builds, strong hands, and durable frames, suited to both rugged terrain and detailed work. Facial hair and body hair are common across all sexes, reflecting their ancestral adaptation to cooler climates. Though small in stature compared to many other mortal races, their resilience, dexterity, and communal spirit make them formidable in both work and warfare.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Anden stand between 116–152 cm in height, with females only slightly taller than males. They possess stocky, muscular builds, broad hands, and strong, dexterous fingers. Hair and skin tones vary with environment and lineage, typically earthy shades ranging from dark browns to muted reds or tans. Facial hair is common, and body hair is more pronounced than in humans.

They reach adulthood at 18–25 years and have long lifespans of 100–150 years, aging slowly after maturity. Anden are omnivorous, with diets ranging from meats and tubers to vegetables and cultivated crops. Their dexterity makes them naturally skilled in climbing, crafting, rigging, and artisanal work. Culturally, they favor cooperative, community-oriented societies, often organized around meritocratic or collegiate systems that balance expertise with shared governance.