Dwarves are even more reclusive than Elves, choosing to keep to themselves, within their mountain cities.
History[]
The recorded history of the Dwarves begins approximately four thousand years ago. Jorros, the Stone God is heralded as the father of all Dwarves who came into the world as a fallen star. Othmar was the first king, as he was first awakened. Soon after were six others, and each of the seven became clan leaders in their own right. While Norse culture is used as a realworld analogue for the Dwarves, the clans are more closely based on those of the Scots.
Physical Description[]
General[]
The Dwarves are a short, stocky race, standing just 4' to 4' 6" tall, but often weighing 120-150 pounds. Both men and women wear their hair long, often tied back or braided. Dwarf men are proud of their beards, and contrary to popular belief, Dwarf women do not have facial hair. The colour of the hair is a strong indicator of where particular dwarves live, varying from blond to black (dwarves with black hair are not to be confused with the black dwarves, which are considered to be a corrupt form, and as such, not true dwarves). Living in their cold, dark mountain cities, they have developed a higher core body temperature than Elves or Humans.
Black Dwarves[]
The "dark" Dwarves are considered to be a subrace of the Dwarves. They follow the Dark Path, drawn to its power. They are commonly called Black Dwarves because they are known for their black hair and swarthy features.
Abilities and Limitations[]
Speed[]
For their build, Dwarves have surprisingly fast reflexes. However, they are not built for running except in short bursts.
Strength[]
Dwarves are strong enough to wield an urgrosh or pernazh in combat, or the pick or hammer in the mines and smith halls. They can match Elves in strength if not speed.
Endurance[]
While not that fast, Dwarves have superior endurance, which comes in handy when smithing.
Metalwork and Stonework[]
The Dwarves have unprecedented ability to manipulate and work with metal and stone due to their innate connection with the ground. Although they cannot conjure metal out of thin air, they are able to refine it to its purest form (Ahlrik's crown is 24 carat Gold). The ore they use has a higher than normal iron content. They also craft great weapons and armour out of Rikiin.
Darkvision[]
All Dwarves are able to see clearly with minimal illumination, though the downside of this is that they do not cope well in full sun. In a dark hall, they can see up to sixty feet with enough clarity to move comfortably.
Combat[]
From a very early age, male dwarves are taught how to fight with an axe. Females are also taught to fight, but mainly as a form of self defence. In addition, there is an army of 1,000 stone warriors at the command of the King.
Astrology[]
Dwarves place great store in the stars, and what they say, depending on their position.
Language and Culture[]
Language[]
A 'rr' such as in "hyrr", the word for fire, is rolled.
Culture[]
Within dwarven culture, there are four different castes, the Rakeni (builders), the Taisti (Warriors), the Ajati (Thinkers) and the Paranti (Healers).
Ajati[]
For a culture that spends so much of its time underground, the Ajati set great store by what the moon and stars tell them.
Rakeni[]
Creators of not only the famed underground cities, but also the dwarven weapons.
Paranti[]
Supporting the warriors, healers use not only their magic, but also salves and elixirs.
Taisti[]
Traditionally, the Jarls are from the warrior caste, often leading their troops into battle.
Politics[]
The Dwarven kingdom is ruled by one of seven clans, with a King who oversees multiple regions, each led by a Jarl or Earl. The seven pointed star on the flag represents the unity of the seven different clans. Within the structure of the kingdom, each of the castes is also governed by one of its clans.
Known Dwarves[]
Taisti[]
Clan Firefist (Hyrrkoura)[]
Clan Ironhelm (Raudkypr)[]
Clan Stonefoot (Sauhael)[]
Rurik Sauhael