Dwarf

“Short, yes. Too short to slice yer behind off, though?” Durn Hardhammer shifted his weight, subtly catching the light with his highly-honed, engraved battleaxe. The leather shielding his muscular arms creaked as he casually swung a haft almost as tall as himself, grinning all the while.
“Let's find out, shall we?”

— Janet Forbes

Dwarves: an overview

Whether high on the mountain tops, nestled in mountain roots, or deep beneath the surface, dwarves take pride in the craftsmanship and industrious harmony of their majestic kingdoms. Dwarven realms usually extend deep beneath the mountains, where they unearth gems and precious metals, creating wondrous items (and occasionally releasing horrors). Their affinity for metals and gems can sometimes verge on greed.

Their lives resonate with the symphony of clinking picks and rhythmic hammers and, by and large, their settlements tend to be focussed around mining, crafting and smithing. In the heart of the earth, they delve into mines and light up their forges, dedicating themselves to tradition, clan bonds and age-old customs. A fiery disdain for species who move against dwarves unifies dwarves across clans, and with those outside them.

Sturdy, Resilient and Proud

Despite being shorter than many other species - their height rarely surpasses four and a half feet - their stocky, muscular build often outweighs taller peoples, and their bravery and resilience are second to none. Wherever they are known, dwarves are renowned for their sturdiness and valor. Traditionally, they are trained from a young age to become masters in combat, mining, and the crafting of stone and metal artifacts.

Their skin may be anything from deep brown to pale and ruddy (especially those who don’t get up to the surface often). Typically, in both sexes, their hair, beards and even eyebrows are worn long and elaborately groomed, braided, knotted, and styled. Beard ornaments are common, often forged from steel or carved from gems, engraved with protective or symbolic runes. The finest are passed down from parent to child, as other species pass on signet rings.

Long-Lived and Long-Suffering

Living for over four centuries, the eldest dwarves remember a world long-since gone. While entire kingdoms of other species rise and fall, they know that today’s cataclysm will be tomorrow’s footnote in history. This extended lifespan gives them a unique perspective, often absent in shorter-lived races.

It’s no surprise that they embody the steadfastness of their beloved mountains, upholding traditions and venerating deities who epitomize patience, labor, and steadfastness. Their determination and loyalty are unwavering, as is their obstinacy - a dwarf who made up his mind half a century ago is hard to sway with a quick argument. The easiest way to persuade them is to point out hypocrisy or injustice, particularly against others of dwarven kind.

Families and Societies

Family, or clan, is the cornerstone of Dwarven society. Even those far from their homeland cherish their clan ties, invoking ancestral names in solemn oaths. Traditionally, to be without clan is to be nameless, a wraith, lost from oneself.

In foreign lands, dwarves often excel as exotic craftsmen, especially as skilled weapon-smiths, armorers, and jewellers. Many also find their calling as mercenaries or guards, prized for their bravery and loyalty. Clan secrets are often used to create wondrous treasures; the secrets themselves, however, are rarely revealed.

Names

To a dwarf, a great clan names evokes legends and noble deeds or, for clans that turned foul, terrible shame. These are the names which permeate Dwarven history, when first names are long-since forgotten. To be associated with a well-renowned clan can lead to treatment almost like royalty. And bringing shame to your clan name can lead to exile. Clan-less dwarves are forbidden to use their clan names.

First names are important and, while often chosen by parents to evoke heroes of the past, are sometimes bestowed by clan elders.

Reasons to go Adventuring

Many dwarves find harmony and peace in their homes, enjoying the company of their own kind and becoming extremely set in their ways. They can find shorter-lived species temperamental and fickle, quick to change with the passing years.

A thirst for treasure often ignites their adventuring spirit, though, particularly legends of a lost family or clan artifact. Divine calling from one of the Dwarven deities is another compelling reason to venture out into the world, as is the pursuit of glory and a place in history. If they can be persuaded to join a quest or a cause, they’ll pursue it - and protect their fellow adventurers - loyally, long after others have faltered or failed. They may also seek to rectify past injustices, reclaim lost honor, or retrieve holy relics.