Dwarves

The dwarves are an impressively resilient and robust species, often distinguished by their shorter stature, muscular build, and remarkable hardiness. The general morphology of the dwarves includes traits that have served them well in their traditional occupations of mining, blacksmithing, and stonework. Stature: Dwarves are shorter compared to many humanoid species, typically standing between 4 to 5 feet tall. However, their compact stature is deceiving as it is supported by a stocky and strong build. They are nearly as wide as they are tall, giving them a sturdy and stable appearance.   Musculature: Dwarves possess a dense muscular structure that contributes to their renowned strength and endurance. Their muscles are designed for sustained exertion, be it swinging a hammer at the forge, wielding a battleaxe in combat, or tunneling through solid rock. This physical prowess allows them to perform strenuous tasks for extended periods.   Skeletal Structure: The skeletal system of a dwarf is robust and well-developed, designed to support their muscular build. Their bones are significantly denser than those of other humanoid species, contributing to their resilience and strength. The dwarf's spine is strong and somewhat broader, ensuring stability and balance, while their short, powerful legs enable them to stand their ground, making them immovable in the face of opposition.   Limbs: Dwarves have two arms and two legs, similar to most humanoid species. Their arms, often as thick and sturdy as their legs, end in strong hands with thick fingers. These hands are capable of delicate craftsmanship despite their rough appearance. Their short, strong legs are adapted for stability and powerful movements, rather than speed.   Facial Features: Dwarves have distinct facial features that include a broad nose, deep-set eyes, and a heavy brow. A dwarf's skin is typically earth-toned, ranging from a deep tan to a lighter hue. Their eyes are often bright, with colors varying from blue, brown, to gray, and sometimes green.   Hair and Beards: Dwarves are known for their impressive facial hair. Male dwarves take great pride in their beards, often growing them long and elaborately styled, sometimes interwoven with decorative beads or clasps. Female dwarves may also have facial hair, depending on the cultural norms of their particular clan or community. Dwarves' head hair is usually thick and can be worn in a variety of styles.   Overall, the dwarves' physical design is a testament to their strength, resilience, and their deep connection to the earth. Their bodies are built to withstand both the physical strain of their labor and the harsh environments they often inhabit, making them one of the hardiest races in Eastrix.

Dwarves are similar to humans in their reproductive process, being a viviparous species with sexual reproduction. Female dwarves carry their offspring internally, with a gestation period that is roughly the same as humans', about nine months. However, dwarf babies tend to be slightly heavier and more robust at birth, a testament to their hearty constitution.

Dwarven children mature at a rate similar to human children, though their "coming of age" is typically acknowledged around the age of 50. Dwarves then enter a long period of adulthood that can last several centuries. As dwarves age, they become venerable elders, their hair turning white, their skin wrinkling, and their muscles becoming slightly less robust, but their minds remain sharp. Their life expectancy is around 350-400 years, although some dwarves have been known to live over 450 years.

Dwarves thrive best in mountainous and underground environments, thanks to their natural adaptation to low light conditions and resistance to extreme cold or heat found deep within the earth. These habitats provide the raw materials for their craftsmanship and offer natural defenses against enemies. Dwarves have an innate knack for stonework and tunneling, enabling them to build vast, intricate networks of tunnels, halls, and chambers, known as "holds". Dwarven societies often have a symbiotic relationship with their environment, mining precious metals and gems but also taking care to preserve the stability and integrity of their mountain homes.

Dwarves, being a primarily subterranean race, are less affected by seasonal changes than many other species. They don't hibernate or experience leaves shedding as some species might. However, they do mark the passing of time using a complex system of chronometry often tied to geological shifts, lunar cycles, or subterranean bioluminescent fungal blooms. In their deep, stable environments, the challenge isn't surviving the cold of winter or the heat of summer but rather monitoring and managing the stability of their holds against seismic activities or other geological hazards. Their ageless, steady lives echo the timeless stone they so revere.

Dwarves are typically known for their strong communal bonds and fierce loyalty to their kin and clan. They are known to be stoic and reserved, often keeping their emotions under strict control. A dwarven community, or "hold," is structured and hierarchical, with respect given to elders and those with proven skills or leadership. Despite their hard exterior, dwarves are quite social within their communities, valuing companionship, sharing tales and songs, and having a deep appreciation for good food and drink, particularly their renowned ales. Traditionally, dwarves are artisanal and industrious by nature, with a deep respect for the crafts of smithing, stonework, and metallurgy. Their creations, whether utilitarian or ornamental, are made with a keen eye for detail and a profound respect for tradition and durability.   Dwarves are known for their courage and tenacity, and this is reflected in their approach to threats and predators. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, a dwarf is likely to stand their ground and fight rather than run. Dwarves are particularly adept at combat in close quarters and confined spaces - a product of their subterranean habitats. They utilize this skill set to defend themselves from various subterranean predators and threats.   Dwarves are known for their skepticism towards other races, especially those they see as flighty or unreliable. They tend to be slow to trust outsiders but are steadfast allies once their trust is earned. They have a close kinship with gnomes and certain types of earth elementals, with whom they share a deep bond with the earth. They often find common ground with humans due to their shared industriousness, though they view the human tendency towards rapid change and adaptability with some bemusement. Dwarves tend to have a grudging respect for the elves' craftsmanship and magic, but their cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and disagreements.  

Dwarf and Elf relations

Due to the signficance of their relation, the relations of dwarves and elves will now be described.   

Sorashana

In the continent of Sorashana, the relationship between the dwarves and elves is characterized by mutual respect and cooperation. Both races venerate the natural sites of the region, with a shared reverence for Frystdrassil and the Silveen forest. This common bond has fostered a deep connection between the dwarves and elves here, and they often cooperate on issues related to the protection and conservation of these sacred sites. The bonds formed through shared worship and mutual respect for the earth have allowed the dwarves and elves of Sorashana to form a unique partnership, where cultural exchanges and collaborations in craftsmanship and magic are commonplace.  

Talara

The continent of Talara presents a stark contrast to the harmony found in Sorashana. Here, the dwarves and elves share a strained relationship marked by mutual disdain. The dwarves' tendency to hold grudges, coupled with the unforgiving and rule-bound nature of the Talran elves, has led to constant friction between these races. This tension is reflected in their interactions, which often feature a layer of animosity and a tendency to avoid cooperation wherever possible.  

Manou

The relationship between the dwarves and elves of the continent of Manou is best characterized as neutral, yet filled with underlying resentment. Although they live in harmony for the most part, there are sources of conflict that have strained their relations. Some elves harbor resentment towards the Manorian dwarves for establishing an industrial complex on the Isle of Dunagall, which they believe has marred its natural beauty. Meanwhile, some dwarves harbor their own resentment towards the elves of Nynathrill and Dunagall for having a home continent to call their own while they have been displaced. This tension, though not erupting into open conflict, has created a delicate balance between the two races in Manou.

Dwarves have honed their senses over generations of living in the intricate labyrinth of subterranean realms, giving them a unique range of perceptual abilities. This is a blend of their natural physical senses, as well as magical and psionic attributes rooted in their deep connection with the Primordial Powers, particularly the Power of Stone.   Dwarves have excellent hearing, fine-tuned over generations spent within the echoing tunnels of their mountain homes. This heightened auditory perception allows them to pick up subtle shifts in the sounds of their environment, which can be particularly useful in detecting the approach of enemies or changes in their subterranean surroundings, such as the ominous creak of shifting stone that could precede a cave-in. Their keen hearing and intimate knowledge of their subterranean homes has also allowed them to use sound and its echoes effectively to map their surroundings. This skill often helps them navigate the winding tunnels of their underground realms and identify potential hazards.   One of the dwarves' most notable abilities is their darkvision, which enables them to see in the dark as if it were dim light. Over countless generations living in the lightless depths of the earth, they have evolved this ability to navigate their surroundings without dependence on external light sources. Their eyes are capable of discerning the shapes and textures in the dark with an impressive range, which proves particularly beneficial in the dark caverns of their mountain homes or during nocturnal activities.   Dwarves have a deep, inherent connection with the earth's Primordial Powers. This bond grants them certain magical abilities linked to stone and earth. This attunement isn't as pronounced as in certain other races, but it manifests in their craftsmanship, their ability to navigate and survive in the deep places of the earth, and in their resilience and strength. While not all dwarves cultivate this attunement to the level of casting spells, those who do often become formidable clerics, paladins, or elemental earth mages.   Overall, the dwarves' perceptual abilities are a mix of acute physical senses, inherent magic, and centuries of cultural knowledge. These traits allow them to thrive in environments where others might struggle, revealing another layer of the hardiness that characterizes this stalwart race.