Dwarf

The dwarves are a race of short but stocky folk, most recognized by their flowing beards adorned with ancestral jewelry—worn proudly over their cuirasses. This practice is an age-old symbol of defiance, declaring that they are so confident in their prowess that they’ll flaunt their most cherished heirlooms in battle, daring any foe to strike first.   Dwarven culture prizes ferocity, defiance, and pride. To resist all the hardships of life and fight to the bitter end is the mark of an honored dwarf. Those who fall with courage are granted full burial rites, and their families are exempt from taxes. Conversely, showing cowardice or betraying fellow dwarves for personal gain results in disgrace: the traitor’s body is discarded without ceremony, and their family bears the weight of public shame.   Dwarven citadels are clan-based, and each region has its own distinct leadership structure:   The Northern Citadels - Brunahaugr, Sandloeker, and Borg - are dominated by merchant councils. These councils exploit the fractured human realms by monopolizing rare metals, fine smithwork, and construction expertise. Their power is concentrated along the Conda River and its northern sea routes.   The Middle Clans, located near the southern coast across from Mormiloa, are ruled by kings and their vassal clans. These monarchies maintain stability through powerful standing armies and a shared navy operated by the coastal holds of Dyflinn, Husavik, and Kroppr, ensuring the safety of vital straits and riverways.   The Remaining Holds are led by warlike chieftains who often feud with rival families. Their leadership is unstable, driven by a fervent desire to reclaim ancient glories and lost citadels. Chief among these ambitions is the retaking of Redesnö, the cursed stronghold now ruled by the Demon Monarch. Rival clans compete fiercely to launch expeditions, each dreaming of being the hero to bring the tyrant low.     Although foreigners are welcomed with courtesy in dwarven lands, they are rarely granted military rank or full citizenship. The old songs still warn of the dangers of desperate outsiders:   “Starvation had taken our hold, desperation burned the glories of old...”   Each citadel maintains its own modest standing army, but dwarven strength truly lies in their mercenary companies, which number in the hundreds across both continents. While the Golden Bloat has absorbed many of these companies, most remain proudly under the banners of their native holds—unyielding in loyalty to gold, clan, and code.   In recent times, the dwarves have found themselves fractured by the growing conflict between the northern and southern human states. The southern Monarchists, having grown wary of mercenary use, nevertheless secured the allegiance of many central and southern dwarven citadels—if only to preserve the status quo. Meanwhile, the northern merchant lords continue to live in opulence, though their erratic payments and weakening influence have left their coffers vulnerable to the threat of a rising, united north.