Azers Dwarves

Basic Information

Anatomy

Azers stand about 4 to 5 feet tall, with stocky, muscular builds. Their skin resembles burnished brass, often with a reddish tint. Their hair and beards are made of flames, which burn continuously but do not harm the Azer. Their eyes glow like embers, and their bodies radiate heat. Despite their fiery nature, Azers have tough, metallic skin that protects them from physical harm.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Azers require very little traditional food. They often "drink" molten metals for pleasure and can consume superheated materials that would be lethal to other races.

Behaviour

Azers are known for their intense work ethic, precision, and dedication to craftsmanship. They have a passionate nature that matches their fiery appearance, with emotions that can flare up quickly but also subside rapidly. They value creation and craftsmanship above all else, seeing their work as an extension of themselves.

Azers have a strong sense of community and loyalty. They often form tight-knit groups centered around shared crafting projects or mining operations. They have a deep respect for tradition and ancestry, often tracing their lineages back to the first Azer created by Moradin.

Despite their connection to the Plane of Fire, many Azers feel a strong pull towards the Material Plane, driven by a desire to create and build in the wider world.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Azers have excellent heat vision, allowing them to perceive temperature variations in their environment. They can see clearly through smoke and steam. Their hearing is attuned to the crackling of flames and the ringing of hammers on anvils.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

  • Craft Names. Often incorporate references to fire, metal, or their preferred craft.
  • Lineage Names. May include references to famous ancestors or family specialties.
  • Heat-Based Titles. Earned titles often relate to the intensity of their inner flame or crafting achievements.
Examples of Azer names:
  • Kazâk Barak-Mor ( Flame-Beard of the Deep Forge )
  • Thazak Khazûn-Dûm ( Ember-Eyes from the Fiery Halls )
  • Azakar Urkhas-Tor ( Molten-Hand, Master of the Burning Mountain )

History

The Azer Dwarves, known in Dwarvish as "Zundum'Khaz," trace their origins to one of the five original dwarves created by Moradin, the dwarven god. This progenitor, drawn to the warmth reminiscent of Moradin's divine forge, chose to lead his people into lands of endless heat.   Following the call of their ancestor, the Azers embarked on a journey that would take them beyond the material plane. Their destination was the Plane of Fire, a realm of eternal flames and scorching heat that would have been inhospitable to most other creatures.   Upon arriving in the Plane of Fire, the Azers underwent a dramatic transformation. Their bodies adapted to the extreme environment, becoming infused with elemental fire. Their skin took on a metallic sheen, often described as brass-like or copper in appearance. Their hair and beards transformed into flickering flames, a constant reminder of their fiery home and their souls become fierce even angery more often.   In this harsh realm, the Azers built their civilization. They constructed great fortresses and cities using materials that could withstand the intense heat of their environment. Their natural affinity for metalworking, inherited from Moradin, was enhanced by their fiery nature, allowing them to create masterworks of unparalleled quality.   The Azers developed a unique culture that blended traditional dwarven values with the volatile nature of their new home. They maintained the dwarven love for craftsmanship and honor but tempered it with a fiery passion that reflected their elemental nature. Their society became known for its strict hierarchy and disciplined lifestyle, necessary for survival in the unforgiving Plane of Fire.   Over time, the Azers' connection to their dwarven roots became more distant. While they still revered Moradin as their ultimate creator, many Azers began to worship fire deities or elemental lords more closely associated with their current existence.   The Azers' mastery over fire and metal made them sought-after craftsmen across the planes. They became renowned for their ability to forge weapons and armor of exceptional quality, often imbued with the power of elemental fire. This skill sometimes brought them into contact (and occasionally conflict) with other planar beings and even mortals from the Material Plane seeking their craftsmanship.   In the present day, Azers remain a rare sight outside of the Plane of Fire. Those who do venture to other planes often do so as mercenaries, craftsmen, or emissaries. Their fiery nature and stern demeanor make them intimidating figures, but their skills and honor are respected by those who understand their ways.   The Azers stand as a testament to the adaptability of dwarven kind, having transformed from creatures of stone and earth to beings of living flame, all while maintaining the core values and craftsmanship that define their dwarven heritage.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Zundum'Khaz ( People of Fire )
Origin/Ancestry
Dwarves travelling to Plane of Fire
Lifespan
250 - 350 years
Average Height
4-5 feet
Average Weight
120 - 250 pounds