Shortfolk

== Overview ==
=== Origin ===
The Shortfolk descended from the Dwarves of Aul-Duroth'Tahr. They first arrived as exiled dwarves, criminals, disgraced clans, cultists or simply adventures seeking to emulate Duroth the Allfather's legendary journey across Anu. They descended their mountain homes towards the rising sun in the east. Here they found the rolling hills of north-eastern Excaria.
The soft earth was not solid enough to dig proper holds in, instead these exiles dug their houses slightly into the ground, while building a roof on top. This way their houses are half below and half above the surface. Over time, these dwarves, not having to contend with hard rock, lost most of their strength and became the shortfolk. The shortfolk lived in mostly rural villages and small towns, operating under the semi-democratic Eromir Gnoa.
=== Spread ===
The shortfolk were willing travellers and often explored the edges of shortfolk territory, but they travelled slow and often suffered from homesickness, particularly in the larger cities of their neighbours. As such, shortfolk were a somewhat rare sight far away from their territory.
After the fall of the Eromir Gnoa and the conquest of the shortfolk territories by the Old Empire, they became part of its citizenry. From here many relocated into other rural setting across the empire and eventually spread everywhere the Old Empire's influence reached.
=== Culture ===
The shortfolk valued stories and community. They revered bards and poets and most of their history and legends were not written down but passed down through oral tradition. 
They didn't concern themselves too much with worries of the future or regret about the past, rather they enjoyed each day for the day it was and spent their ample free time creating stories, cooking food and composing music.
They saw creativity as the most important product of food and saw many labours, cooking, storytelling, writing, composing, painting and many others as such creative endeavours.