Dwarf

## Basics

### Anatomy

Dwarves are short statured humanoids that are known for their thick beards, which are present on both males and females. Due to the commonality of dwarves living underground or working in forges, their beard is an adaptation that works as a natural filter.

### Genetics and Reproduction

Dwarves reproduce sexually, and have a 10 month long gestation period.

### Growth

Dwarves mature at a much slower rate than humans, and are not considered adults until age 50.

### Ecology and Habitat

Dwarves can live anywhere, though they are known to live in underground strongholds.

### Dietary Needs

Dwarves are not known to be very picky. While they are omnivores, many of them have a preference for meat. The level of physical activity in most dwarves lives has made it necessary that they eat hearty meals.

## Additional Information

### Social Structure

Dwarves are incredibly family oriented. In Dwarven culture, being referred to as someone’s “Kin” is perhaps the highest compliment. This has also led to a strong respect for elders, even those of non-Dwarven lineage.

### Facial Characteristics

Dwarves are known for their long beards and rougher looking features.

### Perception and sensory capabilities

Living underground for so many generations has made dwarves able to work with minimal light. They are also able to navigate underground by sensing vibrations in the rock.

## Civilization and Culture

### Gender Ideals

Dwarves do not have very strict gender ideals. In some societies, one of the only ways to tell whether an individual presents as male or female is the way they choose to wear their beard and hair.

### Courtships and Relationship Ideals

For courtship, one dwarf (often the man in heterosexual couples) will make their intended some kind of gift. It may be a weapon, armor, or even jewelry. They will present their gift to their lover in a similar fashion to giving someone flowers. If the item(s) are accepted, then the two are considered to be in a relationship. If rejected, the crafter is supposed to melt the item down and make something else as a sign of moving on.

Dwarven love can be very complicated. Gender and species are not usually a deciding factor, though sometimes dwarves can be quite stubborn when it comes to interspecies relationships. They do have a relatively high amount of gay marriages though.

### Technology

Dwarves are masters of forges and stonemasonry.

### Etiquette

Dwarven greetings usually include hearty laughter and handshakes. Close friends are known to grasp one another by the shoulders and bump heads.

### Common Dress

Dwarves are one of the more modest races, though this largely stems from the necessity of keeping oneself covered so as not to get burned or covered in debris while underground. They typically will wear shirts, pants, and shoes.

### Culture and Heritage

Dwarves form close ties between family members and friends. They have particular respect for elders, and look to them for leadership and wisdom. This respect for elders will often extend to the elders of other species as well.

### Common Customs, Traditions, and Rituals

While other humanoids are said to "drink to forget", dwarves will drink to remember. Drinking is an important feature of many of their gatherings, be that a wedding, a funeral, or an after-battle celebration. Dwarves which are near to death will often be given enough alcohol to take out a Loxodon so that they are able to reminisce about their past.

### Taboos

Dwarves are often very work oriented, so laziness is very frowned upon. Touching the beard or hair of a non-family member is considered very intimate, and thus should never be done without permission.

### Interspecies Relations

Although there is a racial sense of self-righteousness amongst Dwarven kind, they are surprisingly respectful of other peoples cultures. Most dwarves see little reason to interfere with the lives of others so long as their practices did not encroach upon Dwarven livelihood.

One issue which often stood in the path of inter species friendships is a Dwarven belief that friendships must be formed over time. “Friendship, like wine, must be aged properly before it can be enjoyed.” For shorter lived peoples, this can make it hard to form meaningful relationships.