Dwarves

The **Dwarves** are a stout and stocky race, visually unmistakable by their shorter height and long beards. They are largely mountain dwelling people who possess great talent as stonemasons, engineers, blacksmiths, miners and warriors. Many hold deep loyalties to their clans and kin, as well as harbor bitter rivalries for those who have wronged them.

Dwarves are most often found inhabiting stone fortresses and cities deep within mountains, valleys, highlands and hills. They share a deep dedication to both their clan and kin, however, they also can be relied upon as steadfast allies to outsiders whom they develop good relations with. On the other hand, despite being distinguishable by their long beards, they are notoriously known to be short-tempered and easily belligerent. Such nature leads to grievances caused by others, particularly non-Dwarves such as Orcs, whom they frequently skirmish with, to be ingrained in their memories for nearly the entire span of their lives, even carrying over to future generations. Although it is possible for Dwarves to reconcile with their former enemies, more often than not, some grudges have escalated to life long conflicts lasting decades and even generations. Such constant warfare has, in turn, resulted in many Dwarves being very skilled warriors, as well as master craftsmen in the forging high-quality armor and weapons. There are also those among of them who are also extremely innovative engineers and architects, capable of producing advanced machinery used in both times of war and peace which are rarely found elsewhere.

Dwarf women are often thought to be non-existent, as a result of very few ever traveling outside of their strongholds. Most are commonly sheltered away to safeguard them from outsiders. They perform a variety of important tasks such as, carpentry, tailoring, provisioning, raising Dwarven children, and many other domestic duties. Although not as common, some also take up roles as historians, scholars, smiths and, in times of need, even take up arms as warriors.

Governance within Dwarven society typically revolves around cultural, kin-based clans led by their respective Clanlord, that trade, build and fight side by side with various other clans. However, it is not uncommon to see fellow Dwarf clans clash against one another just as often as they cooperate. Many Dwarves follow strict codes of honor which often vary depending on the clan, however, those who break their code or are considered to have acted dishonorably and or cowardly by their kin are often exiled by their clan and sent to fend for themselves. Some of these exiled Dwarves are either adopted by new clans, however most often become travelling craftsmen, merchants, raiders, brigands or mercenaries.

## **Physical Characteristics**

###### **Height**

As their name suggests, Dwarves are the shortest among the other races, usually ranging in heights of 3'6" - 5'0" in height, however, heights around 4'0" - 5'0" are the most common.

###### **Weight**

Despite their shorter heights, many Dwarves possess muscular and stocky builds, averaging anywhere between 150 - 350 lbs.

###### **Skin Color**

Most Dwarves have paler skin due to their lessened exposure to the sun and warmer temperatures, however, some Dwarves do sometimes have slightly darker complexions as a result of higher exposure or time spent traveling outside of their strongholds.

###### **Eye Color**

Brown, hazel, blue, green are common eye colors among Dwarves with gray being possible but uncommon.

###### **Hair Color**

Dwarf hair colors vary from brown, black, red, golden and white (if old).

###### **Unique Features**

Dwarves are notoriously short, yet commonly possess bulky frames, large noses and abundant facial hair. Almost all their kind have long, thick, beards of many various dark or grayish colors depending on their age. They are also known to have deep, booming voices, strong physical constitutions as well as insatiable appetites.

###### **Lifespan**

Although not having life spans nearly as long as the Elves, Dwarves can reach ages of up to 200-300 years which is also considered to be a great accomplishment and one that demands respect, however those individuals who do live up to this age are rare. Dwarves are considered to be full grown young adults at the age of 18 up until they reach around the age of 100 which they are then considered to be middle-aged adults until their 200th year. Surviving past 200 allows most Dwarves to earn the interchangeable title of "longbeard" or elder, one that warrants great honor and respect among Dwarven society, especially warriors, They have a fertility rate that is best described as being in between Humans and Elves, with Dwarf children being not nearly as common as Human children, but much more commonly seen than Elf children.