Dwarf

This entry is for the Madrian variants of the humanoid species. They are in many ways similar to other examples of their species found on various worlds and in fiction.

Dwarves are semi-native to Madrian, while not creations of deities native to the world they were created from materials found on the world. The original dwarves were crafted by Grell on his forge. For this he selected a variety of stones from the mountains. Each of these minerals would lend traits to those dwarves he made, both broadly and individually. He crafted enough dwarves to fill the halls of a great city deep beneath Stongrad. It is this origin that gave dwarves their natural kinship with the element of earth. During the Age of Myth many dwarves became members of the noble courts of the Fey Realm. However, most of the dwarf kind are mortal beings.

The physiology of dwarves is fairly consistent and shows little variation from one generation to the next. They have stocky frames and generally reach a height of around 4 feet. (Or an average of 1.25 meters by dwarven reckoning.) Bone is thick and does not break easy. This is seen in their round or "blockish" skulls, with thicker brows and wide noses. Body hair is very prominent, and the race is known for their thick beards. Even female dwarves grow thick sideburns which are considered by the men to be quite attractive. Dwarves have a slow metabolism with along with their natural hardiness makes them tolerant of poisons and other toxins. This also makes them long lived. Dwarves are considered by their peers to reach adulthood around 50 years of age and typically live nearly four centuries.

Dwarven culture is built upon tradition. Every aspect of their society has long held traditions that dictate the right way. In dwarven cities whole libraries of books are dedicated to these traditions on every from how to craft a clockwork golem down to how to eat soup. A dwarf grows up learning all these things as needed by life, work and marriage. History as well is very important to the race. This is especially true of one's family scroll which all dwarven children are expected to memorize. To other races this may seem oppressive. Thinking dwarves locked in their ways. In fact, dwarves have a deep appreciation for improvements to the old ways. A dwarf who manages to make some revolutionary change to old tradition brings great honor to themselves and their kin. Failure in these endeavors brings condemnation, however. There is after all the time-honored axiom of; "I told you so."

Dwarven life typically revolves around three things. Family, spouse and craft. It important to dwarves that they bring honor to their ancestors and any future descendants. In marriage they are extremely dedicated and to the surprise of other races, very romantic. Craft however, may be the biggest defining feature of a dwarf's life. Craft can mean anything, not just making something. Whether one is a smith, a warrior, a herald or a reclusive philosopher, you still possess a craft in dwarven eyes. It is a dwarves duty to honor their craft. It is dedication and purity of the thing which matters to a dwarf. A dwarf who dishonors a craft also dishonors all who are tied to that dwarf, be it family, friend or clan.