Grimmar Gordwar

Self-portrait in charcoal, 1745, donated by the Gordwar Clan

**Grimmar Gordwar** was a dwarven biologist known for his groundbreaking research and exploration of the Serpentspine Mountains' ecology. He wrote one of the first modern guides to the Serpentspine, a Herbarium and a Bestiary. A descendant of marble dwarves refugees, originally from the great hold of Shazstundihr, Grimmar 's roots trace back to a lineage of marble miners. Some of which, according to his clan myths, quarried deeper into the Serpentspine than any others into the very roots of the stone. His family was among the first to help resettle the ruined hold of Shazstundihr as it was reclaimed by Arg-Ôrdstun.

### Early Life and Ancestral Influence

Born and raised to a marble dwarf clan amidst the reclamation rush of the recently refounded Shazstundihr, Grimmar was reared on tales of their ancestral home's grandeur. These stories, combined with an intricate collection of drawings and myths about the mysterious flora and fauna of the Serpentspine, sparked his lifelong fascination with the natural world.

### Education and Early Career

Fueled by this passion, Grimmar pursued a comprehensive education in natural philosophy at the prestigious Guntîrhug Academy in Orlghelovar. Here, he honed his scientific knowledge and developed a keen interest in the unique adaptations of subterranean life forms. His academic excellence earned him recognition and served as a springboard for his future career as an explorer and biologist.

### Expeditions and Discoveries

Upon completing his studies, Grimmar established himself in Arg-Ôrdstun, where he founded an expeditionary biological foundation. This organization was dedicated to the systematic and complete exploration and understanding of the Serpentspine ecosystem and became a crucial component of his work and later legacy. From this base, he embarked on a series of expeditions into the hitherto unexplored parts of the Serpentspine Mountains. Braving its rugged terrain and unpredictable dangers, he cataloged a multitude of species, studied unique phenomena such as Halanna's Breath, and developed new theories about the ecosystem's dynamics.

#### Gordwar's Rule

Gordwar's Rule is a principle concerning the size of organisms and their relationship to the climate of the Serpentspine Mountains. According to this rule, species living in colder, regions are larger in size than their counterparts living in warmer regions

This principle stems from the observation that larger animals have a smaller surface area-to-volume ratio compared to smaller animals. This means that larger animals are able to conserve heat more effectively than smaller ones, making them better adapted to the colder depths of the Serpentspine Mountains. On the other hand, smaller animals, with their higher surface area to volume ratio, are better at dissipating heat and thus are more suited to the warmer upper regions of the Serpentspine.

Gordwar's Rule has been observed in numerous species within the Serpentspine, from the hulking cave trolls to the more diminutive but equally fascinating cave mice. However, Gordwar himself was careful to note that this rule, while generally applicable, is not absolute. There are exceptions to the rule and other factors, such as diet, predation, and interspecies competition, can influence the size of a species in a given environment.

### Legacy

Grimmar Gordwar's contributions to the understanding of Serpentspine ecology have been crucial. His works have not only expanded the body of knowledge about the unique environment but also set a precedent for future explorations and studies. His relentless pursuit of knowledge, despite the inherent risks of his chosen field, has made him a prominent figure in dwarven academia and an inspiration for aspiring biologists. His staunch position on the necessity of protecting the local eco-system of the Serpentspine would lead to the founding of several nature reserves within the Dwarovar.