Dwarves

**Dwarves**, also known as Dwarvenkind, and ceremoniously as the Children of Mzund, are a race of short and stout humanoids common throughout Erideon, but less common in other continents. Dwarves are known for being tough and traditional, but they are an idiosyncratic race in many respects. Nevertheless, they are respected for their longstanding martial traditions as well as their craftsmanship.

## History

Dwarven history is separated into twenty-three distinct ages, a testament to their longstanding traditions and historical memory. For the ease of the reader, these ages are presented canonically within the framework of Erideon's three-age history.

### First Age

* Rise of Mzundelft, home of the first Dwarves

### Second Age

* rise of Kragstett
* Rise of Istenback
* Rise of Ulstand

### Third Age

* collapse of Mzundelft most important event

## Culture

Dwarves, the People of the Thousand Oaths, are profoundly lawful and honorable.

However, Dwarven quarrels can quickly escalate, especially in Stavenberg. A quarrel becomes a Grievance when it is presented to the Chief of a Dwarven state, which can escalate into a Grudge if left unresolved. Generally, Chiefs will try to administer justice to avoid Grudges, but many Grudges -- especially those of deeply personal nature -- are impossible to resolve except by Duel.

### Religion

Main article: Moradin
Dwarves almost universally adore and revere **Moradin, the All-Father**, who non-Dwarves known as the **Dwarf-Father**. The Dwarven pantheon, though, does not strictly deny the possible existence and divinity of other Gods, for which reason it is considered a polytheistic faith.

### Magic

Main article: Magic
Dwarves spurn the use of Magic, criticising it as a misuse of the gifts of the Dwarf-Father.

### Technology

Main article: Technology
Despite being one of the most traditional societies in Erideon and the World, Dwarves are far and away the most technologically-advanced of the peoples therein.

## Society

### Clans

Main article: Dwarven clans
Dwarven clans are the nucleus of the Dwarven society. Typically, the structure of a Dwarven clan is analogous to that of a family; however, Dwarves often adopt children into their clans, particularly young Clanless Dwarves who have shown the traits required to excel in battle.

For an adult Dwarf, male or female, there is little dishonor greater than that of being Clanless.

A few of the most illustrious of the Dwarven clans are listed below. A full list can be found here.

**From Mzundelft:**

* **Clan Coldwind**: The traditional rulers at the Golden Tower of Tzand.
* **Clan Torunn**: A prominent military clan within Mzundelft.

**From Stavenberg:**

* **Clan Whitehelm**: From 11 3A to the present, the rulers of Stavenberg
* **Clan Gorunn**: A largely dishonoured clan, whose last scion is Ulfgar.

### Homelands

* Mzundelft, the Great Chiefdom, the Old Chiefdom, the First Chiefdom. The most ancient of the Dwarven chiefdoms in Erideon.
* Stavenberg
* Istenback
* Fallhammer
* Kragstett

### Interracial relations

Dwarves are universally known to despise Elves

Furthermore, Dwarves almost universally detest and despise Goblins and other Orcoids.

#### Drow

Main article: Eternal War
Dwarves find all creatures of the Underdark loathsome