The Dwarves
Bold and hardy, dwarves are known as skilled warriors, miners, and workers of stone and metal. Though they stand well under 5 feet tall, dwarves are so broad and compact that they can weigh as much as a human standing nearly two feet taller. Their courage and endurance are also easily a match for any of the larger folk.
Mortality
Upon reaching old age, Dwarves begin to return to the stone of the mountains. As they grow old, a Dwarf's skin and hair slowly turns greyer and harder, to a near rock-like texture, until they are completely petrified.
Culture
Dwarven kingdoms stretch deep beneath the mountains where the dwarves mine gems and precious metals and forge items of wonder. They love the beauty and artistry of precious metals and fine jewelry, and in some dwarves this love festers into avarice. Whatever wealth they can't find in their mountains, they gain through trade. Dwarves of tradition tend to dislike leaving their mountain holds, so enterprising humans and halflings frequently handle trade in dwarven goods along the trade routes. Trustworthy members of other races are welcome in dwarf settlements, though some areas are off limits even to them.
The chief unit of dwarven society is the clan, and dwarves highly value social standing. Even dwarves who live far from their own kingdoms cherish their clan identities and affiliations, recognize related dwarves, and invoke their ancestors' names in oaths and curses. To be clanless is the worst fate that can befall a dwarf.
Dwarves in other lands are typically artisans, especially weaponsmiths, armorers, and jewelers. Some become mercenaries or bodyguards, highly sought after for their courage and loyalty.
Dwarves, male and female, pride themselves on their great beard, taking their time to braid and inlay them with jewellery. As their skin grows harder with their age, many dwarves carve intricate patterns into themselves, often accentuating the carving with precious metals.
History of the Dwarves in Asdar
The Dwarves are believed to have been created by Kroð the Father of Dwarves and Mountains. It is said Kroð molded the Dwarves from the mountains themselves, creating a people strong and resilient as stone.
Even before The Splintering the Dwarves lived in the plane of Dwarfhome, created by Kroð. As The Splintering tethered the planes together, while tunnelling deep undergrouns, the Dwarves would eventually discover portals to other realms deep within the mountains of Dwarfhome. Many Dwarves would follow these tunnels into the mortal realm and Asdar. In an event lost to time and for reasons unknown, the portals between the mortal realm and Dwarfhome were lost, severing their connection. Followers of the Dwarven gods believe they return to the Eternal Halls of Dwarfhome upon their death.
Common Names
Male Names: Adrik, Alberich, Baern, Barendd, Brottor, Bruenor, Dain, Darrak, Delg, Eberk, Einkil, Fargrim, Flint, Gardain, Harbek, Kildrak, Morgran, Orsik, Oskar, Rangrim, Rurik, Taklinn, Thoradin, Thorin, Tordek, Traubon, Travok, Ulfgar, Veit, Vondal
Female Names: Amber, Artin, Audhild, Bardryn, Dagnal, Diesa, Eldeth, Falkrunn, Finellen, Gunnloda, Gurdis, Helja, Hlin, Kathra, Kristryd, Ilde, Liftrasa, Mardred, Riswynn, Sannl, Torbera, Torgga, Vistra
Clan Names: Balderk, Battlehammer, Brawnanvil, Dankil, Fireforge, Frostbeard, Grimtor, Gorunn, Holderhek, Ironfist, Loderr, Lutgehr, Markolak, Miðra, Rockshore, Rumnaheim, Strakeln, Torunn, Ungart
Life-Span
Longevity: 500 years
Childhood: 3-20
Adolescence: 20-40
Maturity: 40-400
Old Age: 400-500
Physical Characteristics
Skin colour: All human ranges.
Hair colour: All human ranges.
Beards: Grown by all sexes/genders, some choose to cut it.
Stature: ~5ft, broad and compact.
Common Faiths