Dwarves, the bold and hardy beings of legend, have earned their reputation as skilled warriors, miners, and master craftsmen of stone and metal. Despite their diminutive stature, standing under 5 feet tall, they possess a broad and compact build, often weighing as much as a human nearly two feet taller. Their courage and endurance rival that of any larger race, making them formidable foes and steadfast allies.
Their skin comes in a range of tones, from deep brown to a paler hue tinged with red. However, the most common shades resemble the earth's light brown or deep tan. Typically donning long hair, worn in simple styles, dwarves frequently showcase hair colors like black, gray, or brown. Some of the fairer dwarves may even display striking red hair. Notably, male dwarves hold their beards in high regard, meticulously grooming them as symbols of their pride and heritage.
An intriguing aspect of dwarven life is their impressive longevity, often exceeding 250 years. The oldest living dwarves possess a unique perspective on the world, having witnessed epochs of history unfold. This extended lifespan grants them wisdom and insight that shorter-lived races, like humans and halflings, cannot comprehend fully.
Dwarves exemplify the qualities of stability and resilience, akin to the mountains they cherish. Throughout centuries, they have remained steadfast, their stoic endurance allowing them to weather the passage of time with minimal change. Their strong sense of tradition and ancestral ties traces back to the founding of their ancient strongholds during the world's early days. They hold their values dear, dedicating themselves to gods such as Sol'Blad and Fornax, who embody the ideals of industrious labor, prowess in battle, and devotion to the forge.
Individual dwarves are known for their unwavering determination and loyalty. They are people of their word, decisive in their actions, sometimes bordering on stubbornness. Justice holds paramount importance to dwarves, and they do not easily forget the wrongs they have endured. Such grievances extend beyond the individual; an offense against one dwarf is perceived as an offense against their entire clan, and what may start as a quest for vengeance can escalate into a full-blown clan feud.
Deep beneath the mountains lie the majestic dwarven kingdoms, where they mine precious gems and metals and craft awe-inspiring items. The dwarves have a profound love for the beauty and artistry of precious metals and fine jewelry, but this adoration can devolve into avarice in some individuals. When they cannot find sufficient wealth within their mountains, they turn to trade. Although they harbor an aversion to boats, resourceful humans and halflings handle the trade of dwarven goods along water routes.
Dwarven settlements are open to trustworthy members of other races, who are welcomed into their domains. However, certain areas remain off-limits, even to outsiders. The foundation of dwarven society lies in the clan, and they highly value their social standing. Even those living far from their ancestral homes hold their clan identities dear, recognizing and acknowledging related dwarves. When making oaths and curses, they invoke the names of their ancestors. For a dwarf to be clanless is the gravest misfortune that can befall them.
In foreign lands, dwarves typically excel as artisans, particularly as weaponsmiths, armorers, and jewelers. Some choose the path of mercenaries or bodyguards, their courage and unwavering loyalty making them highly sought after for protection and service. Dwarves are an extraordinary race, leaving a lasting mark on the world through their craftsmanship, unyielding spirit, and sense of honor.