Dwarf

The Dwarves are defined by their short height, standing noticeably shorter than most other races in Asobria. In turn, however, they are broad enough that they weigh just as much if not more than the other races. Their skin can vary almost as much as the Humans but are most often either a pale white or a deep tan, depending on their heritage as a Cave Dwarf or Mountain Dwarf. Their hair also varies on heritage, being either a vibrant red or dark brown or black. The exception to these common physical traits are the Duergar: Dwarves who reside in the deepest caverns that border the Underlands. The Duergar have stark white hair, and their skin has turned blue due to an abundance of silver in their diet. Many Dwarves grow out their hair, as its length symbolizes wisdom in their culture. This belief carries over to their facial hair, as even Dwarven women will sport long, accessorized facial hair. Dwarves are often seen wearing simple leathers, as these look stylish while also proving functional in their forges. As Dwarves often have their craft on their mind, their eyes have an almost calculative look to them. Even the Duergar, who have gone blind due to the lack of light in their home, retain this perceptive gaze.

Having lived within the bowels of the earth for so long, the Dwarves have grown accustomed to the darkness and can see better than most within it. Having spent most of their time focusing on craftmanship, they also are naturals with the tools of an artisan or analyzing the environment around them. In the case of the Duergar, they instead lack vision in the dark but instead have the ability to sense things around them. Additionally, their silvered diet makes them immune to a variety of conditions, ranging from simple diseases to the curse of lycanthropy.

The first Dwarves were born of the rock and metal of the Skyfract Mountains themselves, being forged from it by Cruth-Chiadh, also referred to as the First Artisan. She gave them one simple purpose: Create. And create they did, building elaborate halls and the finest items from the materials around them. The mountains they called home were blessed with abundant veins of iron, silver, and more, so they were free to create to their heart's content. The Dwarves remained isolated underground for many generations, fearing the destructive habits of their surface-dwelling neighbors. With the Òrdan Wars, however, their people were soon brought under the dominion of the Empire, where they have since been free to create to their heart's content.

In the case of the Duergar, their ancestors were Dwarves who became trapped in the Underlands during the events of the Cataclysm. Being stuck in the depths for so long, they eventually were changed by the environment and became what they are today. A majority of their people remain trapped in the depths, with only an odd few finally making their way to the surface.

All Dwarves share a deep devotion and reverence to the art of creation, regardless of what their specific craft is. The majority of their works are those of blacksmithing, stonemasonry, or jewelry, and the process of these crafts is viewed as an art form. To the Dwarves, even the meticulous process of metalworking can have one's unique artistic style and flair added to it. It is not uncommon to find Dwarves forging weapons that serve as art pieces instead of functional tools, and many traveling individuals will journey out in the search of new materials for their next project. Everything in Asobria can be a resource, and whether that resource is a raw material or simply inspiration is for each individual to discover.

At the heart of all Dwarven culture is the clan, where artisanal traditions are passed down through a family's generations. Devotion to one's clan is an important aspect of Dwarven life, and a high degree of respect for the clan's practices is expected of all of its members. Many Dwarves are so loyal, in fact, that they are quick to defend their clan in the event of a feud against a rival.

While many Dwarves follow a specific craft with their clan members, there are countless individuals who chose to break away from their familial practices and follow other callings. To serve as a place for all practitioners to find others who were similarly devoted, early Dwarves chose to form Guilds and Unions based around specific followings. Whether this is the wildly popular Fellowship of the Anvil or the much less well-known Guild of the Steelsong, these groups are places where individuals can seek guidance and companionship through the practice of a specific art. Led by a council of Grandmasters, these Guilds also arrange festivals and other events to celebrate their practice, with games and challenges that test even the most seasoned Dwarves. The concept of these Guilds quickly spread beyond the Dwarves' reach, and other cultures soon began to mimic this practice in their own ways.

Even though the Dwarves chose to mostly isolate themselves from the rest of Asobria, their reputation preceded them. Their devotion and expertise to their craft brought many travelers who sought to learn their secrets or exchange in trade. For a while, their people remained somewhat elusive and seldom interacted with their neighbors. It wasn't until the Òrdan Wars that their people finally entered the larger scene, and their subsequent annexation into the Empire only brought them more fame. This fame persists to this very day, and the Dwarves are still known across Asobria for their unrivaled craftsmanship.