Difference between revisions of "Dwarves"

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'''Dwarves''' (''Dwarven: Dwedmar, Khazadmar'') are a descendant race of stout and steadfast people, said to have descended from [[Urguan]] within the Halls of Urguan. Urguan, with his wife Yudora, bore the eight children that formed the eight Elder Clans of today that created the First Kingdom of Urguan. Although it is often fiercely debated among dwarves of their true lineage and origin, the majority of Urguan have remained united throughout periods of strife, and civil war, withstanding the expansion and subjugation of the other races.
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The '''Dwarves''', known as the dwedmar in the dwarven language,  are a stocky and short race long known for their association with the ground and the earth. They are a steadfast and stout people, said to have descended from Urguan of the four brothers. The dwarves are a religious folk in a large, societal sense. Worship of the Brathmordakin pantheon is widespread and deeply ingrained in government as well as culture. Their short stocky builds are coupled with the iconic facial hair most dwarves have. Beards seem integral to both physiology and culture to the dwarves, their ability to grow facial hair unparalleled by any other descendant race. Though varied the same as any other race, dwarves tend to have a heavy association with the earth beneath their feet. Whether this be through caves, mountains, or sprawling forests.
 
Divided among the Eight Elder Clans, and the Low-born Clans, the dwarves typically construct holdings and cities that house the population, and is governed by a monarch that is elected by a council of clan representatives. Dwarven holds are commonly constructed within mountains and foothills with a city center, and tunnels that branch off which house clanhalls and private homes. Each city would always be furnished with a tavern, a public forge, and a public mine, lest the population grows weary and sometimes violent. Historically, some holds would contain written constitutions and laws, while others would refer to a common law shared through word of mouth, and morals. Although holds underground are more favored, some Dwarves find themselves in settlements above ground for farming, agriculture, and trade.
 
 
Not only are Dwarves guided by their king, but the Brathmordakin, and the clergies of the holds. The Brathmordakin is the undisputed pantheon of gods in which the dwarves worship and channel their everyday activities through. The Brathmordakin are made up of eight deities related to the various aspects of the world that make up the Dwarven race, including Yemekar, and his wife, Anbella who are thought to have created both the world and the dwarves. Throughout history, the clergies have varied and changed drastically from a simple hierarchy with a High Prophet, to a vast and organized order with a High Prelate or Precepter leading.
 
  
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The dwed are varied, the same as any other descendant race. Each of the four subraces have their own distinct traits, qualities, and appearances. However, some aspects are uniform amongst all the dwarves, unifying them as one race born from Urguan. Specifically, all dwarves tend to be on a shorter height range, the exact details of which are able to be found in the height section. All the subraces live a similar lifespan, of course, and they all suffer the same curse of greed cast onto them by Iblees.
  
 
== ''Physical Attributes'' ==
 
== ''Physical Attributes'' ==
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=== Coloration ===
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Dwarves vary greatly in coloration between subraces. Each subrace has its own distinctive skin tones, eye colors, and hair colors. Because of this, no true coloration across all of the dwed can be gleamed. The range is quite wide and varied. The relevant information for each subrace can be found on each individual page.
  
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=== Height ===
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The dwarven height range between all subraces is '''3’5”''' - '''5’0” ft'''. This is a hard height range, as in, no dwarf can go above or below it without accurate roleplay of possible physiological issues or strange body types. All dwarves fit within this height range. However, each of the subraces has its own general recommended height range within this one. That range serves as the most general and common height range for that subrace, a soft height range. You can go above or below it. However, the '''3ft''' - '''5ft''' height range is much more a hard cap.
  
'''Dwarves''' are most commonly known for their squat, muscular, and stocky stature, as well as their iconic facial hair and decorated beards. Many dwarves are no stranger to backbreaking labor, which leads to such a physique, spending most of their time toiling in mine shafts of the hold, lumberyards, or grafting their trade to masterful levels. Most Dwarves are commonly seen with black, brown, white, orange, or blonde hair, although some may dye their hair neutral colors, and rarely anything exotic.
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=== Weight ===
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The average weight of a dwarf varies greatly based on height, health, & lifestyle. However, a certain ‘healthy weight’ can be found. Dwarves are much shorter than the average human, but to make up for that fact they are stout and bulky. As such, the healthy weight range for both dwarves and humans is similar. Dwarves simply compress that down into a smaller form. For a dwarf at the upper height range of 5’0”, '''260lbs''' is the maximum healthy weight that they may have. Your average athlete or soldier would be more around '''250lbs''', and even that is for the upper height range. Being around '''270lbs''' or '''280lbs''' would be a mixture of both fat and muscle. Should a shorter dwarf be near this weight, or should a dwarf be beyond this limit and '''300lbs''' plus, this is extra weight in fat and does not contribute to muscle mass or strength.
  
Hailing from different Clans and lineages, the Dwarves are split among four subraces, all with unique traits and capabilities passed down from their Clans. The following subraces are as followed:
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=== Lifespan ===
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For the first decade of a dwarf’s lifespan, they age similarly to humanity. However, between the ages of 11 and 50, dwarves mature roughly at a quarter of the speed a human does, a fifty year old dwarf comparable to a twenty year old human in maturity and responsibility. Dwarves between the ages of eleven and forty-nine are considered adolescents with fifty being the age of majority.
  
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Between the ages of '''50''' and '''100''', dwarves mature at around one-fifth the rate that a human does, a hundred year old dwarf comparable to a man of thirty. Dwarves within this age group are considered to be going through their early adulthood. Dwarves between the ages of '''100''' and '''400''' mature at a rate roughly one-tenth of the speed of a human, gaining around a decade of maturity for every century, with a two hundred year old dwarf comparable to a man of forty, and a three hundred year old dwarf comparable to a man of fifty. Dwarves within this age group are considered to be going through their midlife.
  
'''[[Mountain Dwarves]]''' (''Dwarven: Agnarum Dwedmar'') are a strong and hardy form of Dwarf which calls the vast mountain ranges of the world, Home. These Dwarves are often found creating sprawling mountain fortresses and cities that rest above the mountains rather than inside of them. For a Mountain Dwarf, the fresh air of a mountain summit and pine, is the scent of home. Mountain Dwarves prefer an axe in hand over hammer or sword, and find that mining is not something that comes easily to them, preferring to live off the surface land given to them by Yemekar through hunting and foraging. You can always find a friend in a Mountain Dwarf with an offering of ale. Many Mountain Dwarves share varying traits related to their Clan. While the Mountain Dwarves of the great Grandaxe Clan all have orange and fiery hair, the Frostbeard Clan all have hair as black as coal. A Mountain Dwarf’s skin is determined by their experience living beneath or above ground. While some will keep a more darker skin from living beneath the sun, others will have lighter skin from living with their cousins beneath the mountains.
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Dwarves of or over four centuries in age continue to mature at about one-tenth the aging rate of the average human, but are now considered to be going through their elder years. A dwarf of four hundred is comparable to a man of sixty years, a dwarf of six hundred like that of an eighty year-old human, and so on and so forth. It is exceptionally rare for a dwarf to live to be over seven centuries old, with only one or two dwarves in every five hundred or so reaching such a venerable age.
  
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Dwarves between the ages of two hundred and four hundred are considered to be going through their mature adulthood, while dwarves four hundred or older are thought to be going into their senior years. It is worth noting that dwarves do not weaken as they age, unlike humans, for the vast majority of their lifespan. This lasts until the last two or three decades of a dwarf's life, at which point the speed at which they age multiplies rapidly and swiftly overtakes them. As such any dwarf that does live to be eight hundred or older soon grows feeble and passes away in their beds within a handful of years.
  
'''[[Cavern Dwarves]]''' (''Dwarven: Umgorum Dwedmar'') are secluded and mysterious form of Dwarf which can often be spotted for their obsidian colored skin and black hair. Their
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=== Curse ===
prowess in mining and mineral research is legendary and well known, often proven through advancements in technologies and hardware. Cave Dwarves are also given credit for their great architectural abilities proven by their cities, which are carved from the bellows of the mountain. Unlike Mountain Dwarves, Cave Dwarves are rarely trusting of other races, and usually despise them or only work with them on a professional level. That doesn't make them un-social, as Cave Dwarves are just as spirited as their brethren, but keep it among their kin and Clan. Many of these Dwarves find themselves obtaining and holding high positions among holds and governments, while their cousins wage war on the surface.
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''"Urguan, your greed and lust shall overcome you. You are not worthy of the height the Creator gave you. Your descendants shall be short, squalid and ugly. You will always seek to find gold and gems deep underground, your hunger never satisfied."''
  
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The curse of the dwarves, as dictated by Iblees, is greed. The curse of greed means that the dwarves are driven to dig deeper into the earth to seek out precious treasures. Dwarves can also display their greed by hoarding other items, including food and ale. Dwarves will as well always remain short, making even half-breeds such as halflings remain with both the curse of greed and shortness. Despite the curse being what it is, most dwarves do not view it as a curse at all. The dwarven greed is an important cultural and economic backbone, leading to the development of the grand holds and wealth of the dwedmar. While conflict and discourse are inevitable over this greed, it is an intrinsic part of the dwarven psyche and the culture the dwed have developed for themselves.
  
'''[[Forest Dwarves]]''' (''Dwarven: Hefrumm Dwedmar'') are truly the most unique of the dwarven race, often not living in their ancestral lands, but rather living in solitude in forests or even with the other races and groups such as elves and druids. Because of their inclination to stay secluded from their cousins, the Forest Dwarves have come to be hated and disliked among others. However, in recent times, the Forest Dwarves have come out of their seclusion, adopting the faith of the Brathmordakin. Society among Forest Dwarves can be described as nomadic, moving from one forest to another at months at a time. Although they keep to their groves, they still make pilgrimages to the Dwarven holds to feast and reunite with their cousins under the mountain. Forest Dwarves can be described as having brown or dark skin. Their beards would be long and unkept, often keeping the fruits of nature within them, such as leaves, twigs, and cobwebs from smaller creatures that may live inside.
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The dwarven race is broken up into four subraces. Each subrace has its own coloration recommended height range, and traits. These subraces include the '''Cave Dwarves''', the '''Dark Dwarves''', the '''Forest Dwarves''', and the '''Mountain Dwarves'''.
  
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== Sub-Races ==
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=== Mountain Dwarves ===
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Mountain Dwarves, Agnarum Dwedmar in the dwarven language, are a traditionally strong and hardy form of Dwarf which calls the vast mountain ranges of the world home. They often create sprawling mountain fortresses and cities that loom over the world beneath. For a Mountain Dwarf, the fresh air of a mountain summit is the smell of home, and the snow from the thin-aired heights a welcoming sign of hospitality. Mountain Dwarves prefer an axe in hand over hammer or sword and find that mining is not something that comes easily to them, preferring to be in the skies rather than the ground.
  
'''[[Dark Dwarves]]''' (''Dwarven: Khorok Dwedmar'') are the newest of the dwarven subraces, brought to the world by the unlikely union of dark elves and mountain dwarves. Because of their mixed lineage, the earliest of dark dwarves were persecuted by the majority of dwarves, resulting in living lives similar to the forest dwarves in seclusion. Oftentimes they would establish holds of their own in mountains, adorned with dark brick and obsidian where their most secret and sacred practices would be carried out, away from the prying eyes of their distant cousins. However, in modern times, the dark dwarves are widely welcomed among holds due to their feats within the clergies, and forging capabilities. Originally, the dark dwarves all belonged to a single clan known as Doomforge, however other clans have formed such as the prominent Onyxhearts. Dark dwarves can be recognized by their fiery glowing red eyes, and their ashen skin. Their hair and beards would be intricately decorated, with hair colors such as black, dark brown, burgundy, and sometimes white.
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=== Cave Dwarves ===
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[[Cave Dwarves]], Cavern Dwarves, or Umgorum Dwedmar in the dwarven language, are a subtype of dwarfs whose blood roots all the way from Urguan himself. Their prowess in mining and mineral research is legendary and well known, often proven by their cities, which are carved from the bellows of the mountain. Many of these dwed are in the high positions of the Kingdom or in the depths of their grand mine, as they are not usually the ones going on adventures outside of the deep stone homes and mines they inhabit. Compared to the other dwarves, the Cave Dwarves maintain a darker and desaturated coloration. Hair and skin color follow this trend, with eye color being the only exception to the darker tones. Given their dark coloration, they also tend to decorate themselves with rare gems and chunks of gold and silver in their beard and hair, proving their wealth and reputation.
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=== Forest Dwarves ===
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The [[Forest Dwarves]] are unique among the Dwarves. Unlike their brethren, most Forest Dwarves choose not to live in the earth in caves and mountains. Instead, as their name suggests, they choose to live in the forest. This has made some of them highly dislike the other dwed, which is sometimes mutual, but more often they have at least some friendly connections with the Grand Kingdom of Urguan. Seeing a forest dwarf in the dwarven legion is not as rare as one may think, and tales speak of heroes of forest dwarf origins. They are often travelers, roaming forests month on month, meaning they have learned the ways of the forest can navigate through them with more ease than any other Dwarf subrace, even better than some of the main races as well. Despite their not so classically dwarven nature, their dwarven honor and dignity still shine as an example, although their greed sometimes goes other directions that are not gold related.
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=== Dark Dwarves ===
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The youngest of the Dwarven subraces, [[Dark Dwarves]] were said to be originally born from the unlikely union of dark elves and the various dwarven subraces. The validity of this claim is unknown, as modern hybrids of dwarves and Dark Elves do not feature the traits of the Dark Dwarves. However, it will likely remain in the realm of mythos. They have a dark skin coloration, similar to that of the Cave Dwarves. However, this is offset by otherwise glowing and vibrant eyes. To fit with their supposed elven ancestry, the Dark Dwarves often pursue the arcane, the mysterious, and the alchemical. This is far from universal, but the Dark Dwarves are certainly the most baseline mystical out of the dwedmar subraces.
  
 
==''Additional Attributes''==
 
==''Additional Attributes''==
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Dwarves between the ages of two hundred and three hundred and ninety-nine are considered to be going through their mature adulthood, while dwarves four hundred or older are thought to be going into their senior years. It is worth noting that dwarves do not weaken as they age, unlike humans, for the vast majority of their lifespan.  This lasts until the last two or three decades of a dwarf's life, at which point the speed at which they age multiplies rapidly and swiftly overtakes them. As such any dwarf that does live to be eight hundred or older soon grows feeble and passes away in their beds within a handful of years.
 
Dwarves between the ages of two hundred and three hundred and ninety-nine are considered to be going through their mature adulthood, while dwarves four hundred or older are thought to be going into their senior years. It is worth noting that dwarves do not weaken as they age, unlike humans, for the vast majority of their lifespan.  This lasts until the last two or three decades of a dwarf's life, at which point the speed at which they age multiplies rapidly and swiftly overtakes them. As such any dwarf that does live to be eight hundred or older soon grows feeble and passes away in their beds within a handful of years.
  
''~Studied and written by, [[Kazraden Starbreaker]]''
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~Studied and written by, Kazraden Starbreaker
 
 
===The Curse===
 
 
 
"Urguan, your greed and lust shall overcome you. You are not worthy of the height the Creator gave you. Your descendants shall be short, squalid and ugly. You will always seek to find gold and gems deep underground, your hunger never satisfied." So said Iblees, according to the works of the Wandering Wizard. The curse of Iblees means that dwarves are driven to dig deeper into the earth to seek out precious treasures. Dwarves can also display their greed by hoarding other items, including food and ale. Dwarves will as well always remain short, making even half-breeds such as halflings remain with both the curse of greed and shortness. Despite the Curse, most dwarves do not adhere to it, as their religion contradicts the records of the Wandering Wizard. What is a curse, is actually considered a blessing among dwarves. Their greed creating the economic backbone of holds, and stoutness, what Yemekar envisioned during their creation.
 
  
 
===Language===
 
===Language===
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Norli Starbreaker
 
Norli Starbreaker
 
=Full Lore=
 
{{Collapse|The Dwarves are a descendant race, the children of Urguan. Native to Kal'Urguan in Aegis, the Dwarves are known to create grand underground cities. Dwarves are best known for their honor, love of war and constant acquisition of food and ale. Although quick to anger, Dwarves show compassion and love to their friends and kin. They are notable for being among the shortest of all beings, usually only three to five feet tall. Dwarves are known for adapting to the underground, though some Dwarves, particularly Mountain Dwarves, prefer living on top of great mountains. Most Dwarves can mine great ores from the ground, craft the finest of armor, and slay the most horrific monsters. The most important thing to a Dwarf is his honor. That being said, they stick to their word. The Dwarves have a mutual hatred and respect for the Orcs because of their strength and might. Dwarves live much longer than Humans. They can live hundreds of years before they finally die out, though not as long as Elves. Most Dwarves, however, tend to die in battle or through mining accidents before they get old. The Dwarves mature in a different way than most other races. Dwarves have a unique outlook on the outside world, due in part to their strong adherence to the ways of their gods, more known commonly as the Brathmordakin. They believe themselves to be the chosen among the mortal races brought into the world by the Creator, acting as guardians of the world's natural state of balance.#
 
 
==Appearance==
 
Dwarves are short, generally with long beards of many dark colors. Dwarves are well suited to their mines, and while short, they can be very stocky and muscular. In addition to their beards, they can be incredibly hairy. It is very rare to see a female dwarf (or perhaps their females simply enjoy beards).
 
 
==Mountain Dwarves==
 
Mountain Dwarves have a lighter tone of skin, but a bit more muscles on their shoulders. The majority of Mountain Dwarves have fiery red hair. If you are a Mountain Dwarf who is weak but have fiery red hair, you will get shunned. Usually, the red hair attracts others of their kind. Mountain Dwarves make the bulk of any dwarven Warband and often make the finest leaders. Mountain Dwarves are also regarded as fine hunters, and because of this excel in leatherworking.
 
 
==Cave Dwarves==
 
Cave Dwarves are known to have greyish skin and darker beards. Their beards are usually seen with braids, keeping their length from interfering with their work. A fashion trend for Cave Dwarves is weaving precious stones and gems into their beard and hair. Finally, their eyes are usually golden, or amber. Cave Dwarves excel in labor such as mining, blacksmithing, and stone-masonry. Often times a cave would would rather be underground than above ground due to their sensitive eyes.
 
 
==Forest Dwarves==
 
Forest Dwarves have brown, earth-like skin. Their beards are often unkept and messy, with leaves and pines stuck in them. Forest Dwarves are also more compact, or closely united, to each other, unlike the other sub-races. Forest Dwarves are usually skilled in outdoor labor, such as lumberjacking, farming, and fishing. Many will pass the time in their forest dens by smoking various forest substances or even try substances from far off lands.
 
 
==Religion==
 
Dwarven religion is a complex, yet widely accepted norm among dwarven society. Religious beliefs revolve around a pantheon of gods, they call the Brathmordakin, led by a Creator known as Yemekar. They believe Yemekar forged their world and that the dwarven race was the chosen among all his creations. In return, at Yemekar's will, they would act as the foundations that uphold the world, preserving a state of balance among all the mortal races. There is no greater sin in the dwarven faith than the desire for power and conquest, beliefs they attribute largely towards the fallen Daemon, Khorvad. Dwarves further believe that upon their deaths, their souls are carried by Dungrimm to the moon where they are judged for their actions throughout life. In an event known as the Auction of the Dead, Aenguls, and Daemons of the Brathmordakin place bids upon souls, to be taken with them to the dwarven afterlife, known as Khaz'A'Dentrumm. Dwarves who fail to gain are bid are cast into the void, otherwise known as Vuur'Dor in the dwarven language. Here, they are forced to endure an eternity of suffering and despair.
 
 
Worship of the Brathmordakin is led by the Kirkja Dverga, the Holy Order in the language of the common tongue. Otherwise known as the dwarven clergy, they are led by a High Prophet and his council of Prophets, each representing one of the gods among the Brathmordakin. Worship consists largely of offerings, sermons, and preaching, as well as the establishment of temples and shrines across the lands. Most dwarves choose one of the gods who they identify with most to become their patron. Dwarves who have achieved vast greatness throughout their lives and have shown an unending loyalty to the Brathmordakin are named Paragons of the dwarven faith. These individuals are said to feast alongside the gods, ruling over the dwarven afterlife from Khaz'A'Dentrumm. Upon death, all dwarven bodies are buried beneath the ground in great catacombs, usually among members of the same clan. It is seen as an abomination for any dwarf to have shaved their beard, and they are often prosecuted as a heretic.
 
 
==Curse==
 
"Urguan, your greed, and lust shall overcome you, you are not worthy of the height The Creator gave you, your descendants shall be short, squalid and ugly. You will always seek to find Gold and Gems in the deep underground of the earth, your hunger never satisfied." So said Iblees, according to the works of the Wandering Wizard. The curse of Iblees means that Dwarves are driven to dig deeper into the earth to seek out precious treasures. Dwarves can also display their greed by hoarding other items, including food and ale. Dwarves will as well always remain short, making even half-breeds such as halflings remain with both the curse of greed and shortness. "Urguan, may your descendants be hardy, strong hearted and strong of mind." Although the curse could not be lifted, through Aengul blessing the Dwarves were gifted with certain traits. Honor and strength of mind and body are found in the Dwarves.}}
 
  
 
==Random Tidbits==
 
==Random Tidbits==
 
* On a different note, '''did you know:''' that Khorvad is another name for the Archdaemon, Iblees, in dwarven culture?
 
* On a different note, '''did you know:''' that Khorvad is another name for the Archdaemon, Iblees, in dwarven culture?
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{{Navtable_Races|class="mw-collapsible"}}
 
{{Navtable_Races|class="mw-collapsible"}}
 
<noinclude>[[Category:Dwarves]]</noinclude>
 
<noinclude>[[Category:Dwarves]]</noinclude>

Revision as of 00:23, 26 February 2021

Kilgrim.png
Kilgrim Irongut, The Elder
Dwarf
Weight: 250lbs - 300lbs
Height: 3'5" - 5'0" ft

The Dwarves, known as the dwedmar in the dwarven language, are a stocky and short race long known for their association with the ground and the earth. They are a steadfast and stout people, said to have descended from Urguan of the four brothers. The dwarves are a religious folk in a large, societal sense. Worship of the Brathmordakin pantheon is widespread and deeply ingrained in government as well as culture. Their short stocky builds are coupled with the iconic facial hair most dwarves have. Beards seem integral to both physiology and culture to the dwarves, their ability to grow facial hair unparalleled by any other descendant race. Though varied the same as any other race, dwarves tend to have a heavy association with the earth beneath their feet. Whether this be through caves, mountains, or sprawling forests.

The dwed are varied, the same as any other descendant race. Each of the four subraces have their own distinct traits, qualities, and appearances. However, some aspects are uniform amongst all the dwarves, unifying them as one race born from Urguan. Specifically, all dwarves tend to be on a shorter height range, the exact details of which are able to be found in the height section. All the subraces live a similar lifespan, of course, and they all suffer the same curse of greed cast onto them by Iblees.

Physical Attributes

cavedwarfsample.png
Torvar Starbreaker, Son of Arbrek
Example of a Cave Dwarf

Coloration


Dwarves vary greatly in coloration between subraces. Each subrace has its own distinctive skin tones, eye colors, and hair colors. Because of this, no true coloration across all of the dwed can be gleamed. The range is quite wide and varied. The relevant information for each subrace can be found on each individual page.

Height


The dwarven height range between all subraces is 3’5” - 5’0” ft. This is a hard height range, as in, no dwarf can go above or below it without accurate roleplay of possible physiological issues or strange body types. All dwarves fit within this height range. However, each of the subraces has its own general recommended height range within this one. That range serves as the most general and common height range for that subrace, a soft height range. You can go above or below it. However, the 3ft - 5ft height range is much more a hard cap.

Weight


The average weight of a dwarf varies greatly based on height, health, & lifestyle. However, a certain ‘healthy weight’ can be found. Dwarves are much shorter than the average human, but to make up for that fact they are stout and bulky. As such, the healthy weight range for both dwarves and humans is similar. Dwarves simply compress that down into a smaller form. For a dwarf at the upper height range of 5’0”, 260lbs is the maximum healthy weight that they may have. Your average athlete or soldier would be more around 250lbs, and even that is for the upper height range. Being around 270lbs or 280lbs would be a mixture of both fat and muscle. Should a shorter dwarf be near this weight, or should a dwarf be beyond this limit and 300lbs plus, this is extra weight in fat and does not contribute to muscle mass or strength.

Lifespan


For the first decade of a dwarf’s lifespan, they age similarly to humanity. However, between the ages of 11 and 50, dwarves mature roughly at a quarter of the speed a human does, a fifty year old dwarf comparable to a twenty year old human in maturity and responsibility. Dwarves between the ages of eleven and forty-nine are considered adolescents with fifty being the age of majority.

Between the ages of 50 and 100, dwarves mature at around one-fifth the rate that a human does, a hundred year old dwarf comparable to a man of thirty. Dwarves within this age group are considered to be going through their early adulthood. Dwarves between the ages of 100 and 400 mature at a rate roughly one-tenth of the speed of a human, gaining around a decade of maturity for every century, with a two hundred year old dwarf comparable to a man of forty, and a three hundred year old dwarf comparable to a man of fifty. Dwarves within this age group are considered to be going through their midlife.

Dwarves of or over four centuries in age continue to mature at about one-tenth the aging rate of the average human, but are now considered to be going through their elder years. A dwarf of four hundred is comparable to a man of sixty years, a dwarf of six hundred like that of an eighty year-old human, and so on and so forth. It is exceptionally rare for a dwarf to live to be over seven centuries old, with only one or two dwarves in every five hundred or so reaching such a venerable age.

Dwarves between the ages of two hundred and four hundred are considered to be going through their mature adulthood, while dwarves four hundred or older are thought to be going into their senior years. It is worth noting that dwarves do not weaken as they age, unlike humans, for the vast majority of their lifespan. This lasts until the last two or three decades of a dwarf's life, at which point the speed at which they age multiplies rapidly and swiftly overtakes them. As such any dwarf that does live to be eight hundred or older soon grows feeble and passes away in their beds within a handful of years.

Curse


"Urguan, your greed and lust shall overcome you. You are not worthy of the height the Creator gave you. Your descendants shall be short, squalid and ugly. You will always seek to find gold and gems deep underground, your hunger never satisfied."

The curse of the dwarves, as dictated by Iblees, is greed. The curse of greed means that the dwarves are driven to dig deeper into the earth to seek out precious treasures. Dwarves can also display their greed by hoarding other items, including food and ale. Dwarves will as well always remain short, making even half-breeds such as halflings remain with both the curse of greed and shortness. Despite the curse being what it is, most dwarves do not view it as a curse at all. The dwarven greed is an important cultural and economic backbone, leading to the development of the grand holds and wealth of the dwedmar. While conflict and discourse are inevitable over this greed, it is an intrinsic part of the dwarven psyche and the culture the dwed have developed for themselves.

The dwarven race is broken up into four subraces. Each subrace has its own coloration recommended height range, and traits. These subraces include the Cave Dwarves, the Dark Dwarves, the Forest Dwarves, and the Mountain Dwarves.

Sub-Races

Mountain Dwarves


Mountain Dwarves, Agnarum Dwedmar in the dwarven language, are a traditionally strong and hardy form of Dwarf which calls the vast mountain ranges of the world home. They often create sprawling mountain fortresses and cities that loom over the world beneath. For a Mountain Dwarf, the fresh air of a mountain summit is the smell of home, and the snow from the thin-aired heights a welcoming sign of hospitality. Mountain Dwarves prefer an axe in hand over hammer or sword and find that mining is not something that comes easily to them, preferring to be in the skies rather than the ground.

Cave Dwarves


Cave Dwarves, Cavern Dwarves, or Umgorum Dwedmar in the dwarven language, are a subtype of dwarfs whose blood roots all the way from Urguan himself. Their prowess in mining and mineral research is legendary and well known, often proven by their cities, which are carved from the bellows of the mountain. Many of these dwed are in the high positions of the Kingdom or in the depths of their grand mine, as they are not usually the ones going on adventures outside of the deep stone homes and mines they inhabit. Compared to the other dwarves, the Cave Dwarves maintain a darker and desaturated coloration. Hair and skin color follow this trend, with eye color being the only exception to the darker tones. Given their dark coloration, they also tend to decorate themselves with rare gems and chunks of gold and silver in their beard and hair, proving their wealth and reputation.

Forest Dwarves


The Forest Dwarves are unique among the Dwarves. Unlike their brethren, most Forest Dwarves choose not to live in the earth in caves and mountains. Instead, as their name suggests, they choose to live in the forest. This has made some of them highly dislike the other dwed, which is sometimes mutual, but more often they have at least some friendly connections with the Grand Kingdom of Urguan. Seeing a forest dwarf in the dwarven legion is not as rare as one may think, and tales speak of heroes of forest dwarf origins. They are often travelers, roaming forests month on month, meaning they have learned the ways of the forest can navigate through them with more ease than any other Dwarf subrace, even better than some of the main races as well. Despite their not so classically dwarven nature, their dwarven honor and dignity still shine as an example, although their greed sometimes goes other directions that are not gold related.

Dark Dwarves


The youngest of the Dwarven subraces, Dark Dwarves were said to be originally born from the unlikely union of dark elves and the various dwarven subraces. The validity of this claim is unknown, as modern hybrids of dwarves and Dark Elves do not feature the traits of the Dark Dwarves. However, it will likely remain in the realm of mythos. They have a dark skin coloration, similar to that of the Cave Dwarves. However, this is offset by otherwise glowing and vibrant eyes. To fit with their supposed elven ancestry, the Dark Dwarves often pursue the arcane, the mysterious, and the alchemical. This is far from universal, but the Dark Dwarves are certainly the most baseline mystical out of the dwedmar subraces.

Additional Attributes

Dwarven Aging

Dwarves are known to live extraordinarily long lives compared to their counterparts, aging at a rate much slower than humans, and reaching adulthood at around age fifty.

On average, natural causes will take the life of a typical dwarf in around the final few decades of their eighth century, much as the majority of humans pass away in their eighth decade of life. Also like humans, however, many do not have the good fortune to die of old age. The majority of dwarves perish due to unnatural causes, pulling their average lifespan down to their mid-three to four hundreds. This is largely considered to be a result of the interminable warfare suffered by almost every clan of the dwarves. A few venerable ancestors are known to have lived beyond their eighth century and well into their tenth though this is an exceptional feat thought to be rare, if not impossible for dwarves living in the present era.

Youth

Infant: 1 - 5

Child: 6 - 10

Beardling: 11 - 49

Adulthood

Youngbeard: 50 - 99

Shortbeard: 100 - 199

Fullbeard: 200 - 399

Seniority

Longbeard: 400 - 499

Greybeard: 500 - 599

Oldbeard: 600 - 699

Greatbeard: 700 - 799

Ancestor: 800+

Dwarf-to-Human Aging

1-10 ~ Dwarves of this age group mature at a rate equivalent to that of a human. This age group encompasses both infancy and childhood among the dwarves.

11-49 ~ Dwarves of this age group mature roughly at a quarter of the speed a human does, a fifty year old dwarf comparable to a twenty year old human in maturity and responsibility. Dwarves between the ages of eleven and forty-nine are considered adolescents with fifty being the age of majority.

50-99 ~ Dwarves of this age mature at around one-fifth the rate that a human does, a hundred year old dwarf comparable to a man of thirty. Dwarves within this age group are considered to be going through their early adulthood.

100-399 ~ Dwarves of this age mature at a rate roughly one-tenth of the speed of a human, gaining around a decade of maturity for every century, with a two hundred year old dwarf comparable to a man of forty, and a three hundred year old dwarf comparable to a man of fifty. Dwarves within this age group are considered to be going through their midlife.

400+ ~ Dwarves of or over four centuries in age continue to mature at about one-tenth the aging rate of the average human, but are now considered to be going through their elder years. A dwarf of four hundred is comparable to a man of sixty years, a dwarf of six hundred like that of an eighty year-old human, and so on and so forth. It is exceptionally rare for a dwarf to live to be over seven centuries old, with only one or two dwarves in every five hundred or so reaching such a venerable age.

Dwarves between the ages of two hundred and three hundred and ninety-nine are considered to be going through their mature adulthood, while dwarves four hundred or older are thought to be going into their senior years. It is worth noting that dwarves do not weaken as they age, unlike humans, for the vast majority of their lifespan. This lasts until the last two or three decades of a dwarf's life, at which point the speed at which they age multiplies rapidly and swiftly overtakes them. As such any dwarf that does live to be eight hundred or older soon grows feeble and passes away in their beds within a handful of years.

~Studied and written by, Kazraden Starbreaker

Language

Though dwarves of the present day have a tendency towards speaking in the Common tongue, many elders of the dwarves still understand their ancient language. Even fewer understand how to write it in its original form, however. This consists of a combination of runic symbols which though rarely written on paper, can often be found inscribed into various works of architecture throughout dwarven cities, as well as works of dwarven smithing. The language is made up of rough sounds, while some letters found in the common language are completely excluded. Though dwarves are intelligent beings, their mouths bind them from certain sounds, such as pronounced H's for example.

Whilst many dwarves have adopted an accent native to Kal’Urguan, however, it isn’t uncommon for a dwarf well versed in literature and of a higher education to speak in common.

History

Dwarven history spans across thousands of years, with most of the earliest being lost to time and forgotten. Written history is divided and organized by the many kingdoms that once existed. The earliest written records date back to the First Kingdom of Urguan, and everything prior to that, lost to the First Empire of Khorvad that succeeded Urguan during The Blood Age. Much of dwarven history is marked by bloody wars and the feats of rulers.

Religion

Dwarven religion is cohesive and complex, widely accepted by every dwarf without question, and often criticized by the other races who follow a more simple monotheistic god. The basis of dwarven religion consists of The Brathmordakin, the pantheon of the gods who rule over the world, and is led by Yemekar who forged the world. Beyond the world, is the halls of Khaz’A’Dentrumm where they reside. It is widely accepted that when a dwarf passes, their soul ascends to these halls to feast with their ancestors and live among their creator. Throughout history, beliefs and practices have changed and varied greatly.

  • Da Kirkja Dverga (Common: Holy Order) is the oldest clergy, originally founded after the destruction of Aegis. The Kirkja Dverga is the first clergy to officially recognize the Brathmordakin, and bring about the beliefs that formed the religion as a whole. Overtime, the hierarchy and makeup of the clergy would change drastically compared to what it was. Originally, a Prophet would lead the clergy, believing to have had direct communication and influence from the Brathmordakin. After many instances of corruption and falsehoods, the clergy would take influence from the Ar Yemarin Anaros in electing a High Preceptor to lead and interpret the beliefs left by past ancestors. Despite the reformist Ar Yemarin Anaros, the Kirkja Dverga retains much of their original beliefs. The key beliefs that make up the Kirkja Dverga include, the Auction of Dead where dwarven souls are auctioned and bet on by the Brathmordakin, and Yemekar’s Balance.

Clans

Urguan’s eight sons fathered eight elder Clans from which all dwedmar are spawned. Eventually, bastard lines and lesser clans were conceived, dividing the clans into the status of either Elder or Low-born.

Elder Clans

Irongut

Frostbeard

Ireheart

Grandaxe

Treebeard

Goldhand

Starbreaker

Ironborn (Shunned)


Whilst there were once ‘Great Clans’ - an honor that could be achieved through merit, the title is no longer recognized. The Low-born clans can be traced back to the Elder clans, all at one time were once of that particular bloodline or perhaps a concoction of multiple.

Low-born Clans

Doomforged

Hammerfist

Irongrinder

Emberhorn

Silvervein

Metalfist (Former Clan)

Hammerforge

Stormfist

Cottonwood

Blackaxe (Former Clan)

Government

All dwarven government stems from the First Kingdom of Urguan. Coined after its ruler, it is the first recorded hierarchy in Dwarven society. Following the Eternal Cold, the rise and fall of the Empire of Khorvad and the Second Kingdom of Urguan, the First Grand Kingdom was founded by Thorik Grandaxe. Different embodiments of modern society have risen through governmental reform, including the Empire of Urguan, however, none have endured and prospered for as long as the Grand Kingdom.

After the eternal cold, a seizure of power fronted by the Iblees worshipping Ironborn led to the formation of the Empire of Khorvad. This dynasty oversaw the greatest purge of dwarven knowledge in known history, clearing all literary works regarding history and expertise, nullifying centuries of dwarven progress. In the same dynasty, dwedmar were subject to genocide and unlawful killings in what is considered the darkest period in its history. The aggravation eventually led to a successful uprising from the northern mountains of Aegis led by Simmpa, who established the Second Kingdom of Urguan.

Initially, the King would name his successor, but following the formation of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan an elective monarchy was instated. Thorik Grandaxe moved Urguan away from its secular ways and established it as a powerhouse in the first dwarf-orc wars.

After the election of Kjell Ireheart, the First Empire of Urguan was formed. Urguan held dominion over the Kingdom of Alras, Kingdom of Aroch'Nor, Kingdom of Holm, and segments of the Kingdom of Salvus. Following Kjells reign, the dwarves prospered as three separate settlements in Asulon, the competition between the three driving the dwedmar to grow considerably before its unification.

Upon the Urguanite unification, Thorik Grandaxe returned to spawn the second Grand Kingdom, an embodiment of the kingdom that would later become the dwedmar’s longest living and perhaps most successful government (Despite its later decline). Rulers such as Omithiel Strongbrow, Wulfgar Grandaxe, Thorin Grandaxe and Balek Irongut notable for heralding strong societies.

Under Thorin Grandaxe the Second Grand Kingdom became a ruling superpower over the other descendant races, often regarded to be one of the most successful regimes in modern history. Comparable to the reformed Orenian Imperium, Urguan held dominion over the human kingdoms and elven states. All land was ceded by Thorin upon his death.

Since the reign of Dizzy Irongrinder in the second Grand Kingdom, dwarven culture has primarily centered around non-expansionist militarism. Numerous wars with various incarnations of the human nation of Oren have ensued since, resulting in several bitter stalemates and two decisive victories for Urguan. Whilst Urguan may have lost greater quantities of land, it has never been conquered or surrendered.

The closest an outside entity came to defeating the dwarves was a campaign led by the then Emperor John Horen I, who was killed in the battle of Rhewengrad.

In 1636, Urguan finally fell and gave way to the new Dwarven Kingdom, the Kingdom of Kaz'Ulrah headed by High King Verthaik II Frostbeard.

Dwarven Rulers

The First Kingdom of Urguan

Urguan Silverbeard

Barradin

Edris

Hrolfgar

Agrund

Rumli

Magnar

Barrus

Aldrek

Glorvin


The First Empire of Khorvad

Velkan Ironborn

Khrallax Ironborn

Thorgarn Ironborn


The Second Kingdom of Urguan

Simppa

Charles Grimlie

Belin Irongut

Algrim Irongut

Gotrek Firemane


The First Grand Kingdom of Urguan

Thorik Grandaxe

Broski Grandaxe


The Dwarven Triumverate

Broski Grandaxe

Bazian Grandaxe

Gimrik Grandaxe


The First Empire of Urguan

Kjell Ireheart


The Dwarven Coalition of Holds

Hiebe Irongut

Bazian Grandaxe

Gulroid Goldhand


The Third Kingdom of Urguan

Hiebe Irongut


The Second Grand Kingdom of Urguan

Thorik Grandaxe

Omithiel Strongbrow

Thorin Grandaxe

Dizzy Irongrinder

Indago Stormhammer

Wulfgar Grandaxe

Hogarth Irongut

Vorstag Ireheart

Midgor Ireheart

Fimlin Grandaxe

Vorstag Ireheart

Zahrer Irongrinder

Hodir Doomforge

Balek Irongut

Skippy Irongut

Uldar Irongut

Midgor Ireheart

Rhewen Frostbeard


The Second Empire of Urguan

Rhewen Frostbeard


The Third Grand Kingdom of Urguan

Kardel Irongut

Drynn Ireheart

Torvin Grandaxe

Algoda Frostbeard

Bastion Ireheart

Gror Ireheart

Zahrer Irongrinder

Frerir Irongrinder


The Kingdom of Kaz'Ulrah

Verthaik II Frostbeard

Bogdun Goldhand

Hamnil Frostbeard

Torvin Blackaxe

Garrond Frostbeard

Dreek Ireheart II

Koralon Onyxheart

Edel Silvervein

Thoak Goldhand


The Kingdom of Agnarum

Fimlin Grandaxe


The Under-Realm of Urguan

Fimlin Grandaxe

Atandt Irongrinder

Utak Ireheart


The Fourth Grand Kingdom of Urguan

Utak Ireheart

Jorvin Starbreaker

Norli Starbreaker

Random Tidbits

  • On a different note, did you know: that Khorvad is another name for the Archdaemon, Iblees, in dwarven culture?
Playable Races & Creatures
Human Heartlander · Highlander · Farfolk · Adunian
Dwarves Mountain Dwarf · Cave Dwarf · Forest Dwarf · Dark Dwarf
Elves Wood Elf · High Elf · Dark Elf
Orcs Goblin · Uruks
Other Races Halfling
Creatures Kharajyr · Olog · Atronach · Golem · Izkuthii · Nephilim