Species Guide

While Dwarves are known to be short, they are also an extremely sturdy species. Closely related to humans, they are the second most prosperous people in the world. While many dwell in the mountainous regions far flung across the lands, Dwarves have always been an adventurous species. They have numerous settlements in many different areas; often times trading their skills in the most foreign of merchant quarters as exhibits of durability and ingenuity that many other species can not match. Dwarves are most famous for their lasting architecture and weapon crafting styles.

Dwarven culture is typically patriarchal, with males leading in political offices more often than not. That isn't to say that females are seen as second class citizens, though they have far less presence and less say in affairs of state. Males and females have many of the same types of tasks and placements; though there is some cultural scrutiny against males who wish to partake in pastimes or interests which are seen as more feminine. Ex: Cooking, cleaning, needlecraft, gardening, etc. In exchange, there is also some cultural scrutiny against females who interact in the male dominated worlds of politics, weapon crafting and warfare. Granted, this does not mean that such standouts do not happen, nor does it mean that they are acted against legally or made to be social outcasts. They are just seen as 'atypical', and will often times find themselves the subject of drunken mockery.

It could be easily said that a local tavern or pub is the heart and soul of Dwarven social interaction. While many other species may make jests of it, Dwarves are extremely fond of their drink, and will often times find cause for celebration in order to partake in the such. Despite this, it would be unwise to consider any Dwarf as a lost cause while they are drinking; even the most inebriated of Dwarves could operate far better in such a state than any member of another species. It would also be unwise to consider any Dwarf to be a 'lazy' soul. They take great pride in their occupations, no matter what said business may be.

Though they do not have magic, Dwarves are resistant to many diseases as well as most poisons found in nature. They are also the most thorough and sturdiest of warriors; their great strength and prowess in battle is well known throughout the lands. Many other cultures have historical tales of why it is best to have friendship with the Dwarves rather than a rivalry.

While they are one of the least xenophobic species in the world, Dwarves are also rather keen on keeping their bloodlines clean of outside mixes. This isn't to say that hybrids do not happen, nor is it to say that they aren't accepted in Dwarven minds when they do come to pass. However, most of the culture does frown upon such associations before they can produce offspring; with interracial couples often never hearing the end of the displeasure until a child comes of it.

Like the Humans, Dwarves must sleep at least once a day, though are less frequently obsessed towards the ideals of 'bed time' so much as 'sleeping when we are tired'. They are slightly more likely to go without sleep and can sustain energy for longer in this state than humans - but not by much.

Though they are a mortal species, Dwarves are rather long lived. Many have been known to reach the grand age of 500; even the battle hardened veterans.

Magic

Full-bred Dwarves do not have Magic. For information regarding Magic & Dwarven Hybrids, please see the listing for Hybrids.

Religion

While many other species find a sense of harmony with the different vestiges of Nature itself, the Dwarves seem to seek their religion in the form of two entities. First, they hold great reverence for the various mountain ranges they come from. Home, to the Dwarven mind, is something which should always be sacred. This is the factor which generates families, ties of blood and community; to desecrate the home is to smudge one's own presence in the scheme of the world - not to mention the rest of the family's. The second factor of Dwarven worship comes in the veneration of their most heroic or successful society members. The practice of such high Hero worship is one which feeds in to the Dwarven thoughts on the afterlife. While most feel that they will take comfort in the fact they will pass in to nothingness; more or less to become new material for new Dwarves to follow in their path - others strive for the greatness which will lead to their individual podiums of remembrance.

Burial practices tend to be varied on whether or not the individual Dwarf did indeed find that monumental standard in life. Those who achieved such notice through performed deeds, won battles or inventions in crafting are given a parade of sorts. They are first preserved for the journey to the mountain where their House first began. This process takes the small space of a week, with ritual prayers whispered over the dead while those sanctioned to prepare the body work. When the body is ready, it is then placed on a palanquin decorated in the crest of the deceased's House - sometimes with a new crest created if the individual wished for their own marker while still alive. They are then carried by their nearest kin to that place of origin, songs of the deceased's daring or intelligence wreathing the air as the living travel. Upon reaching the destination, the deceased is taken to a Hall of Remembrance where they will then be properly entombed. Their House members and other Dwarves seeking to give respect will then be welcomed to that part of the Hall to give homage to the departed; now a Hero of the Hall.

For those who do not reach these honored standards, they are given a less celebrated burial - though respect is given in their entombment. Typically, they are embalmed much the same way as those who are deemed Heroes; then they are made a local tomb near the latest place they settled. No parades or songs, only the weeping of those who see them as the Heroes' materials to create new Dwarves - their loved one gone forever.

This outlook is also given towards Dwarven hybrids, especially when said individual is raised among fellow Dwarves. They are assimilated easily in to the culture, and are taken as members of such - many times with their Dwarven pride overtaking their identity fully. Therefore, the religious outlooks are expected of them and applied to them accordingly.