The Dwarves are the indomitable crafters of stone and steel, whose hands shape mountains and whose hammers echo like thunder beneath the earth. Their beards are braided with the history of their forebears, their eyes glow with the fire of the forge, and their resolve is as unbreakable as the metals they mold. To the Dwarves, every stone has a story, every weapon a soul, and they carve their legacies deep into the bones of the world.
Deep within the tall mountains, the Dwarves have built their kingdoms, carving elaborate cities into the very stone, showcasing their renowned architectural and craftsmanship skills. These sturdy, stout humanoids are often found in Human cities, venturing out to trade or find work. Dwarves are known for their hardiness, pride, and sharp sense of humor. They value a strong work ethic above all and disdain laziness. Most Dwarves spend their early years underground, only seeing the sun upon reaching adulthood, unless their family is prone to travel.
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Standing at an average of 4 feet 9 inches tall, with stocky builds, Dwarves have a unique connection to the earth. Once per day, they can focus their senses and detect nearby entities touching the earth, determining their number, rough size, and distance. Dwarves gain a +1 bonus to Constitution and Wisdom, speak the languages Merchant and Void, have a lifespan of 80 years, and a movement speed of 25 feet.
Kingdom of Silver-Irontagger
In the year 2010 of the Second Age, the dwarven people of the great deep, through their mastery of craft and engineering, built the great city of Corbindune. Named after Corbin the Crafter, and harnessing the renowned stonework skills of the Silver-Irontagger dwarves, they dug and carved vast halls and fortresses deep beneath the Dracador Mountain Range. Their places of refuge are considered some of the strongest underground fortress cities known to dwarvenkind, with each entrance towering taller than a sturdy oak and wider than an ogre’s wingspan. The doors, made of massive granite slabs, are moved by dozens of dwarves turning great wheels to wind the iron chains that hold them aloft.
Every generation of Silver-Irontagger can recall a time when the entrances of Corbindune came under direct assault, whether from the Undersullen or, on rare occasions, rival dwarven factions. Yet none can tell of a time when the great doors fell and enemies breached the hallowed halls of Corbin’s Keep. With their security ensured by the skill of their forefathers, silver and gold continue to flow from the mighty quarry at the heart of the city.
Kingdom of Ironhold
Founded in the year 2012 of the 2nd Age, the dwarves of Ironhold set out from Corbindune following a disagreement with Corbin himself over design and planning. Determined to create a city greater and more secure than any Corbin could envision, they laid the first foundation stones of what would become the greatest dwarven fortress city ever constructed: Ironhold, the City of Iron.
This vast and impregnable fortress, carved from the very stone and metal of the earth, stretches beneath three of the largest mountain peaks of the Dracador range. It is a layered bastion, extending from the deepest depths up to grand doors on the surface.
Ironhold dwarves proudly claim they have built a mighty fortress that casts a shadow over Corbindune, though some dwarves argue otherwise. Regardless, Ironhold stands as a testament to the power and ingenuity of the dwarvish race, a symbol to all outsiders.
Kingdom of Beldar
Founded in the year 2051 of the 2nd Age, the dwarves of the kingdom of Beldar are not like their kin, unwilling to restrain themselves to strongholds built beneath the earth. They develop small settlements and fortress keeps on the deep roads that lie between dwarvish nations. These small pockets of civilization allow them to be accomplished, often large Caravan Trains can be seen bearing the colors of Beldar traveling on a constant loop from Settled fort to distant towns. So protected and scheduled is this large Caravan that many know the day based on when it arrives to their town. The times when a caravan has missed its usual arrival window has been news across the kingdom that immediately involves the royal army investigating as historically that has been the first signs of a Undersullen invasion. Out of all Dwarvish kingdoms Beldar has clashed with the Undersullen the most often and have paid the highest blood toll by far.