Dwarves
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LoDwarves are industrious miners, smiths, and brewers. They live primarily in a range of large volcanic mountains named Mountain Home. Each mountain is named after a dwarven god, saint, hero, or trait. No non-dwarves are allowed in under any circumstance. It is rumored that a prophecy has declared any non-dwarf who steps foot in the mountains will lead to the assured destructions of dwarves, if not of the whole world. Dwarves can and have killed those seeking to trespass.
Dwarves are one of the most powerful trading people in Nim’thar. Their trading power can make or break some cities. Dwarven trading contracts are highly sought after. As are dwarven made goods and mead.
Dwarves themselves have a very orderly, if a bit rigid, society. They are lead by clergy, who hold elevated rank in dwarven society. In Nim’thar they hold no animosity against elves or orcs. They still hate giants, however, who have tried on numerous occasions to infiltrate the mountains.
Dwarves ply their trade over land. Dwarves do not like the open expanse of the ocean. It would be quite a sight indeed to see a dwarven sailor.
Some dwarves never quite feel content with a life in the mountains. These are often the ones you find in mercenary bands, adventuring, or setting out to trade with exotic locals.
Appearance:
Dwarves stand slightly shorter, but much broader than humans. Their skin ranges from pale and grey, to a reddish, to a tanned copper. Dwarven men sport luxurious beards which they devote time every day to grooming. Dwarven women range from clean faced, to bearded. Most dwarven women sport either goatees or mutton chops. Dwarven hair ranges from pale golden, to brilliant red, to black. Older dwarves find their hair fading to a metallic silver or gold. Dwarven eyes range from black, to brown, to a metallic color. Dwarves don’t have blue or green eyes.
History:
Dwarves have much of their long history inscribed in the halls of history in their mountains. They have a close relationship with their gods. They were once more reclusive, but have since opened up to trade extensively with other races. Dwarven history is known only to dwarves.
Religion:
Dwarves as a whole are very pious. Their government is a theocracy. They revere their dwarven gods, but also hold the elemental gods of earth and fire in high regard. Not every single dwarf is religious, but most are. Dwarves also have a near endless list of dwarven saints and heroes who receive some worship and adoration. Dwarves often incorperate their deities names while swearing “by Moradin’s beard!” or “by Clangaddin’s blessed liver!”
Love and Relationships:
There are many different kinds of love for a dwarf. Dwarven men often fall in love with and have relationships with other dwarven men. It is an almost celebrated relationship. With how pious the dwarven people are, and how their primary deity is a male figure, male gay relations are seen almost a form of worship. Non-dwarven relationship are taboo. Dwarven women are also discouraged from romantic relations with each other.
Marriages in the dwarven world are less about love and more about bonds and formal agreements. Most dwarven "bindings" are contractual and symbolic. Children are rarely (if ever) produced from such unions.
Dwarven reproduction is an oddity among the races of the world. Almost all dwarven females are infertile. Dwarven men are quite fertile and are rumored to be able to breed with almost anything, much like the magical dragons. However, there is such a strong taboo against it that any half-dwarf creature would be a rare sight indeed.
The main breeding population of the dwarven people are the female clerics, who gain fertility through a divine ritual. These fertile women enter into contracts with the different clan to sire children. It gives the clergy incredible sway over the dwarven people as a whole. Children are born to non-clergy members on the very very rare occasion. These children are thought to be created from divine will and great things are expected of them.
Some dwarven women buck the taboo of sleeping with other races and enjoy successful careers as escorts and prostitutes due to their inability to conceive and hearty dwarven constitution.
Names:
Dwarves have a given name and a clan name. Dwarves are a very proud people. They do not like to bring shame or ridicule on their clans. Nor do their clans enjoy getting a negative reputation. Dwarves who are up to no good will give a fake clan name if asked, or none at all. Dwarves will also sometimes throw in part of their lineage to their name.
Ex: Thorgin, son of Barin, son of Ishan, Stoneshield
Stats:
Paizo/Pathfinder standard