Category:Dwarf

If hard-headedness had a physical manifestation, it would be the Dwarf. Their lack of physical dexterity is a mirror of their stubborn nature and iron will. Dwarves are remarkably pessimistic compared to the other two "height challenged" races (Gnomes and Halflings). What they lack in sunny disposition, however, they make up for in stamina and discipline.

While not overly concerned with appearance, the growth and grooming of ones beard is of such import that it has become not just a symbol of dignity and pride for the owner, but it can be a recognized symbol of status among the more organized dwarven societies. Because the beards of females do not grow as thick or long as males, they adopted the art of intertwining thin threads of precious metals and beaded gems into their beard. This practice is most common among those females seeking a mate.

Dwarves are adept at fighting and, despite their cynicism, carousing. Their love for strong spirits is as powerful and profound as the offensive odors that Dwarves are known to generate; it is the unwise person who gets between a Dwarf and his or her ale. Dwarves have a lifespan to rival that of the Elven species, a fact that may be accredited to the theory that the gods created the Dwarves from the very bones of the earth.

The Dwarf figurine speaks: "From the bones of the earth did the gods form us, the Dwarves, children of the mountains and the hardiest of all the sentient creations. What we lack in agility and height we make up for in strength and stamina. We are steadfast, enduring, and fatigue rarely troubles us. The earth cradles us; it is where we prefer to make our homes. When we set ourselves on a path none can sway us -- other than ourselves."

You regard the form of the Dwarf figurine. Short and wide, a long beard descends from its face in many curls and braids. The eyes regard you unflinchingly, without fear or regret. Strength and power reside in this form.

Dwarven Basics

Dwarves have many clans, some of which are described in Dwarven Clans, The (book).

The Dwarven Nations

Adamantia

Adamantia was one of the first Dwarven nations, spanning the Hiimarhand Shel, which lie to the south of Ilithi. The Hiimarhand Shel connect Kermoria and Albaria. Adamantia's capital was High Hold. Unlike the other Dwarven nations, Adamantia never became part of the Seven Star Empire. Adamantia, for centuries, was the capitol of all dwarfdom. However, it was eventually eclipsed and considered too remote as the dwarves shifted northward into the other Kingdoms.

It is now overrun by the demon forest, the Dark Hand, with the ruins of High Hold having been occupied by the Gorbesh during the Gorbesh War.

Forfedhdar

West of Zoluren and Ilithi are the Himineldar Shel or “Skyfire Mountains”. They are home to the dwarven nation centered at the capitol of Forfedhdar, Hibarnhvidar and the outposts of Ain Ghazal and Raven's Point. Forfedhdar itself is more properly the home to two Kingdoms, one centered at Hibarnhvidar, and the second in Kwarlog.

The province itself has a provincial government called the Forfedhar Conclave. There are different factions that "rule" exclusive to their areas and only gather for matters that affect the whole province. They were the group that sent the Dwarves and Togs to the other provinces during the plague and Dragon Priest invasions that 'rediscovered' the province. There are few occasions that they meet.

Iron Kingdom

One of the first Dwarven nations. It began with settlements in the Dragon Spine Mountains around 3150BL. Garnedhren was its capitol. After being driven out by the Blackfire Cabal, Iron Clan allied with the young Wind Elves they met upon the Deriel plains. This agreement was reached by King Hvalig with the elf Tivhiri. Upon returning to the Dragon Spine, they found their settlements abandoned by the Blackfire Cabal, and reconstruction began on Garnedhren.

The dwarves rebuilt the city, including a section of the city for the elves, designed by King Hvalig's own hand. There was peace between elf and dwarf for almost 400 years until a series of events led Morganae's uprising, and the destruction of the Iron Kingdom. This event led to Garnedhren being renamed Elamiri and the formation of the Mountain Elves.

The survivors of the Iron Kingdom cast their lot with Sidhlot and eventually were corrupted into Dark Dwarves for practicing necromancy under Sidhlot's teachings.

Kwarlog

In the region between Therengia and Forfedhdar lies the Arncharn Shel or “Ironstar Mountains”. The Arncharn Shel is home to the Dwarven Kingdom of Kwarlog. Kwarlog was founded in 1859 BL, and the Kingdom was considered the only expansionistic dwarven nation. After 1000 BL, and the ending of the Elven-Human War, Kwarlog expanded north to the Gemfire Mountains surrounding Velaka. Two expeditions into Velaka, from the new city of Hvaral were unsuccessful. Hvaral was abandoned by the dwarves in 63 AV, and is now held by Therengia.

Lairocott Brach

Lairocott Brach is the small successor to Rendstaan, having been founded by a portion of Rendstaan’s army that had left for Imperial service. The halls were opened in 500 BL.

Rendstaan

The Kingdom of Rendstaan was in the Journelai Shel between Zoluren and Therengia. It gradually faded beginning with the death of King Heksoch around 990 BL, with the kingdom fully abandoned by 535 BL. Internecine violence led to the non-partisans fleeing to Kwarlog.

History

• Kraggur's Dwarven Timeline - More exhaustive list of times and events

In the process of moving the prose sections from the 'Official' timelines to the appropriate event

• The Dwarven Timeline - GM Czarra's Timeline

Other

Grunt for more information on Dwarven grunting.

Stomp dismantle.