Dwarves

     Dwarves are short stocky fellows, averaging 3 to 4 feet tall and weighing about 150 lbs. They can generally live for about 150 years before they die of old age. Their complexion can vary, but they typically have a tan skin. Even dwarves who have spent only a handful of days in the sun seem to have a light tan.

     Most dwarves have beards. All male dwarves have beards, it is a matter of pride. While most grow their beards long, some of the craftsmen keep it cut short so it doesn't get in the way and spoil what they are working on. Female dwarves on the other hand can choose to grow a beard or to keep it shaved.

     Dwarves have spent years living on bland food and it has dulled their sense of taste. Because of this, many Dwarves forgo any type of flavoring for food. Those things that are spiced at all are heavily spiced.

     Dwarven society is very clan based. The clans are built loosely on profession. There are warrior clans, Stone cutting clans, weapon smithing clans, etc. Not everyone in these clans is of the given profession, but the majority are. The clans are more based on family lineage now, but they were originally created by profession. Because Dwarves usually take up the profession of their parents, most of the members of the clans are still practicing the profession.

     Dwarves value loyalty above everything else. The dwarven culture has many tiers with numerous clans holding loyalty to other clans as well as to their leaders. It is because of these two things that many dwarven temples are not dedicated to any single god.

     When a dwarf is born usually he or she is already enrolled in a profession and a potential mate is found for them. The profession is usually that of his or her parents. And the mate is usually someone from another clan as a way to strengthen friendship between them.   Because of this, many of the Dwarves who now live in the south are those who didn't want these decisions made for them.  While these clans are still accepted, they are frowned upon by those living under the shadow the Everfire mountains.

     When a Dwarf comes of age, he starts the profession chosen by his parents. He/she starts as a pupil, and studies with a member of his clan other than his parents. This is to ensure the pupil is actually taught the craft instead of being sheltered by his family. Then, after many years, he becomes a journeyman and then finally after 40+ years they are given master status. It is because of this grueling training that many dwarves are able to achieve their levels of skill. It is also because of this that dwarves are able to export many creations, the items they export are usually made by the numerous pupils and journeymen. Most of the products made by the master craftsman are only sold or given to other dwarves or those who have proven themselves worthy to the dwarven culture. This rigorous training has earned them reputation as some of the best weapon smiths and stone cutters in the world.

     Because of their many tiered loyalties, a dwarf is never truly without support. If a dwarf's immediate family is killed or is unable to help, then they can go to a friendly clan. If they are gone, they can always seek refuge in their leader's clan.

     The leaders of each of the clans rule Dwarven society. The leaders of the clans are usually the eldest members of that clan. Some of the clans are larger and more powerful than others. Currently, the most powerful clans are the warrior and weapon smithing clans. They took power years ago when there were many wars raging. Now that dwarves aren't at war with any of the other races, these clans are starting to lose some of their power. The craft clans are becoming more powerful, as trade with other areas increases.

     The leaders of the warrior clans are very worried about this. They have been in power for so long, they don't want to give it up. They are afraid that if they lose power, and war does break out that the dwarves won't be ready and will be defeated. Dwarves have been victorious in every war they fought, and they are very proud of this fact. The thought that the dwarven military could lose strength worries the leaders of these clans.