Dwarf

Dwarves are a rare sight since the Draconic Encroachment, although signs of their one-time thriving civilization still remain, proof of their inherent and legendary stoneworking skills. Stories persist that a great city of dwarves still exists far beneath the ground, where they thought to be safe from the dragons and their attacks on surface races. Others say their race is simply scattered to the corners of the world now and as few in numbers as they appear to be. Most dwarves themselves are tight-lipped on the matter.

While hardy individuals, thickly muscled and stocky most often (thin dwarves are an obscure thing), dwarves are short of stature. Their complexions are usually ruddy, and their eye and hair coloration tends towards darker shades - although red or blonde hair and lighter eyes do occur. Their legendary beards can grow to a great length, and it is rumored that some females even sport whiskers. Though not as long-lived as some other races such as elves or dragons, dwarves do still enjoy a span of centuries before reaching old age.

With their civilization tied so intricately to the stone realm beneath the surface world, almost all dwarves inherently have some knowledge of stonework and an uncanny ability to sense direction no matter where they are. They are also gifted with the ability to see in near-darkness. Many tales also tell of their nearly uniform appreciation for a robust meal accompanied by fine ales as well.

Most dwarves tend to learn trades or professions which are quite physical in nature; in addition to their renowned stone-masonry, they also excel as architects, blacksmiths, jewelers, goldsmiths, and of course brewers. As martial fighters, their steady constitution provides them with a great deal of stamina and they tend to favor weapons such as hammers or axes. Dwarven wielders of magical abilities are not unheard of, but they are not as common as may be found among other races.