The Dwarves
Maximum Ablilty Scores-
100
Dwarves are known for thier skill in warfare, their ability to withstand physical and magical punishment, their knowledge of the lands secrets, their hard work, and the capacity for drinking ale. Their mysterious kingdoms, carved out of the insides of mountains, are renowned for the marvelous treasures they produce as gifts or for trade.
Personality:
Dwarves are slow to laugh or jest and suspicious of strangers, but they are generous to those few who earn their trust. Dwarves value gold, gems, jewlery, and art objects made with these precious materials, and they have been known to succumb to greed. They fight neither recklessly nor timidly, but with careful courage and tenacity. Their sense of justice is strong, but at it's worst it can turn into a thirst for vengence. Among gnomes, who get along famously with dwarves, a mild oath is "If I am lying, may I cross a Dwarf."
Physical Description:
Dwarves stand only 4 to 4 1/2 feet tall, but they are so broad and compact that they are, on average, almost as heavy as humans. Dwarven men are slightly taller and noticeably heavier then dwarven women. Dwarves' skin is typically deep tan or light brown, and their eyes are dark. Their hair is usually black, gray, or brown, and worn long. Dwarven men value their beards highly and groom them very carefully. Dwarves favor simple styles for their hair, beards, and clothes. Dwarves are considered adults at about age 50, and can live to be over four hundred years old.
Relations:
Dwarves get along fine with gnomes, and passably with humans, half-elves, and halflings. Dwarves say, "The difference between acquaintance and a friend is about a hundred years." Humans, with their short life spans, have a hard time forging truly strong bonds with dwarves. The best dwarf-human friendships are between a human and a dwarf who liked the humans parents and grandparents. Dwarves fail to appreciate elves' subtlety and art, regarding elves as unpredictable, fickle, and flightly. Still, elves and dwarves have, through the ages, found common cause in battles against orcs, goblins, and gnolls; and elves have earned the dwarves' grudging respect. Dwarves mistrust half orcs in general, and the feeling is mutual. Luckily, dwarves are fair-minded, and they grant individual half orcs the opportunity to prove themselves.
Language:
Dwarves speak dwarven, which has it's own runic script. Dwarven literature is marked by comprehensive histories of kingdoms and wars through the millennia. The dwarven alphabet is also used (with minor variations) for the gnome, giant, goblin, orc, and Terran languages. Dwarves often speak the languages of their friends (humans and gnomes) and enemies. Some also learn Terran the strange language of land-based creatures such as Xorn.
Adventurers:
A dwarven adventurer may be motivated by crusading zeal, a love of excitment, or simple greed. As long as his accomplishments bring honor to his clan, his deeds earn him respect and status. Defeating giants and claiming powerful magic weapons are sure ways for a dwarf to earn the respect of other dwarves.
