Dwarf

 "Of the Stone", never could there be a more defining phrase to define the dwarves of Mileria. It is said that the race of dwarves are as old as the stone itself. Spirits of the rocky caverns which permeate the lands made brought to flesh. 

    The debate continues between the elves and the dwarves as to whom is the longer. Naturally the typically self indulgent elves believe themselves greater in all measure, and the memory of them are long indeed. The dwarf, however, combat this view. If one is to believe the myth of the dwarf, or simply believe they revel in the conflict....The debate continues. Mention of the short folk are brought up in every document of worth throughout the annuals of history, regardless of time or location. One could just as easily find mention in the first documentation of the elves upon Mileria, as could find note of the race etched into stone upon the far away continent of Lim-Narat, pre-dating the elven document even!

    Even through his competition and debating, it is well known and documented that the dwarves and elves have for centuries past have been ready made friends. Each always ready to move in aid or support with one another as the time needs. 

    The squat, thick race of bearded folk are a stalwart, stubborn species. They value tradition and home above much of anything else, and the dwarf with wounded honor is soon to be found upon the offender before the completion of the statement. As solid as they come, the typical dwarf is not only thick in form, but unbending in thought. Constant, if you could sum the peculiar people into a single word. It is not difficult to guess the desires of any dwarf. Family, honor, home, duty, ale....consistently and in that order.

    All respectable dwarven clans make their homes within great, carved caverns deep within the earth.

    The smaller of the clans having nothing more than a section of stone in which to perform the everyday operations needed including a wall with curtained hallows, just large enough to fit their family. The wall stacked from side to side and from floor to ceiling... always in organized rows and columns. A chamber for the ruling member and his staff, and facilities centralized for the common use of all. "Open air" Forges and kitchens available to all, usually with a single, common station for gathering of dwarves over drinks which also offers small services and goods to those who need it.

    The Larger and older clans, however, are considerably more extravagant. The massive stone doors typically stylized in the families heraldry and flanked by the image of the founder and his general, set into the stone with life-like detail, always as large as the cavern ceiling is tall. Intricate designs carved into the smoothed cavern wall indicate the space allowed a family upon the stone walls, typically incorporating balconies and windows traversing floor to ceiling, at times the designs transition smoothly from the face of one home, into the adjacent one, at other times, noting a stark contrast. Central of the chamber is always the "Althair Bothar" or "Fathers Path", which leads one from the stone gates to the rear of the chamber where the Clan Father may be found within the "Garadh Anart" or "Honor House" Which holds inside a single, massive meeting hall open to the clan entirely.

    In the tradition of Dwarves, Males are always at credit for the actions of their family. Its failings or success are granted in favor of the dominant male. Though the women are honored and always well treated as the bringer of life and support of the family, any accolades she earns are given to the senior male of the household. If she is unwed, then the praise or discipline is brought upon the father, and if not, the eldest brother, uncle, cousin ECT. This stems from the thought that a wise dwarf will do well to choose a capable and prosperous wife, and raise capable and prosperous children.
    
    More commonly known for their skill and knowledge in the manipulation of stone and metal, they are often sought out for the unmatched work in the building of solid stone construction or the fabrication of quality arms and armor. Often an entire clan being commissioned for large structures needing rapid construction, or Good steel for massing armies.


Favored Classes: Barbarian, Cleric, Fighter

For more information on the Dwarf racial abilities, please view the following link: www.d20srd.org/srd/races.htm#dwarves

For information on the Dwarf Paragon, please view the following link: www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/races/racialParagonClasses.htm