Sons of Stone –

No record, ancient tome, or legend sheds light on the true origins of the Dwarfs. Most scholars speculate they were sculpted by a long-forgotten god in the fires of war during the age-old conflict of the Titans. If so, that god’s influence has faded entirely, as the Dwarfs bow to no deity, pledge loyalty to no Titan, and recognize no elemental force. Their guiding principles are grounded in science, invention, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. They see themselves as the rightful “Sons of the Mountains,” a title earned not by mystical heritage but by their self-made dominion over stone, steel, and steam.

Masters of Trade and Innovation - 

While the Dwarfs are economically dominant due to their rare metals and masterwork products, they face one critical limitation: food scarcity. With little arable land on the mountain slopes, their agriculture cannot sustain the full population. Instead, they leverage their unparalleled craftsmanship to secure food from other races. Dwarf-made goods—from intricate clockwork toys that are nearly magical in their complexity to powerful firearms and siege weaponry—are eagerly sought by other nations, ensuring that the Dwarfs’ food stores are well-stocked despite their barren land.

Dwarf workmanship is famed across the realms not only for its durability but for its unmatched ingenuity. Their invention of gunpowder has revolutionized mining and warfare alike, enabling them to blast through rock or repel foes with deadly precision. Likewise, steam-powered mechanisms are steadily being incorporated into everyday life, from automated mining carts to weaponized constructs. They are proud to be the realm’s first in nearly every field of technology, and their neighbors see them with a mixture of envy and respect. Few dare challenge the Dwarfs’ position as leaders of innovation.

Rule of the Guilds –

The Dwarfs are ruled by the High King, a figure who represents the strength and unity of their people. However, true power lies with the Merchant Guild, an elite organization whose influence permeates every aspect of Dwarf life. Every Dwarf belongs to a guild from birth—be it the Blacksmith’s Guild, the Miners’ Guild, or the Alchemists’ Guild—and their primary loyalty is to their guild above all else. This allegiance fosters a competitive spirit within Dwarf society, where each guild vies to demonstrate its superiority through trade, invention, and mastery of their crafts.

The Merchant Guild, in particular, dictates much of Dwarf society’s direction, from trade agreements to military decisions. While the Dwarfs are not an outwardly warlike people, they value economic might as a means of power and often resolve conflicts with financial pressure rather than direct confrontation. Yet, when their interests are threatened—such as when a vital trade partner is endangered—they are unafraid to unleash their formidable inventions on the battlefield. However, to the Dwarfs, these “Overground Wars,” as they call them, are secondary concerns. Their primary focus remains within the mountain, where the constant threat of invasion and ambush from rival factions requires an unending state of vigilance.

The Forge –

Among the Dwarfs, the Forge-Smiths hold a revered position, seen as the heart of Dwarven ingenuity and craftsmanship. Forge-Smiths are responsible not only for creating weaponry and tools but also for crafting the intricate runes that infuse these items with magic. These master artisans undergo decades of training, passing down closely guarded techniques that allow them to create items with unparalleled durability and precision. Their forges, often set within volcanic caverns or fueled by rare, arcane minerals, are sanctuaries of both heat and magic, where innovation meets tradition. In Dwarven society, owning a weapon or piece of armor crafted by a Forge-Smith is a mark of high honor, and these creations are handed down as family heirlooms. Each piece carries the soul of its creator, bound with care and skill, and is believed to protect and guide its owner. Forge-Smiths also take on an almost spiritual role, as they are the only ones entrusted to work with meteoric iron—an extremely rare, mystical metal that is said to fall from the heavens and believed to hold the last fragments of ancient, lost power.

The Code of Stone –

The Dwarfs live by an unwritten set of principles known as the "Code of Stone." This code shapes every aspect of their society, from daily life to political dealings. The Code emphasizes values like resilience, honor, and loyalty, mirroring the enduring nature of the mountains they call home. According to the Code, a Dwarf’s word is as strong as stone—promises are seldom given lightly, and once made, they are honored regardless of the personal cost. This belief has fostered a society of high trust and mutual respect, where disputes are often settled by the guidance of the Code rather than by formal laws. The Dwarfs are bound to their guilds and families with a fierce loyalty, and betrayal is considered an unforgivable offense. The Code also discourages unnecessary conflict, promoting diplomacy and economic influence over open warfare, as true strength is seen in restraint and wisdom rather than brute force. The Dwarfs believe that, like stone, they must be steady and resilient, shaping the world by staying grounded in their ideals, unmoved by external pressures and transient conflicts.

Dwarf Ethos –

The Dwarfs pride themselves on their independence and innovation. They believe that true power lies not in brute force or divine favor but in knowledge, skill, and the strength of community. To them, mastery over one’s craft is akin to mastery over one’s fate, and they live by the creed that the greatest legacy they can leave is not a monument or a kingdom, but the tools and knowledge that future generations will use to shape the world..