Dwarves (FanT)

Dwarves are a race of humanoids, renowned for their small size compared to most other humanoids and their stout physical build. Male Dwarves in particular are renowned for their facial hair, in particular their beards, which are a source of pride in Dwarven culture.

The vast majority of Dwarves reside in the Kingdom of Khaz Morhen in north Ezevria. Dwarves are known for their industriousness, smithing, engineering, and their sprawling underground cities. Together with the Goblins, the Dwarves are one of two nations blocking access to the Ezevrian subcontinent. Their easternmost borders are defined by a series of near-impenetrable mountain ranges, which are heavily fortified by several Dwarven fortresses with a permanent garrison.

Dwarves are also well-known for their runeforging, the art of imbuing magical runes in their weaponry. This has given Dwarves an edge in combat compared to other races. Additionally, Dwarves enjoy a technological advantage in weaponry, with bolt throwers, canons, and gunpowder-based weaponry being part of the Dwarven arsenal. Dwarves suffer from a lack of magical affinity however, and struggle with many schools of magic. One notable exception is pyromancy, at which the race excels. Dwarven warlocks are alos relatively common, specifically those specialising in communing with the dead. This ability is commonly used to ask the ancestors for guidance, or to create golems.

The Kingdom of Khaz Morhen is centred around the eponymous city Khaz Morhen, which is ruled by King Baeldwin III.

Dwarven society is structured around clans, with many Dwarves professing allegiance to one such clan. Clans are led by a noble inner family from whom the Clan derives its name. Clans typically have several cadet branches called 'Septs', that often come into being as a result of geographical distance to the home clan. Clans are led by a Thane, a title which goes down through generations. Not all Clans are regarded equally. Many Septs in particular are not regarded as 'noble', and as such its inner family is not afforded the privileges of nobility. A Clan may be ennobled only by the King, commonly in reward for heroism or other rendered services. Clans do not necessarily hold lands or other fiefs, although many old ones do.

Politics
The Kingdom of Khaz Morhen is a feudal monarchy with some constitutional elements. The King rules from his seat in the eponymous capital city as the sovereign authority. As is often the case in feudal arrangements, the king exercises control through lesser nobles beholden to him. This is the same with the Dwarves, although compared to some feudal structures the kings of Khaz Morhen have managed to exercise a relatively great amount of direct control.

The other major cities of the Dwarven kingdom are ruled by a Vicar, a personal representative appointed by the king. Commonly they are members of the royal family such as the king's brothers or cousins. Each city has its own courts over whom the Vicars preside.

Religion
Dwarven religion takes a henotheistic view of divinity, and as such, different traditions exist alongside each other. A common feature however, is the worship or veneration of ancestors. Dwarves take great pride in the achievement of those who came before them, and often boast of their lineage. Ceremonial offerings are regularly made to these ancestors in order to honour them, and particularly affluent Dwarvish families may construct elaborate crypts to honour their ancestors.

Several pagan traditions also exist within Dwarven society, which along with ancestor worship exists alongside the main faith. Commonly these traditions emphasise folkloric myths and nature worship, along with druidic practices. These traditions are especially common amongst surface Dwarves.