dwarves

"We have tamed the underground, my kin. We are its rightful masters, and any who forget this will not be remembered, for we shall bury their bones."

—High Queen Vannayka Karaz

The Dwarves are an innately magical species of sapient mammals spread across the world of Tyrrell. They are the second of the Elderkin, masters of mining, craftsmanship, and the underground holds they carve within the the world. Dwarves are short and stocky humamoids typically standing around 135cm tall. Dwarves typically, though not exclusively, live in subterranean cities beneath mountains. Many dwarvish holds and nations have been historically very wealthy. They were one of the most dominant species during the Second Age, until the War of the Dawn and the rise of mankind changed the balance of power across the world.

Though a century or so behind the innovations of Humanity, Dwarven technology is built to the highest possible level of craftsmanship and is enhanced through Runic magic.

Biology & Genetics

Dwarven biology is similar to many other sapient species across Tyrrell; being bipedal with bilateral symmetry. They are typically stocky and squat, standing around four and half feet tall, and most have long beards and thick moustaches. The exact significance of the beard, which both male and female Dwarves can grow, differs between societies. However, it often acts as a mark of status, particularly for males.

Dwarvish skin tones vary from light to dark, though many tend towards paler colours due to their time spent underground. Their hair is usually dark and grows quicker and thicker than other Kin.

Like all the Elderkin, the Dwarves possess a biological link with the magical energy of the Field, allowing them to maintain an Aurima. While this natural attunement is weaker than those of the Elves and the Cyclopes, it still grants them enhanced strength, stamina, quickness and increases their lifespan to a period of 350-400 years, on average.

However, this link has also proven risky for the Dwarves specifically, as they tend to dwell underground and therefore closer to the Leylines themselves. While this means that skilled spellcasters can be even more effective, the risk of blazing out is much higher. This is partly why their natural connection is the weakest of the Elderkin.