Dwarf
Dwarves, who call themselves the Dwur, are a hardy and ancient people shaped by stone, labor, and loss. Short and powerfully built—typically four to five feet tall—they possess dense muscle, broad shoulders, and an unmistakable physical resilience. Their skin tones range from pale stone hues to deep earthen browns, often weathered by a lifetime spent in forges, tunnels, and mountain halls. Long braided beards, ritual scarification, and keen, penetrating eyes are marks of pride rather than vanity, each telling a story of endurance and survival.
Renowned across Eastern Urik for their mastery of stonecraft, metallurgy, and jewelry, the Dwur produce works of exceptional beauty and durability. Craft is not merely a trade but a sacred expression of lineage and identity. Loyalty to clan and kin stands above all else, followed closely by honor, tradition, and the keeping of oaths. Though often wary of outsiders, Dwarves are steadfast allies once trust is earned—and implacable enemies when it is betrayed.
History
The Dwur once ruled vast subterranean kingdoms within the Crystalline Mountains, their cities illuminated by crystal light and roaring forges. This golden age ended during the Twin Calamities, which shattered their strongholds and destroyed much of their civilization. Their last High King, Durrek Silverhelm, perished amid the collapse, and with him vanished the legendary Axe of the Dwarvish Lords, a symbol of unity and rightful rule.
In the aftermath, the Dwur were scattered during the Great Migrations, forced to abandon ancient halls and seek refuge among elves, gnomes, and human realms. Today, the Kingdom of Aglarhün stands as the last true Dwarven realm—a fiercely guarded remnant of their former glory. Elsewhere, isolated enclaves persist throughout Eastern Urik, preserving tradition while quietly yearning for a unity long lost.
Customs and Traditions
Banishment and Shame
Crimes against family, clan, or kingdom are often punished by banishment rather than execution. The sentence begins with a public shaving of the offender’s head and beard—symbols of identity and honor. For the gravest crimes, the entire body is shaved. Repentant offenders may perform the shaving themselves or choose another to do so. Afterward, they are publicly driven from the community. This act carries deep shame not only for the offender but for their kin. A mate may claim immediate annulment—or choose exile alongside the disgraced.
Scars of Pride
Among the Dwur, scars are marks of beauty and remembrance. Ritual scarring commonly accompanies major life events such as coming of age, surviving great trials, or acts of sacrifice. Dwarves openly admire and compliment notable scars, seeing them as visible proof of endurance and lived experience.
GURPS Ancestry Template 40 pts
Attributes
- Decreased Basic Move 1 [-5]
- Decreased Size Modifier 1 [0]
- Increased Health 1 [10]
- Increased Will 1 [5]
Advantages
- Alcohol Tolerance [1]
- Damage Resistance 1 (Tough Skin) [3]
- Extended Lifespan 2 [4]
- Lifting ST 2 [6]
- Longevity [2]
- Magic Resistance 2 [4]
- Night Vision 5 [5]
- Resistant (Poison; +8 to resist) [7]
- Talent (Dwarf) 1 [10]
- Armoury; Carpentry; Engineer; Geology; Leatherworking; Metallurgy; Masonry; Pottery; Smith
Disadvantages
- Greed (CR: 15) [-7]
- Stubbornness [-5]
Languages
- Common (Spoken, native; Written, native) [0]
- Dwarven (Spoken, native; Written, native) [0]
Female: 42+2d6 in
Female: 115+6d6 lb
Comments