Dwarves

Background lore for Cosmic Dwarves

Dwarves are stubborn, grumpy, and irritable creatures brought into existence by the magic of Netsu, the Fire Elemental. At the same time, they are meticulous and hardworking. Dwarves love manual labor and, as such, are very strong for their small stature. Experts with the use of tools and devices, they are also known for their insatiable desire for wealth. Whether a Dwarf is drawn to mining, farming, or some kind of craft work, all Dwarves are respected and equal among their own kind.

Dwarves are very predictable and known entities. Even though they can be a little rough around the edges, they are dependable and will continue working through rain, hail, or shine. Built as solid as the rocks they mine, Dwarves are the best builders in all of Crypton and are the most sought-after specialists in terms of crafting. Each of the Dwarven clans have their own specialization and often collaborate together in order to craft exceptional works of art.

In addition to their artisanal prowess, Dwarves are also extremely trustworthy creatures. A secret told to a dwarf is said to be as good as not told at all. A Dwarf’s trust of other races, however, is not as easily given. Wizards in particular have to earn that trust as the Dwarves see them as being lustful for magical power and dominion over all of Crypton.

At the center of Dwarf Island is the buried city of Undirjord. Knowing the Dwarven affinity for earth and fire, Netsu shaped tunnels and halls beneath the central mountain range and ignited the Great Forge there. Hospitality towards non-Dwarves within Undirjord is unfriendly unless the individual in question has proved themselves trustworthy to the Dwarven community.

Dwarven Clans

The following are the primary Dwarven Clans:

Carpenters

Carpenters make all manner of items from the felled trees of Crypton. They are involved in the process from beginning to end. The Farmers bring the felled trees to the Carpenters mill that sits alongside the underwater river passing through the center of Undirjord. The mill workers cut the trees down to size and distribute them to the carpenters' workshops, which are alongside the mill. Each workshop has their own focus. One is in charge of furnishings, another in charge of construction, and a third focuses on smaller carvings and detailed artistry. Generally, the most dexterous Dwarves join the Carpenters clan or the Jewelcrafters clan. Many creatures seek out the Carpenters to build furnishings for their homes and shops on every island of Crypton. Their reputation is second to none.

Metalworkers

The Metalworkers attract the hardest-working Dwarves to their furnaces. The furnaces never burn out and rage at intensely hot temperatures so as to melt even the strongest metals and forge the strongest alloys. Located in the center of Undirjord, the Metalworkers’ complex is one of the busiest places in the entire city. Metal being hammered on anvils constantly, the hiss of metal cooling when dipped into living water, and the shouting of Dwarves to each other as they work are just some of the things that make living near the complex difficult. The clan members usually wear only a leather apron over a singlet with leather trousers. This lack of protection means an abundance of burns. Even through their inherent heat resistance, a Dwarf’s skin can still burn. However, the Metalworkers wear them proudly, and the more disfigured a member is usually correlates to their seniority within the clan. These Dwarves are very tough, indeed.

Jewelcrafters

Experts in the fine manipulation of metal and gems, the Jewelcrafters clan creates beautifully designed pieces. Whether it is a ring, necklace, or an ornament with the capacity for harnessing magic, these artisans are perfectionists. Often working on one piece for days at a time, a Jewelcrafter will not rest well until the piece has been perfected. The Miners hunt the most precious gems for the Jewelcrafters to work with, and each clan member will bid on the gem for the right to use it in their craft. Whereas the other clans are generally cooperative and kind to one another, the members of this clan are fiercely competitive and often see each other as rivals. However, as these clan members have a high place among the Dwarves, they still garner the respect of the rest of the Dwarven community. The clan also have unique pieces of magical jewelery that they craft called Taonga. Each of these have a special meaning behind it, and cannot be purchased for oneself. They must be gifted to another in order for the magic to work. Only the most skilled Jewelcrafter can create these.

Farmers

If any clan could be called welcoming then it would be the Farmers. However, by any standard other than Dwarven, they would still be considered prickly. They know the lands of their island better than any other Dwarf, especially the area immediately surrounding Undirjord. It has been said about the Farmers that they innately know the way home from anywhere on the island, even with their eyes closed. Charged with the working of the lands and providing wood as a resource, Farmers take to their tasks with passion and a strong work ethic. They are innovative with their tools and always look for the most efficient ways to complete a task. It is recommended to any visitor of Undirjord that they befriend a Farmer first who can vouch for them to other Dwarves. The members of this clan usually stand amongst the tallest of Dwarves.

Miners

The Miners are the strongest of Dwarves. They are the shortest clan by stature, which gives them easier access to mining shafts and tunnels. Muscular and stocky, they are almost as broad as they are tall. The Miners clan have the bravest of souls amongst all Dwarves. They have to be in order to delve deep into the bowels of Crypton. They often work in teams and mine sections at a time. When the time comes to sell their finds, they split the profits evenly between the team. The Miners covet beautiful things, with gems being the most sought after. However, many will also mine rare metals as well. A stranger from another island who tries to greet a Miner without knowing them beforehand is as likely to be punched as they are to shake hands with them. It is in their nature to test the strength of others, and by withstanding the blow, you will earn their respect. If you swing back, you will earn even more appreciation. A Miner loves a good brawl.

Dwarven Companion

Snow Yak