Dwarfs

 

Dwarfs are not uncommon in the kingdom, but they are rarely seen. Dwarfs tend to keep to themselves and rarely if ever associate with other species. They prefer to work during the night and quietly and discreetly move about the city while the other residents are sleeping. They will remain in their homes during the daylight hours, only venturing out when absolutely necessary. Many mistakenly believe this is due to an aversion to sunlight, but Dwarfs do in fact enjoy a sunny day, but must show caution as they can sunburn rather easily.

While some Dwarfs have been known to have a bad temper, rarely do they enter into conflicts except with other Dwarfs. Such conflicts are rare, but can become very violent as Dwarf's can be very stubborn and will refuse to admit defeat. 

Dwarf's mate for life and the average couple will have two to three children. The basic family unit may include the couple, their children, as well as the wife's parents as well as any unmarried sisters or aunts. The primary diet of a Dwarf family consists of various meats. While they will eat any meat, they prefer fish or fowl over beef. They also enjoy pork, goat, and wild game. They will sometimes add vegetables such as potatoes and carrots to their meal, but only in small portions. Despite a bad reputation for their crude habits, Dwarfs will not eat raw meat and as a general rule they have good table manners.

The average Dwarf has some trouble with delicate tasks. For this reason, most are employed as labors due to their extreme endurance. While they are not normally good craftsmen, they work extensively in forges as they can hammer for hours without fatigue and their tolerance for the heat. They also work in stone quarries for their ability to swing a pick or sledge hammer for an entire ten-hour shift if need be. 

Random facts about Dwarfs;

• The average Dwarf is under five feet in height, most being closer to four feet.
• Dwarfs are normally somewhat stout, or stocky.
• A male Dwarf will be slightly taller than the average female.
• While they can have any hair color, the vast majority of Dwarfs will have reddish hair.
• Dwarfs are slow afoot but can run (slowly) for long distances.
• Dwarfs do not normally carry any type of weapon.
• Most Dwarfs will hunt with a spear which they can throw accurately over a considerable distance.
• Dwarfs are very protective and caring parents.
• Dwarfs speak the common tongue (English).
• Most Dwarfs (males) will have an abundance of facial hair.
  
• A Dwarf will not shave unless it is a medical necessity.
• Dwarfs have a mortal fear of spiders.
• All Dwarf history is transmitted orally as most Dwarfs will not write, although most have the ability to both read and write. 
• Dwarfs rarely enter into a conflict outside of the Dwarf community and have always been excused from military duty for this reason.
• Dwarfs will only rarely have a garden, preferring to forage for wild ingredients.
• While house pets are rare for Dwarfs, they will occasionally have a ferret as a pet for the children.
• Most Dwarfs, if not all, will prefer hot temperatures over cold.
• Dwarfs have very good eyesight, average hearing and an excellent sense of smell.
• Large cities or crowds will drive away most dwarfs.
• Dwarfs will live to an average of 79 years, but some can live to be 105 or older.
• Most Dwarfs enjoy ale, and in large amounts. Some even enjoy the much stronger, Goblin ale.
• Many older Dwarfs will smoke a pipe, using a wide variety of tobaccos and weeds. 
• All Dwarfs, male and female, will begin graying at approximately 40 years of age and will be completely gray by their sixtieth birthday.
• Dwarfs will occasional use a two-wheel cart or a horse drawn cart, but will only rarely ride on one. Dwarfs do not like to ride horses as they feel unsteady with their short legs.
• A Dwarf will almost never invite an outsider (Another species) into their home. If they do, the Dwarfs are honor bound to treat the guest with the utmost respect and courtesy.

Dwarfs are considered mysterious and because of this many apply negative tags to them. Unfortunately,

because most people know so little about Dwarfs it is believed they are somehow mean, cruel, or even evil. While a small percentage of Dwarfs resent humans and feel humans consider Dwarfs as second-class citizens, the majority of Dwarfs are peaceable and easy to get along with. Few would call any Dwarf fun-loving, but when in their element Dwarfs can have a very good sense of humor and can enjoy themselves with song and a most awkward dance known as the Belg. Dwarfs are also very proud and while they are not easily offended, they will become hostile and sometimes violent if they feel insulted.

Most if not all Dwarfs dislike any type of magic or illusion. They also do not like riddles as they feel they are meant as an insult to their intelligence