Dwarves

Dwarves are a race of stocky men hailing from the Mountains.

History
TBA

Customs
Rather than trading signed and stamped pieces of paper, Dwarves prefer to trade more permanent crafts of metal and stone. For example, an exchange of shields is part of an agreement of alliance. Not only is the shield a symbolic gesture, but it is literally a tool used to defend another. These shields are often ornately engraved and painted with poetry, oaths, heraldry, and other such things.

When a war is declared, an axe is driven into a wooden pole, only to be removed when the fighting is done. When the axe is sent to one's enemies it is a sign that a ceasefire is desired, acting as a temporary peace treaty.

Religion
The Dwarves follow a shamanistic faith, worshipping the elemental spirits of the world around them. Any particular Hold worships the Earth spirit of the mountain they reside in above all. Many others may worship the fire elementals in their forges and hearths, or the water spirits of a nearby lake.

When a Dwarf leaves the hold, particularly during times of war, the shamans may call upon the air elementals to grant them the power of storms and winds.