The dwarves of the Stronghollow clan are a sturdy and honorable people. They like Karameikos because of the numerous veins of good ore running through the mountains.
Dwarves have a work ethic is that a job isn't finished until it is finished right. The average dwarf works at least ten hours each day. When a dwarf is unable to work there is a tendency for the dwarf to feel edgy and ill-tempered. Adventurers will spend a lot of time planning their next job. Some will carry traveling tool kits with them while adventuring.
Dwarves enjoy their off hours as well as their work. They will often spend time telling stories, having great feasts, drinking alcohol, playing games, gambling, wrestling, and dancing.
The Stronghollow clan is composed of numerous families. All dwarves of the Stronghollow clan come from one of these families.
Dwarves enjoy creating things to outlast themselves. The dwarf seeks to create works of art to stand the test of time. In so doing they seek also to bring honor to their family.
The dwarves are all skilled in mining and engineering. They are not limited to those skills. Some dwarves are skilled in crafting the various types of metals or stones. Some even specialize in leather working or woodworking.
Dwarves have an innate creativity that is always at work. Upon seeing something natural the dwarf thinks of how it can be turned into a work of art. When they see construction they immediately seek to judge the quality of the work.
The dwarves tend not to care much for works of art that do not last. When a dwarf sees something beautiful that will not last, such as a painting, a flower arrangement, etc., they will feel sad. Dwarves do love music even though it is not permanent since a piece of music can always be performed again.
Storytelling is prized, but only when it is accurate. Dwarves only like fiction when it is a cautionary tale. They do not appreciate human drama or theater.
Even though they detest farmers, dwarves are (paradoxically) expert farmers. They have mastered the craft over hundreds of years and can grow far more food per acre than humans. Dwarves enjoy apples, beer, barley and wheat bread, cheese from goats, cider, fungus, potato liquor, mead, beef, mutton, goat meat, milk, potatoes, puddings, spices, and wines.
Dwarves love to fight as much as humans do. They see fighting as a means to tell good stories, to earn gold, to keep fit, and to protect the clan.
The lowest class is that of the Hraken (convicts and prisoners of war). The next class up, and the one from which most dwarves are members of, is the Toren (workers, crafters, soldiers). Those who distinguish themselves are called Evedar and are made military leaders. Those who are the head of a family are called Dotar. The leader of a community is called Dulgarder. The military commander is called Rasdar. Throin Stronghollow is the head of the clan, called Evedotar.
Male dwarves tend to wear their hair long and sport beards and mustaches. Common dress is a button down tunic and trousers with boots. Formal dress is similar, but of better quality. They like to wear copper, silver, and gold adornments, and are especially fond of precious stones.
Female dwarves are clean shaven. Common dress is that of a male dwarf. Formal dress consists of gowns and slippers. They also share the male penchant for precious metals and stones.
Here is how they feel about the other peoples:
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