Dwarves of Martapa

So everybody knows dwarves are those stout warriors who carry axes and stand strong in the face of danger, right? Well, true, but my dwarves are a little more three dimensional then that. Sure, their military ability is beyond measure and most do use axes, but they also are great sailors, having the biggest fleet of ships in all of Martapa. This includes the fleet of the Empire of Ariella. They are fine woodworkers so their ships are works of art as much as functioning ships. They are also fine weavers, producing textiles every race upon Martapa seeks out.

Dwarves, both females and males, are around four feet in height and bare a darker skin. Hair color varies, usually one color more prominent in a particular clan then another. Eye color also varies, though granite and slate gray are common. Men bare long beards decorated with beads and other little trinkets, and women usually have long braids. They wear stout cotton tunics (both females and males), heavy pants, leather boots which go to the knees and flop over, and usually a thick leather belt to carry their various tools and weapons.

Dwarves live underground in large warrens of stone so they can be near mining nodes of one type or another. There are settlements above ground who cultivate the timber needed for the ships and boats they make, as well as ports where the ships are made. Also to produce the wool and cotton to weave with. They are ruled by a King and are broken up in Clans. Families train their young in their profession, making for generations of the same crafter in the same compound. Oh, so I forgot to mention Humans life for around 60 years. Dwarves can live up to five hundred years of age, so it is a long time to prefect their craft.

They live upon the "Dwarven Islands" as so named by the other races. They call them the Isles of Taniger (The dwarven god). Each island is ruled by a designate of the King, and thus are responsible to the King. Every dwarf, whether female or male, are required to serve a stint as a tunnel guard and everyone is trained in one weapon (at least those who can use one).

Families vary in size and make up. Dwarves have on average three children. Depending on the craft it will depend on how many people live in a compound. Weavers will have more extended family then engineers. Those of more military stripes will have large extended families in one area so those family members who are not serving in the military can help take care of family who have members in the military as well.

Possible classes for dwarves would be warrior, cleric (because you have to be healed to keep fighting), and thief. Mages are possible, but they are very battle orientated. I would give them the axe skill for free (regardless of class) and maybe a crafting skill for free or half price. I would add to Strength and especially Constitution, but take away from Charisma and/or Intellect. Just depends on how your system is set up.

Dwarves, for the most part, get along with the other races, taking everything humans do with a grain of salt since they are so short lived. They use to have a connection with the ancient elves, serving as guards for the royalty, but that died out over the centuries for a reason they will not say and for the fact the ancient elves eventually died out.
Tomorrow: Wood Elves