Dwarves

The Dwarven kingdoms in the mountains and foothills of the far northern regions of Sonmar were once vast and powerful. They traded freely and cooperated with the Elves and Humans that lived further south. These powerful kingdoms have since waned. Many Dwarves receded into their mountain fortresses, cutting themselves off for the most part from the outside world. Today, most Dwarves reside in the highlands of Theorn. Legends say that the Dwarves were once Giants that moved underground, and became smaller as a result.

Sea Dwarves
The Sea Dwarves of the Western Isles dwell in large island and cliff fortresses, from which they operate a vast seafaring and trading empire. They have many factions, usually each claiming an entire island chain and its surrounding waters. Sea Dwarves are not as concerned with familial clans (although they do sometimes refer to the various factions as “clans”), many of them switching from faction to faction and choosing a path that provides the most personal gain. As such, it is not uncommon for Sea Dwarves to live amongst other races in non-dwarven society. Many of their number can be found at various port cities, where they are known for their skilled work as laborers, craftsmen, sailors, and fishermen.

Wild Dwarves
The Wild Dwarves of the Frozen North are the largest physically and least common subrace of Dwarves. They live above ground in a tribal nomadic society. Their hair is often red, black, or blond, and they often shave parts of their heads to create fierce looking hair styles such as mohawks. Their skin is usually pale and covered in tattoos of Dwarven Runes. Their tribes are often at war with Orc and Giant tribes, although sometimes they will form tenuous alliances against a common enemy.

The Lost Dwarves
There was once a mighty Dwarven kingdom known as Faradun in the Iron Ridge mountains which defines the Eastern border of Aras Dor. What happened to it is a mystery. Now what remains are many abandoned ruins and mines. Texts describe the capitol city-fortress of this kingdom as being "one of the grandest Dwarven cities." It's location is unknown and is now called the Lost City of Garohm Badur. Many of the descendants of citizens of Faradun still reside in the nearby human settlements, but have no knowledge of exactly what happened to Faradun. Some of these Dwarves seek to find Garohm Badur and restore the kingdom to its former glory. Having no home or strong clan ties, they take in any Dwarves that do not have a home or family.

Sea Dwarven Factions
See Sea Dwarven Clans.