Dwarves (Eufez)

Dwarves are one of the civilized races found on Eufez and one of the oldest, with archaeological evidence dating back to 235,212 years. They almost exclusively live underground and don't even travel above ground for trade. Adamantium is common in dwarven legends, but it is rare that dwarves are able to get their hands on it.

Dwarven females are normal. Dwarves are unique in that their surnames are runic initials, representing their clan.

Oxxam Wars
. Dwarves themselves were not common in the southern continent until recently, but their influence was subtley still felt in the mountain regions. The earth caverns in Cornelia are believed to date to 509 and were built by dwarves. The caverns have been known by elves for a long time, at least since 561. It is believed that they were built in part to contain certain threats and foes that the dwarves had uncovered deep below Eufez.

One of the first acts in the Oxxam war in Cornelia were ambushes on trade routes across the peninsula, reaching a point that caravans were unable to travel. The dwarves did not engage in any conflict during the first years of the war, but later allied with the humans. This came as a tragic shock to the elves, as dwarves were seen as a valuable ally to the elves. It is believed that the dwarves were drawn to the peninsula because of the abundant mineral wealth, but had grown tired of elven decadence and pandering. Very few dwarves fought above ground, but rather invested metals and supplies to the war effort.

Elemental Crisis
Complaints have been made against the dwarves, for it is believed that they have been affected the least by Eufez’ elemental crisis. The waning of the crystals has mostly affected the climate above ground and in the oceans, resulting in famines and strange weather patterns for men, elves and mermaids. Dwarves however, seem to have remained immune to the effects of the crisis and continue to mine the mineral rich soil below. Because of the increase in famines, there have been claims of subterranean farms producing enough food to feed an entire kingdom Though this claim remains unsubstantiated.

In response to these criticisms, the dwarves have argued that they have been exploited during the crisis and that their assistance has been greatly understated. Many isolated dwarven communities have even made startling claims of effective slave labor for faeries. In truth, the dwarves claim that their isolation from the rest of civilization has allowed them to avoid being infected by waning of the crystals.

Additionally, they argue that they are not without their own troubles. Dwarves have reported that the waning of the earth crystal has caused a rise in the number of monsters roaming through the tunnels, which have forced them to adapt their methods of excavation. They also say that their ability to produce steel has diminished due to metals rusting far faster than they used to, requiring them to import certain raw materials. Foul stenches have also been reported in some caves.

Dwarves played a part in the elemental crisis, destroying the Aldian isthmus bridge and forging the sword Excalibur.