The dwarves, or Khúdzar as they call themselves, were brought to Erythea as slaves by the giants over 25 millenia ago. A hardy and strong race, they were considered the favored slaves of the giants, who taught them the secrets of mining, and the working of both stone and metal. In time, the skill of the dwarves exceeded that of their giant mentors.

After thousands of years of slavery, the dwarves united under the leadership of Thrainor the Bold to overthrow their giant masters. The bitter and bloody insurgency lasted for hundreds of years, until finally the cities of the giants were cast down and their great kings slain. The giants never recovered from this, and remain scattered to this day. 

Never great empire builders, dwarven civilization was mainly centered around powerul, yet isloated city-states. The cities of Veradain (in central Lyrrea), Erdar, Morthar, and Hergoth (in north-central Azhendor), and Ivinar (in eastern Hraalvar) are all shining examples of dwarven engineering.

Several great dwarven kingdoms have existed, however, though all but Kazadmere in central Azhendor have fallen to orcs or other monsters. Kazadmere, which was founded in AR -875, is the only dwarven realm with significant territory on the surface of Erythea. Though the capital of Kazad-Karum lies underground, the dwarven port cities of Bogrenvor and Grobdinar are thriving trade cities on the shore of the Crowded Sea.

The dwarves appear to have exerted more influence on humans than do the elves, particularly on the development of mining, metallurgy, and masonry. They seem to have been particularly influential in the development of the barbarian cultures of Lyrrea as well as the fierce Hraals. However, as history progressed, the dwarves became increasingly guarded in their dealings with ‘flighty humans’.

Dwarves are similar in appearance to humans, the most significant difference being their height, which seldom exceeds 4-1/2 feet, and impressive beards. For a male dwarf his beard is an important sign of pride and dignity. Dwarves are stout and strong by nature, the latter not only concerning their physical strength but also regarding their will and fortitude, or—in human terms—they are incredibly stubborn and unyielding in every respect.

Dwarves prefer to live underground, in vast caves and subterranean cities. Over the millennia, most of these great and proud strongholds have fallen to orcs and other invaders, their populations dispersed and slain, and their hoards of gold and artifacts broken up and scattered across the world.

All dwarves have a rigid sense of honor that is centered upon a bond or promise. If a dwarf makes a deal, he will remember it and keep to it, even if it costs him dearly to do so. A dwarf will honor the word of an ancestor even if it was made centuries before. In turn, dwarfs expect others to keep their word, and look to the families of oathbreakers for recompense.

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