Difference between revisions of "Dwarf"

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[[File:Dwarf.jpg|thumb|243px|A '''Dwarf''' warrior]]
 
[[File:Dwarf.jpg|thumb|243px|A '''Dwarf''' warrior]]
The '''Dwarfs''' are an ancient and proud race, although not quite as old as the [[Elf|Elves]]. The Dwarf civilization itself has long been under threat of destruction as they are under constant attack from [[Orc]]s, [[Goblin]]s and [[Skaven]] and have fought a bitter never-ending war against these invaders as well as aiding other races in the war against [[Chaos]], most notably the [[Empire]]. The Dwarfs are masters of the forge and of metal working, where they make use of many minerals and metals including their famed Gromril. In war, Dwarfs make use of highly advanced technology including superb armour, handguns and powerful war machines. In close combat, Dwarfs are more than a match for most other creatures and they tend to prefer hand-to-hand combat to ranged attacks. Dwarfs are alone in the Old World in that they do not make use of the wild winds of magic in the form of wizardry but instead rely on the powerful runic magic of their [[Runelord]]s.
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The '''Dwarfs''' are an ancient and proud race, although not quite as old as the [[Elf|Elves]]. In the distant past they ruled a great empire spanning the whole range of the mighty [[Worlds Edge Mountains]]. Their empire fell to the invasions of Orcs, Goblins, Skaven and other malign races, and today what has remained of their once-interconnected fortress cities have become isolated and scattered, and the Dwarfs themselves vastly reduced. Ever since these invasions, the Dwarf civilization has remained threatened by total destruction as they fight a bitter never-ending war against these same enemies.
  
Dwarfs live in a highly structured society centred around their vast underground Keeps and mines in the [[Worlds Edge Mountains]]. They trade the raw materials and finished goods for food and other goods they cannot easily acquire. The skills of the Dwarfs at working materials have not, however, declined like their empire, meaning that their goods will always attract a high price. Good farming land is scarce, and Dwarfs do not make good farmers, but they are enthusiastic hunters and often feast on the meat of beasts they have killed while roaming the mountains around them. Generally, grain and fruit are brought into the mountains by traders and are bartered for metalwork and gold.
+
Many Dwarfs can now be found living in the cities of men. The Dwarfs who continue to live in the ancient Dwarf cities are known as Imperial Dwarfs, and comprise a deeply secretive, insular, chauvinistic kindred of the Dwarf race, and are the most feared and powerful of all Dwarf warriors.
 +
 
 +
As well as defending their own besieged realm, Dwarfs have often given their support to other races against common enemies. Their closest ally is [[the Empire]].
 +
 
 +
The Dwarfs are masters of the forge and of metal working, where they make use of many minerals and metals including their famed Gromril.
 +
 
 +
Physically, Dwarfs are short, powerful and squat.
  
Dwarfs are also famous for their ale. It is so nutritious that they can survive on it for weeks. Dwarf ale is stored in vast quantities in huge warehouses, each keep being proud of their efficacy and flavour.  They can also make 'rock bread', a tough mixture of wild grain and crushed rocks, but this, according to the Dwarfs, requires a lot of ale to wash down properly.
 
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
{{main|Timeline of the Dwarfs}}
 
{{main|Timeline of the Dwarfs}}
The Dwarfs have a long and glorious history involving a good deal of fighting and war as well as amazing technological advancements and powerful alliances and peace treaties.
+
The Dwarfs are an ancient race with a long history which can be divided into several periods.
 +
 
 +
'''The Era of Migration''', the Dwarfs begin to move northwards through the Worlds Edge Mountains, reaching as far as [[Norsca]].
 +
 
 +
'''The Time of the Ancestors''', the ancient strongholds are founded.
 +
 
 +
'''The Founding of the Dwarf Empire''', Karaz-a-Karak is established as the capital of the Dwarf empire, beginning of the golden age of the Dwarfs.
 +
 
 +
'''The Elf/Dwarf Alliance'''
 +
 
 +
'''The Age of War'''
 +
 
 +
'''The Age of Darkness''', volcanic activity shatters the Dwarf empire, and precedes a massive migration of the Goblinoid races, who besiege the Dwarf empire.
 +
 
 +
'''The Age of Reconquest''', aided by Sigmar and the united human tribes, the Goblinoids are driven from the Old World. Several strongholds are retaken by the Dwarfs.
  
 
==Society==
 
==Society==
 +
Dwarfs live in a highly structured society centred around their vast underground Keeps and mines in the Worlds Edge Mountains. They trade the raw materials and finished goods for food and other goods they cannot easily acquire. The skills of the Dwarfs at working materials have not, however, declined like their empire, meaning that their goods will always attract a high price. Good farming land is scarce, and Dwarfs do not make good farmers, but they are enthusiastic hunters and often feast on the meat of beasts they have killed while roaming the mountains around them. Generally, grain and fruit are brought into the mountains by traders and are bartered for metalwork and gold.
 +
 
Dwarf society is mainly monarchistic and organized into strongholds each governed by a king. The kings of each stronghold are largely independent but all swear allegiance to the Dwarven [[High King]]. Outside of stronghold affiliations, Dwarfs are organized into clans. Clans are like an extensive family group, all sharing common ancestry although mostly not directly related.
 
Dwarf society is mainly monarchistic and organized into strongholds each governed by a king. The kings of each stronghold are largely independent but all swear allegiance to the Dwarven [[High King]]. Outside of stronghold affiliations, Dwarfs are organized into clans. Clans are like an extensive family group, all sharing common ancestry although mostly not directly related.
  
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Dwarf society is also based around honour, centered around the bond or promise. A Dwarf will always keep a promise, even if it costs him to do it. A Dwarf will even honour an ancestor centuries ago. Dwarfs also expect others to keep their word and seek out recompense for oathbreakers.
 
Dwarf society is also based around honour, centered around the bond or promise. A Dwarf will always keep a promise, even if it costs him to do it. A Dwarf will even honour an ancestor centuries ago. Dwarfs also expect others to keep their word and seek out recompense for oathbreakers.
 +
 
==Language==
 
==Language==
The Dwarf Language is called Khazalid and it is a deeply conservative language that has not changed noticeably in many thousands of years either in its spoken or written runic form. The Dwarfs are extremely proud of their tongue which they rarely speak in the company of other races, although the priesthood of Sigmar was taught the Khazalid language 2,500 years ago, as a gift from the Dwarven king saved by Sigmar.
+
The Dwarf language is called Khazalid and has remained unchanged over many thousands of years either in its spoken or written runic form. Khazalid is kept a secret language, and is rarely spoken in the company of other races, except for their feared and infamous battle cries.
 +
 
 +
Khazalid includes very few words of obvious Elven or Human origin. By contrast there are many loan words from Khazalid in the tongues of Men, which suggests that Dwarfs must have taught some fundamental words to their taller allies. This is most obviously the case of words to do with traditional Dwarfish craftskills of smithing and masonry, skills which Dwarfs taught Men many centuries ago.
 +
 
 +
The sound of Khazalid is guttural. Dwarfs have deep, resonant voices and a tendency to speak more loudly than is strictly necessary. Khazalid vowel sounds in particular are uncompromisingly precise and heavily accented. Consonants are often spat aggressively or gargled at the back of the throat. Contrary to Men, whose dialect differs widely depending on geographic location, the Dwarfs remain fairly consistent in dialect across the Dwarven realm, although there are exceptions.
 +
 
 +
==Warfare==
 +
The superior Dwarven craftsmanship and engineering skills give their armies the most advanced technology including superb armour, black powder weaponry such as [[handgun]]s and [[cannon]]s, and powerful war machines. Dwarfs tend to prefer close combat where they are more than a match for most other creatures. Dwarfs do not make use of the wild winds of magic in the form of wizardry but instead rely on the powerful runic magic of their [[Runesmith]]s.
  
The Dwarf language includes very few words of obvious Elvin or Human origin. By contrast there are many loan words from Khazalid in the tongues of Men, which suggests that Dwarfs must have taught some fundamental words to their taller allies. This is most obviously the case of words to do with traditional Dwarfish craftskills of smithying and masonry, skills which Dwarfs taught Men many centuries ago.
+
Dwarfs are not suited to riding beasts, let alone horses, but occasionally ride in their advanced [[Gyrocopter]]s through the sky to attack their foes with a small cannon. Occasionally Dwarfs are mounted on Dwarf-drawn thrones if they are of sufficient rank and power.
The sound of Khazalid is entirely separate from human speech and even further from the melodious sounds of Elfish. It is guttural tongue; comparisons have been drawn to the rumbling of thunder. All dwarfs have deep, resonant voices and a tendency to speak more loudly than is strictly necessary. Khazalid vowel sounds in particular are uncompromisingly precise and heavily accented. Consonants are often spat aggressively or gargled at the back of the throat. Contrary to Men, whose dialect differs widely depending on Geographic location, the Dwarfs remain fairly consistent in dialect across the Dwarven Empire, although there are exceptions
 
==Physiology==
 
Dwarfs are short, very short. This is sometimes a point of humour for other races, although said directly to a Dwarf will often end in pain for the offender. As such, they have large muscles and support a stumpy, squat body and this means they are often out of the reach of any other swordsman, and such would be disadvantaged. Their use of the axe as their primary weapons means they can get into combat more easily by using the axe as a shield until the last moment. They also tend to weigh a lot more than an equivalent human or elf. Their extra weight and lack of height means that few, if any, Dwarfs would even ride a beast, let alone a horse. Dwarfs occasionally ride in advanced [[Dwarf Gyrocopter|Gyrocopter]]s through the sky to attack their foes with a small cannon. Occasionally Dwarfs are mounted on Dwarf-drawn thrones if they are of sufficient rank and power.
 
  
Dwarfs do not use magic like the High Elves or Humans, but make use of tough Runemagic. This magic is closely related to their craftsmanship as they use their runes to aid their machinery. Most knowledge is passed down by word of mouth, although the most powerful runes are known to but a select few.
 
==Military==
 
The Dwarfs make use of large numbers of super tough infantry as well as highly advanced technology, including black powder weaponry and thick armour.
 
 
==Influence of Chaos==
 
==Influence of Chaos==
 
During the time of the Dwarf migration along the Worlds Edge Mountains many thousands of years ago, some Dwarfs strayed too far in their quest for precious ores and gems, reaching the dismal Mountains of Mourn. When the [[Time of Chaos]] came, these Dwarfs were cut off from the rest of Dwarf civilization. The rest of the Dwarfs assumed they had perished in the deluge of Chaos. The hardy Dwarfs were not killed but neither had they remained unchanged by Chaos. Eventually even these stubborn Dwarfs succumbed to the warping effects of the Chaos energies, gradually becoming the perverted and cynical mockery of traditional Dwarfs now known as [[Chaos Dwarf]]s. In many ways they are the antithesis of the Dwarfs that remained. Where Dwarfs shun most magic except for their Runic magic, Chaos Dwarfs have embraced it; where Dwarfs worship their Ancestor Gods and despise Chaos, Chaos Dwarfs have submitted to it and now follow no other god but [[Hashut]], a Chaos god they call the Father of Darkness. To Dwarfs, the "greenskin" races (Goblins, Orcs and the like) are implacable enemies, while in Chaos Dwarf empire they are slaves outnumbering the Chaos Dwarfs themselves many times over. In other ways the good values of the Dwarfs were perverted into evil ones, the Dwarfs' traditional love of craft and industry becoming mere, base rapacity.
 
During the time of the Dwarf migration along the Worlds Edge Mountains many thousands of years ago, some Dwarfs strayed too far in their quest for precious ores and gems, reaching the dismal Mountains of Mourn. When the [[Time of Chaos]] came, these Dwarfs were cut off from the rest of Dwarf civilization. The rest of the Dwarfs assumed they had perished in the deluge of Chaos. The hardy Dwarfs were not killed but neither had they remained unchanged by Chaos. Eventually even these stubborn Dwarfs succumbed to the warping effects of the Chaos energies, gradually becoming the perverted and cynical mockery of traditional Dwarfs now known as [[Chaos Dwarf]]s. In many ways they are the antithesis of the Dwarfs that remained. Where Dwarfs shun most magic except for their Runic magic, Chaos Dwarfs have embraced it; where Dwarfs worship their Ancestor Gods and despise Chaos, Chaos Dwarfs have submitted to it and now follow no other god but [[Hashut]], a Chaos god they call the Father of Darkness. To Dwarfs, the "greenskin" races (Goblins, Orcs and the like) are implacable enemies, while in Chaos Dwarf empire they are slaves outnumbering the Chaos Dwarfs themselves many times over. In other ways the good values of the Dwarfs were perverted into evil ones, the Dwarfs' traditional love of craft and industry becoming mere, base rapacity.
  
 
==Notes & sources==
 
==Notes & sources==
 +
*Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs, 4th edition
 +
*Warhammer Fantasy Battle, 3rd edition, p. 213
  
 
[[Category:Dwarfs]]
 
[[Category:Dwarfs]]
  
 
[[de:Zwerge]]
 
[[de:Zwerge]]

Revision as of 09:19, 29 August 2010

File:Dwarf.jpg
A Dwarf warrior

The Dwarfs are an ancient and proud race, although not quite as old as the Elves. In the distant past they ruled a great empire spanning the whole range of the mighty Worlds Edge Mountains. Their empire fell to the invasions of Orcs, Goblins, Skaven and other malign races, and today what has remained of their once-interconnected fortress cities have become isolated and scattered, and the Dwarfs themselves vastly reduced. Ever since these invasions, the Dwarf civilization has remained threatened by total destruction as they fight a bitter never-ending war against these same enemies.

Many Dwarfs can now be found living in the cities of men. The Dwarfs who continue to live in the ancient Dwarf cities are known as Imperial Dwarfs, and comprise a deeply secretive, insular, chauvinistic kindred of the Dwarf race, and are the most feared and powerful of all Dwarf warriors.

As well as defending their own besieged realm, Dwarfs have often given their support to other races against common enemies. Their closest ally is the Empire.

The Dwarfs are masters of the forge and of metal working, where they make use of many minerals and metals including their famed Gromril.

Physically, Dwarfs are short, powerful and squat.

History

The Dwarfs are an ancient race with a long history which can be divided into several periods.

The Era of Migration, the Dwarfs begin to move northwards through the Worlds Edge Mountains, reaching as far as Norsca.

The Time of the Ancestors, the ancient strongholds are founded.

The Founding of the Dwarf Empire, Karaz-a-Karak is established as the capital of the Dwarf empire, beginning of the golden age of the Dwarfs.

The Elf/Dwarf Alliance

The Age of War

The Age of Darkness, volcanic activity shatters the Dwarf empire, and precedes a massive migration of the Goblinoid races, who besiege the Dwarf empire.

The Age of Reconquest, aided by Sigmar and the united human tribes, the Goblinoids are driven from the Old World. Several strongholds are retaken by the Dwarfs.

Society

Dwarfs live in a highly structured society centred around their vast underground Keeps and mines in the Worlds Edge Mountains. They trade the raw materials and finished goods for food and other goods they cannot easily acquire. The skills of the Dwarfs at working materials have not, however, declined like their empire, meaning that their goods will always attract a high price. Good farming land is scarce, and Dwarfs do not make good farmers, but they are enthusiastic hunters and often feast on the meat of beasts they have killed while roaming the mountains around them. Generally, grain and fruit are brought into the mountains by traders and are bartered for metalwork and gold.

Dwarf society is mainly monarchistic and organized into strongholds each governed by a king. The kings of each stronghold are largely independent but all swear allegiance to the Dwarven High King. Outside of stronghold affiliations, Dwarfs are organized into clans. Clans are like an extensive family group, all sharing common ancestry although mostly not directly related.

The general principle of Dwarf society is that of three things: age, wealth and skill. The more of these that you have, the higher you are in Dwarf society. Dwarfs never boast of their family achievements, more accurately they set the record straight and proclaim their ancestors' greatness by their wealth and skills.

The other important part of Dwarf culture is their beards. They are immensely proud of them and attempt to never cut or trim them, and the Dwarf with the longest beard is usually seen as the leader. One of the greatest insults to a Dwarf is to take off their beard, as the High Elves did to the Dwarf ambassadors sent to attempt to preserve peace, thereby initiating the War of the Beard.

Dwarfs have an affinity for the past and constantly seek to remember their fore bearers by repairing and maintaining their products. All Dwarfs know how to reforge an ancient blade and are constantly trying to incorporate ancient relics into their newer works.

They also enjoy hoarding their hard earned treasure and gold. When a Dwarf dies, his wealth goes to his family and so passed down the generations. This process ensures the memory of the dead and secures a Dwarf's supply of money for a more desperate time. Often a Dwarf will measure his security by how far off the ground they are when they sit on their treasures. Often the supplies of the stronghold itself are so huge as to be a massive attraction to Orc and Goblin hordes willing to take the risk of death to gain huge amounts of gold.

Dwarf society is also based around honour, centered around the bond or promise. A Dwarf will always keep a promise, even if it costs him to do it. A Dwarf will even honour an ancestor centuries ago. Dwarfs also expect others to keep their word and seek out recompense for oathbreakers.

Language

The Dwarf language is called Khazalid and has remained unchanged over many thousands of years either in its spoken or written runic form. Khazalid is kept a secret language, and is rarely spoken in the company of other races, except for their feared and infamous battle cries.

Khazalid includes very few words of obvious Elven or Human origin. By contrast there are many loan words from Khazalid in the tongues of Men, which suggests that Dwarfs must have taught some fundamental words to their taller allies. This is most obviously the case of words to do with traditional Dwarfish craftskills of smithing and masonry, skills which Dwarfs taught Men many centuries ago.

The sound of Khazalid is guttural. Dwarfs have deep, resonant voices and a tendency to speak more loudly than is strictly necessary. Khazalid vowel sounds in particular are uncompromisingly precise and heavily accented. Consonants are often spat aggressively or gargled at the back of the throat. Contrary to Men, whose dialect differs widely depending on geographic location, the Dwarfs remain fairly consistent in dialect across the Dwarven realm, although there are exceptions.

Warfare

The superior Dwarven craftsmanship and engineering skills give their armies the most advanced technology including superb armour, black powder weaponry such as handguns and cannons, and powerful war machines. Dwarfs tend to prefer close combat where they are more than a match for most other creatures. Dwarfs do not make use of the wild winds of magic in the form of wizardry but instead rely on the powerful runic magic of their Runesmiths.

Dwarfs are not suited to riding beasts, let alone horses, but occasionally ride in their advanced Gyrocopters through the sky to attack their foes with a small cannon. Occasionally Dwarfs are mounted on Dwarf-drawn thrones if they are of sufficient rank and power.

Influence of Chaos

During the time of the Dwarf migration along the Worlds Edge Mountains many thousands of years ago, some Dwarfs strayed too far in their quest for precious ores and gems, reaching the dismal Mountains of Mourn. When the Time of Chaos came, these Dwarfs were cut off from the rest of Dwarf civilization. The rest of the Dwarfs assumed they had perished in the deluge of Chaos. The hardy Dwarfs were not killed but neither had they remained unchanged by Chaos. Eventually even these stubborn Dwarfs succumbed to the warping effects of the Chaos energies, gradually becoming the perverted and cynical mockery of traditional Dwarfs now known as Chaos Dwarfs. In many ways they are the antithesis of the Dwarfs that remained. Where Dwarfs shun most magic except for their Runic magic, Chaos Dwarfs have embraced it; where Dwarfs worship their Ancestor Gods and despise Chaos, Chaos Dwarfs have submitted to it and now follow no other god but Hashut, a Chaos god they call the Father of Darkness. To Dwarfs, the "greenskin" races (Goblins, Orcs and the like) are implacable enemies, while in Chaos Dwarf empire they are slaves outnumbering the Chaos Dwarfs themselves many times over. In other ways the good values of the Dwarfs were perverted into evil ones, the Dwarfs' traditional love of craft and industry becoming mere, base rapacity.

Notes & sources

  • Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs, 4th edition
  • Warhammer Fantasy Battle, 3rd edition, p. 213