Dwarves

Dwarves are a race of bipedal earth dwelling humanoids that generally dwell in homes carved deep in to the stone and earth of large mountains and hills. They are renown for their aptitude in working with metals and stone, and are often hired for these specific purposes. It is said that dwarves have some type of sense, knowing where to find certain types of metals or rocks which allows them to dig and mine in the perfect locations. Dwarves are short by human and elf standards, but are heavy and incredibly muscular, with thick hair covering most of their bodies and skin similar to a humans, only more tough and rough to the touch.

Origins
The origins of the dwarf is shrouded in myth. Dwarves can be found on almost every continent, so many of the same theories that are applied to humans and elves are applied to dwarves as well. Some have theorized that dwarves originated from deep within the earth, slowly making their way to the surface over the course of thousands of years.

Characteristics
Dwarves are short and stocky, with large muscles used to break stone and move large and heavy stones. Dwarves are quite similar in appearance from region to region, and even among subraces. While one can normally tell a male from a female dwarf, it has been known in rare cases for female dwarves to grow beards or extra hair, leading to the myth that there are no female dwarves. Additionally, it is difficult to distinguish the age of a dwarf as they grow in to adulthood rather quickly.

Height and Weight
Dwarves stand on average 3'10" to 4'7" and have never been known to be more than five feet tall or shorter than 3'6". Dwarves are heavy due to their dense muscle mass and compact builds, weighing between 150 to 260 pounds. Dwarves that make their homes deeper under ground tend to be smaller in stature than those who have lived near or on the surface. Additionally, female dwarves tend to be slightly taller and lighter than male dwarves.

Physical Appearance
Dwarves have thick hair they groom often, ranging in color from dark brown to light red or a rusted blonde. Dwarves typically weave or braid their hair to keep it away from tools and work and are known to be artists with hair, weaving intricate designs and incorporating tasteful decorations.

A dwarf's skin is rough and thicker than that of a human or elve's, described as callous. Skin colors for drawves vary similar to height, with darker skinned dwarves living nearer to the surface than lighter skinned dwarves. Dwarf skin colors are reddish in tint, and may be slightly more pale, grey, or brown.

Lifespan
Dwarves live anywhere from 300 to 350 years, reaching physical adulthood at about 14 years of age. Dwarves are not considered mature until about 60 years of age, wherein dwarven society accepts them as adults. Dwarves mature quickly due to the harsh environment underground, needing strong muscles to move through undeveloped sections of caves and tunnels.

Races
Dwarves do not necessarily have distinct races, as they all share similar characteristics. However on the spectrum of dwarf traits there are two extremes that are used to classify dwarves.

Untergish
Untergish are dwarves that primarily live under mountains and hills. These dwarves tend to be more pale or grey in appearance, and are thought to be closely related to deeplings. These dwarves are shorter and are the stronger of the dwarf races. They tend to see surface dwellers as weak, and pity them for their frailty. This slight prejudice even extends to their own kind on occasion.

Bjurginn
Bjurginn are dwarves that primarily live closer to the surface, making their homes in the foothills of mountains or just beneath the surface. These dwarves tend to have darker, more brown toned skin and darker hair colors. While typically less strong than their Untergish brethren, these dwarves are hardened to extreme weathers, and have been known to stand the colds of winter at high altitudes as well as the heat of desert canyons. These are the dwarves that most often interact with the rest of the surface dwelling races, and may share common ancestors with halflings and gnomes.