Dwarves
So named for being markedly shorter on average than the other peoples of Realmgard, the Dwarves are nevertheless also known for exhibiting a high level of physical hardiness and endurance, perhaps unsurprising given that the traditional Dwarven homeland is located in the rugged highlands of the Northwall Mountains.
While Dwarven culture traditionally values thick, impressive facial hair as a sign of virility, the longstanding notion that all Dwarves, including the women and children, have beards is merely a myth. The misconception likely arose from garbled accounts from non-Dwarven visitors mentioning the thick cold-weather scarves that are part of traditional Dwarven clothing and often worn over the face for protection from the cold. Elaborate patterns and bright colours are common in Dwarven clothing.
The present-day Dwarven language is similar to the widespread Gardian language, diverging from the early forms of the Gardian language when the multi-ethnic Midlandic hordes that rose to power in the middle regions of the continent during the period of the Elven Empire’s decline began to disperse and settle across Realmgard.
Dwarves are viewed as the finest craftsmen in Realmgard, due to the Dwarven culture traditionally emphasising personal excellence, hard work, and commitment to mastering one’s chosen profession.
While the historical animosity and conflicts between the Dwarves and their Goblin neighbours are largely a thing of the past and the two kingdoms are now allied and ruled by a single monarch, the traditional enmity of the Dwarves towards tall shelves continues unabated.
I’ve established that Realmgard Dwarves are supposed to be German — though, fundamentally, they’ve ended up being more Austrian (a distinction that hasn’t always been as clear as it is now) given that Goblins are Hungarian and the Dwarves and Goblins share a dual monarchy.
Germanic Dwarves is why the male Dwarf is supposed to be a landsknecht, a kind of Holy Roman Empire-era German mercenary known for their flamboyant uniforms.
And also, um, brutally sacking the city of Rome…
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