SPECIESCLASSES
Art by Wolfbarking
Despite their small stature, dwarves build muscle easily. Their limbs are slightly elongated when compared to most humanoids, their fingers thin and equipped with dull talons to hook into rock. Their orbital sockets are bigger to house larger eyes to better see in their low-light environments, and they have large, bat-like ears.
Deep dwarves have no eyes at all; instead, they have long and sensitive whiskers they use to detect subtle vibrations in the air.
All dwarves have denser and heavier bones than those of most species and incredibly hard to break. Long falls from incredible heights are less likely to kill a dwarf. Surface dwarves have complexions similar to humans, while deep dwarves' skin is nearly translucent. Dwarves of all genders sport thick hair that they weave into braids, decorating them with beads of marble or granite. These beads are given for great achievements and milestones, and the more beads a dwarf's hair or beard has, the more things they have contributed to their community.
As magic runs wild across Eternatum in the wake of the gods, some dwarves have begun to exhibit notable changes.
Webbing between the fingers and /or arms has been documented. Larger noses, upturned and leaf-like, as well as thin coats of fine fur across their skin, have been noted in those that remain in the caverns.
On the surface, dwarves who live among humans have thicker hides, almost akin to stone, with crystalline growths that protect vital organs.
Dwarves age much more slowly than humans. A dwarven teenager is older than the eldest human matriarchs. They live up to 300 years old and don't reach adulthood until the age of 80. They are considered children until their late 30s and adolescents until their 80s. Adult dwarves don't change much until their 200th year, at which point they slowly begin to show signs of aging, such as thinning hair, wrinkles, whitening of the hair, and weakening bones. Blindness and cataracts are not uncommon in older dwarves.
Dwarves are omnivores. Tubers, like cave potatoes and turnips, are their favorites, along with their livestock- odd creatures called Numins . Numins are related to eyeless salamanders, and their meat is rich and fatty. Their hides are thick and insular, and used in creating dwarvish clothing. They can survive and thrive in the caverns dwarves call their own. Other unique flora and fauna have found their way into dwarven diets, including mushrooms, beetles, fish, and cave geckos as well.
Dwarves who've chosen to live on the surface with humans prefer savory foods, with plenty of hearty meals and rich broths, and spices.
Lacking the ability to taste sweet, dwarves generally don't enjoy sugary foods.