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Dwarsin
"Do not underestimate a Korshin. Their species have survived in the most unlikely of places for centuries, always popping up where you least expect them." ~ Unknown Spacer
The 'Dwarsin', commonly referred to as 'Dwarves', were a sentient species of mammalian humanoids, mostly found in underground settlements or deep-space stations. Their homeworld 'Dwarsin Prime' was destroyed countless centuries ago, in what is known as the 'Dwarsin Cataclysm'.
Contents
- Biology & Appearance
- Physiology
- Life cycle
- Repoduction & offspring
- Behaviour
- Society and culture
- Space-farers
- Guilds & Family
- Diet & Food
- Clothing and appearance
- Language
- The Force
- Stonespeakers
- History
- Early history
- Intent
Biology & Appearance
"Beards! I've never seen a Dwarf woman, but I reckon, even they have beards!"
- Unknown
Squat, strong, and hairy, the Dwarves are known for their rough-looking features, booming voices, and hardy nature.
Physiology
Humanoid in appearance, Dwarves stand at around two-thirds the height of the average human, resting around four feet or 1.4 meters, with a stocky and powerful build. Their hair, which is normally coarse and thick, grows exceptionally swiftly, with most dwarves sporting a beard and sideburns. With thick-fingered hands, Dwarves have a surprising degree of manual dexterity and are therefore commonly found as engineers and technicians across the galaxy.
Long-lived, by the standards of humans, they live for around three to four hundred years on average, with some of their number known to live for far longer. Somewhat stereotyped as dour yet honorable people, the dwarves tend to be gregarious with their friends, hardy and tough, and prone to being found thriving in some of the harshest of environments.
Life cycle
Dwarves boast a longevity that extends into the centuries, with children only becoming adults once they get to sixty years of age (around the time they grow their first beard). Both male and female dwarves are rumored to have beards, however, this is considered a myth (albeit one that the dwarves themselves greatly enjoy promoting).
Upon becoming an adult, Dwarves are considered to be adults and become full members of their tribe or clan. Age carries enormous significance in conventional dwarven society, with elders (who are over four hundred years of age) being held with great respect by others of the clan. It is not uncommon for elder dwarves to remain physically active well into their fifth century.
Repoduction & offspring
Dwarves reproduced in the same way as many other humanoid species, with conception requiring a member of the male and the female sex. Gestation lasted around one and a half standard years, with children being born somewhat more developed than that of their human counterparts. Dwarven children were born blind, with their vision developing in their first ten years of life.
Able to reproduce with other humanoid species, this was a common occurrence across the galaxy, however, the dwarven genes were considered dominant, meaning that most cross-species breedings resulted in stocky and short offspring.
Behaviour
“One moment, gregarious and good-natured. The next, lamenting of lost wealth and treachery - Dwarves are a funny bunch."
- Unknown
Dwarves were known for their deep voices and gregarious personalities, alongside their hardy nature - which has led to people stereotyping them across the Galaxy as 'grumpy old miners'. Whilst this was often true, many Dwarves took umbridge to such a suggestion, before grumbling about it at length.
Society & Culture
A long-standing culture, with enclaves across the Galaxy, the Dwarves were steeped in tradition and custom, making their cultural practices and societal norms appear standoffish to outsiders. They had strong familial units and trade-based guilds, passing professions down strict family lines, and had a society built around hardiness and survival.
Space-farers
Having spent centuries, perhaps even longer, as space-farers, many dwarven clans found their home in the space lanes and asteroid fields of the galaxy, only 'going planetside' when trade demanded it. Many clans, which focused on mining as foundry work as the backbone of their way of life and economic well-being, made their homes on space stations, orbital platforms or asteroid bases. As such, their societal structure was often built around the ancestral mining guilds of their species, with the 'Mine-Director' serving as leader of a given tribe.
Owing to centuries in the space-lanes, dwarven clans - which focused their efforts around specific territorial areas (such as asteroid belts) normally sprung off the back of the granting of mining rights by planetary or sector governments. Once a mining right was given to a clan, it would them move into the asteroid belt, or position its clan station there, and then mine the belt for centuries - until the resources ran out.
This meant that much of dwarven society was focused around mining, and associated trades, with exceptionally strict and complex laws, which stemmed from old codes-of-conduct from the guilds, and, from mining handbooks.
Guilds & Family
Much of dwarven society was built around the dwarves family and their respective trade guilds - with the latter almost entirely controlling swathes of the dwarven economy. Family units, which consisted of a set of dwarf parents and their generational offspring, were all part of a 'Clan', featuring the wider-reaching 'branches' of the expanded 'tree' of the family. Guilds, on the other hand, were wide-spanning economic houses that dominated a specific trade; such as the 'Salvage Guild' the 'Miners Guild' and many more.
Due to the structure of dwarven society, it was not uncommon for guilds to be controlled by the same Clans for centuries at a time. Guilds themselves were divided into numerous 'sub-guilds' which controlled trade in specific areas, making the dwarven economy a nightmarish web of the guild, clan, and ancient traditions and laws.
Diet & Food
A hearty people, the dwarves are known to eat, and drink, to a fulsome measure of each. Doing their best to ensure that their own food supplies are 'in-house', their settlements are home to farmers and hunters alike, with polytunnel farms within their asteroid settlements commonplace. Almost each and every dwarven settlement has its own brewery, with dwarves known for drinking strong spirits in vast amounts.
Clothing and appearance
Dwarsin exhibit a distinctive and practical sense of fashion influenced by their industrious nature and the environments they often find themselves in. Dwarsin attire is designed for both function and durability, with a preference for heavy, durable fabrics and protective layers.
Most Dwarsin favor earthy tones such as browns, grays, and deep greens, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the rocky environments they often inhabit. Their clothing is adorned with practical accessories like tool belts and pouches, reflecting their craftsmanship and the tools they regularly carry.
Dwarsin are a compact and muscular species, typically standing around four to five feet tall. Their stocky builds are well-suited for navigating the subterranean landscapes they often call home. Dwarven features include broad shoulders, strong arms, and thickset torsos, highlighting their physical strength and resilience.
Facial hair is a common and celebrated aspect of Dwarsin appearance. Both males and females take pride in their beards, which are often intricately braided and adorned with small trinkets or metal clasps. The style and length of one's beard can convey aspects of an individual's status, accomplishments, or even their family lineage.
In addition to their facial hair, Dwarsin often bear distinctive tattoos or markings on their exposed skin. These tattoos, passed down through generations, hold cultural significance and tell the stories of a Dwarsin's personal journey, achievements, and affiliations. These markings vary widely, showcasing the diversity within Dwarsin society.
Overall, the clothing and appearance of Dwarsin reflect their practical and industrious nature, with a strong emphasis on functionality, durability, and a deep connection to their cultural heritage.
Language
The Dwarsin communicate through a language known as Khaz'Rin, a rich and complex system that has evolved over centuries within their subterranean societies. Khaz'Rin is characterized by its guttural tones and compact syntax, making it well-suited for communication in the echoing caverns and tunnels where Dwarsin communities thrive.
The language employs a combination of spoken words, hand gestures, and facial expressions, allowing for effective communication in the often noisy and cramped conditions of their underground dwellings. Dwarsin value precision in their speech, as misunderstanding within the intricate networks of tunnels can have serious consequences.
Khaz'Rin is a language steeped in tradition, with many words and phrases holding cultural and historical significance. Dwarven elders are revered as keepers of linguistic traditions, passing down tales and ancient words to the younger generations during communal storytelling gatherings. These stories not only preserve the Dwarsin's history but also reinforce the importance of language as a binding force within their society.
In addition to Khaz'Rin, Dwarsin communities often adopt variations of Basic, the common language of the galaxy. This linguistic versatility enables them to interact with other species, particularly in trade and diplomatic endeavors. However, even in these situations, Dwarsin maintain a sense of linguistic pride, considering Khaz'Rin as the true expression of their cultural identity.
Stonespeakers
The Force-sensitive members of the Dwarsin society are known as the Stonespeakers, individuals who have a unique and profound connection with the Force, especially within the context of their subterranean environments.
Stonespeakers are typically discovered at a young age through the observation of their heightened sensitivity to the vibrations and energies resonating within the rocky depths. Early training involves honing their ability to commune with the Force through meditation and attunement to the geological rhythms surrounding them.
Unlike traditional Force users, the Stonespeakers often specialize in abilities that resonate with their subterranean lifestyle. They can manipulate the minerals and metals in their surroundings, shaping rock formations, or even extracting useful resources. Through their connection with the Force, Stonespeakers can sense disturbances in the geology around them, providing them with an unparalleled awareness of their surroundings.
The training of a Stonespeaker is guided by the elders of Dwarsin society, drawing on ancient techniques and teachings that have been passed down through generations. The Stonespeakers serve a dual role as both spiritual leaders and practical advisors, utilizing their Force abilities for the benefit of the community.
The unique blend of the Force and the Dwarsin's connection to the earth makes the Stonespeakers a formidable force within their subterranean societies. Their abilities not only contribute to the survival and prosperity of their people but also foster a deep reverence for the Force as an integral part of Dwarsin culture.
History
The history of the Dwarsin is a tale of resilience, exploration, and a constant quest for resources beneath the surface of various planets, and the deep space asteroid fields of the galaxy.
Originating from a distant, resource-strapped world, the Dwarsin were forced to delve deep into the subterranean realms to survive. Over generations, they developed advanced mining techniques, constructing vast underground cities and forging a unique bond with the minerals and metals that surrounded them. As their technological prowess grew, so did their influence within the galactic trade networks.
The Dwarsin's first encounters with the 'Old' Galactic Republic marked significant turning points in their history. Initially, their subterranean existence shielded them from major conflicts, but the expansion of galactic territories brought them into contact with other species and factions. The Dwarsin, adept at navigating the complexities of underground diplomacy, established themselves as key players in the trade of valuable minerals.
During the rise of the Empire, the Dwarsin faced challenges as their resources became coveted by those in power. Nevertheless, they managed to maintain a delicate balance, using their strategic location and expertise in resource extraction to negotiate favorable terms with Imperial authorities.
The subsequent eras saw the Dwarsin adapting to the ever-shifting galactic landscape. They maintained their independence while contributing to the greater galaxy through their vast mineral wealth and technological advancements. The Stonespeakers, with their unique Force abilities, played a crucial role in the preservation of Dwarsin culture and the protection of their subterranean territories.
As the galaxy continued to evolve, the Dwarsin looked to the future with a combination of caution and curiosity. Their history, deeply intertwined with the geological tapestry of the planets they inhabited, served as a testament to their tenacity and adaptability in the face of galactic challenges.
Intent
To create a new playable species, one adopting the traits commonplace in other fictional depictions of 'dwarves' and 'dwarf-like' species.
