Dwarves "Dwarves are a race of short and stocky folk, standing a full head or two shorter than the average human though just as broad or broader, who are known for their excellent stone and metalwork. They are a long-lived race, often surviving well into their second century. Dwarven men are known for being proud of their beards, and one of the best ways to insult a dwarf is to suggest his beard is unattractive. With only merchants and diplomats leaving to trade and communicate with others, dwarves generally spend their lives around or in their homelands, mining metals and precious minerals and tending natural resources near the areas they favor for their cities. They then turn those metals, stones, and jewels into weapons and armor of legendary beauty and strength." -- Excerpt from Encyclopedia Pyrathia, Volume 2 /-^-\/-^-\/-^-\/-^-\/-^-\/-^-\/-^-\/-^-\/-^-\/-^-\/-^-\/-^-\/-^-\/-^-\ Dwarves make excellent fighters and dwarven bands of mercenaries are not uncommon on the surface world. Although dwarves do have spell casters among them, they don't have a natural bent toward any magic. Despite their short stature, they are very strong and their endurance, toughness, and general health are unsurpassed. They are resistant to poison and disease but find it quite difficult to swim. Dwarves can also sense disturbances in the earth and can see in the dark using infravision. Dwarves also train with axes from a young age which makes them superior axe wielders.