Dwarves

Most of the dwarves found in Meridia can claim descendancy at some point or another from the dwarven kingdom of Khaz Merda within what the humans of Meridia call the Staggerpeak Mountains to the west. Khaz Merdan dwarves tend to live to about 350-400 years old, and are regarded to be a largely practically-minded, stubborn lot. Dwarves are prone to swinging fits of passion, whether jovial or aggressive, and can easily carry a grudge for decades, even centuries. Both male and female dwarves can grow facial hair, though most women choose to keep their beards short or shaven, and men’s beards are typically much thicker and longer.

Sunkissed
The dwarves who claim Meridian citizenship before their mountain ancestry are often the dwarves that helped rebuild the human kingdom centuries ago - or their direct descendants. These dwarves - called “sunkissed” by their mountain dwelling brethren - introduced Meridian culture to the god Feirs, and helped the short-lived humans survive the initial trials of re-establishing civilization following the fall of the Drendal Empire. This early aid helped in establishing a relationship with the kingdoms of Khaz Merda and Meridia, which now seems to be on its way to permanently cementing dwarves as a Meridian ally.

Sons & Daughters of Staggerpeak
Many dwarves interact with Merdian culture well enough, but continue to claim allegiance and citizenship to Khaz Merda - these are often merchants, traders, or smiths, earning money with the intent to return to the mountain kingdom in the future. They might regard Meridian culture kindly, or see it as nothing more than an opportunity for amassing wealth.

Khaz Merdan Clans
All Khaz Merdan dwarves claim familial allegiance to one of its four clans, and then a more abstract allegiance to the kingdom as a whole. Proud and stubborn, dwarves of a clan will often bear some marker of their family upon their person, and will happily carry out inter-clan conflicts in their own family’s name.