Reef dwarves are a people of free-spirited explorers and craftsmen. While they share the common dwarven traits of physical resiliency, loyalty, and a love of drinking, reef dwarves are far more likely to take risks. Reef dwarf kingdoms are located in the plentiful island groups on Lokterralus, where a smart traveler can trade for the great treasures of the sea.
Personality: If a reef dwarf isn’t laughing, something is wrong. They are a friendly, jovial people who enjoy good food and good drink. Reef dwarves will gladly give a stranger a chance, but should they abuse that chance, then the reef dwarf will quickly brand them a fool, or worse. Reef dwarves value a wide variety of common treasures, as well as the beautiful things that can be found below the sea. In some reef dwarves, this love of wealth can turn into a lustful greed. They are bold warriors, who combine a healthy amount of tactics with an overabundance of courage and daring.
Physical Description: Reef dwarves stand a little more than four feet tall, with stocky, compact frames that weigh around 150 pounds. Reef dwarf men and women show little difference in height, though the female tend to be lighter. A reef dwarf’s skin ranges from a deep brown up to a light olive or tan, and their eyes are universally dark. Their hair ranges from chestnut brown to pitch black and is worn long, usually either braided or in dreadlocks. Like all dwarves, reef dwarves put great status on their beards. Reef dwarves tend to wear rugged, simple clothing, as befits a life on or near the sea.
Relations: Reef dwarves get along with a majority of the races of Lokterralus. Their friendly manner finds them welcome among essan, dusk elves, ironhand gnomes, and starborne halflings. While they do not understand the cultural choices of the feral and wynter elves, as a race of sailors, the reef dwarves have many trade agreements with these people. Reef dwarves’ relationship with stone dwarves is perhaps the most curious; while they share a kindred spirit and some values, the reef dwarves see the stone dwarves’ somber, rule-abiding demeanor as boring and a waste of life, while the stone dwarves see the reef dwarves as a people that have forgotten what they are. Reef dwarves are often found in conflict with the kaern, as both races try to lay claim to the sea. Despite these frequent conflicts, when not at war, reef dwarves and kaern enjoy each others company greatly, as both exhibits a lust for battle and a love of drink.
Alignment: Reef dwarves are a chaotic people, who appreciate free will. Most are good-natured, though a few are known to embrace a more evil path.
Lands: Reef dwarf kingdoms are unions of free city-states that band together for common defense. These kingdoms are scattered across the tropical island chains of Lokterralus, with the cities themselves nestled into highly defensive natural locations, such as coves or at the base of a mountain. The islands the reef dwarves call home are abundant with plants and wildlife, providing ample food supplies. The ocean also yields a great many goods to them, ranging from food and materials to precious items. Reef dwarf colonies and ports can also be found throughout Lokterralus, often near an essan or stone dwarf kingdom. In other lands, reef dwarves are known as great sailors, pirates, and mercenaries. They are also known for being skilled carpenters and boatwrights.
Language: Reef dwarves speak a dialect of Duergosh, which uses the Vergan script. Reef dwarves commonly learn Sandril and Kaergot, and some also learn Alfarran.