Chapter 3: The Dwarves
Self-sufficient. Self-reliant. Dwarves are a proud race with a strong sense of honor
and desire for coin. Despite their lack of height and magical incapability, the Dwarves
are arguably the most efficient and resourceful race. Their efforts in trade and military
have been integral to the livelihood of Thedas. Underneath the surface world, the Dwarves
once thrived in numerous thaigs, cities holding families and communities, across all of Thedas.
These thaigs were connected by the tunnels called the "Deep Roads". Over time, the tainted
Darkspawn overran and blocked those passages. After years of progressively being forced
out, the Dwarves made their homes in two central locations. One is Kal-Sharok: the once hailed
capital of all Dwarven civilization and now an isolated city. The other is Orzammar, the
thriving Dwarven metropolis and home to many known Dwarves walking the continent.
In Orzammar, not all Dwarves are equal. In this monarchy, beyond the royal family, society
adheres to a caste system. At the top is the noble caste - the highest echelon of Orzammar's
societal body. The most influential nobles and the royal family manage a forum that settles
on politics, aptly named the Assembly. Dwindling down the social climate are the artisans,
miners, merchants, smiths, warriors, and servants. Below them, are the casteless. While the casteless
exist, residents of Orzammar do not consider them of worth. Most are left to rot in the
slums of Dust Town. But society continues on, as the caste system debatably works to
favor those who act on duty. Dwarves do not believe in deities the same
way Humans and Elves do. Dwarves revere "The Stone," the earth they originate from and
which provides resources (like ore and lyrium) to keep civilization alive. Dwarves believe
they are born of the Stone, and at death, they return to her. Instead of gods, Dwarves
honor the strength of those, both living and dead, who have proven themselves worthy. These
heroes have paved the way for progressing Dwarven civilization, whether that be through
their strength, intelligence, or craft. As such, they are remembered throughout the ages,
given the name “Paragons”. The greatness of one dwarf's accomplishment is hailed higher
than any god. History remembers them, and today’s Dwarves recount their tales.
In preserving what history the Dwarven people have, the “Shaperate” is an archive with
members in charge of recording knowledge for past and future. Three types of Shapers exist.
The Shaperate of Memory, the most known and common Shaper, governs and collects the most
poignant events of each age. The Shaperate of Stone holds an upkeep of everyday records,
such as marriage and work. The Shaperate of Golems technically exists, but is no longer
managed since Golems are no longer created. Unlike the Elves of old, the Dwarves keep
their history mostly intact. While an ongoing process and not a perfect collection of events,
the memories of the Shaperate hold the most long-standing records to date.
But the Dwarves would not be alive with their long-standing history if it were not for their
warrior caste...and even more so, the Legion of the Dead. The Legion of the Dead is an
organization that only exists for the sake of defeating Darkspawn. Because of the Dwarves
presence underground, they must constantly fight back against these monstrosities that
inhabit the Deep Roads. The Legion sacrifice their lives in pursuit of protecting other
Dwarves, throwing themselves against the encroaching evil that continues to push into Orzammar.
At times, the military will also fight the Darkspawn in campaigns. It is through their
efforts that Dwarves continue to live their lives comfortably underground.
In the modern age, the state of Dwarven affairs is shed in a different light. Although they
continue to tirelessly fight against malevolent forces underground, a new threat arises. Now
that demons pour forth from the Veil, Thedas is in danger. With Ferelden still recovering
from the Blight, as well as Orlais suffering from Civil War, Orzammar's citizens can’t
remain buried beneath rock forever. With the need for more hands to combat such recklessness,
more Dwarves may be forced to join the other nations in their fight on the surface. But
that- is a story for another day...