Introduction for Dwarfs
Dwarfs live underground, historically. They build in the darkness, and over a thousand years have build spectacular delves in the lands the humans now call Arthea. It is a surprise that Dwarfs take much interest in happenings outside of their delves, but their interest in humans, in helping them grow and build for themselves is driven by the desire for gold. Humans, it seems, are pretty resourceful in both acquiring and spending the precious metal, and this interests dwarfs immensely.
These days there are huge numbers of dwarfs living and working among human and halfling kind. They provide building and making services of a quality that humanity hasn't quite matched yet, and the dwarfs work hard to stay ahead of human competition. They have even started moving among the humans who live in the kingdoms of the south, despite the resentment they often seem to attract.
If you're a dwarf in the lands of Arthea, you'll most likely have come from one of the four major delves of the lands. There are other delves, but they're very small, especially compared to The Kathron Delve which is the largest and longest-inhabited of the post-Disaster delves. It is seen as the leader of the others, but not the ruler. Dwarfs do not think in those terms - its more about getting the work organised than about being in charge. Kathron has become something of a shining example of dwarfishness, although some feel that its perhaps gone a little over the top in its approach to being 'dwarfish', the glorious outer halls are built with the intention of presenting and enhancing the dwarfish reputation for building with stone and forging with metal; they are a sales tactic.
This does, of course, leave the other delves with less need to be so ostentatious. The Bemiris Khinat Delve is ideally positioned between Ticetia and Jorlinuim, right on the major trade route. This gives it a trade advantage that the dwarfs have exploited over time, although they have started to suffer trade falls recently as humans begin to use ships to transport goods. Despite this, Bemiris Khinat is perceived among dwarfs as the 'business' delve, where real trade money is made.
The other two main delves are in the mountains surrounded by the human kingdom of Caldonacia. The locations of The Riviga Kiziph Delve and The Gora Delve were chosen because of the natural mining resources in the area. And Gora was initially set up in a set of old unused delve tunnels that dwarfs stumbled across in the early post-Disaster years. With reserves of coal, gemstones, copper and iron ores and heavy stones such as granite, these delves have been instrumental in providing resources that have helped all the delves to grow.
Interactions with Elves
Despite being as close to Denalia as Ticetia, the dwarfs have traditionally had little interaction with the elves. Elves don't really go in for architecture, and they do not measure their wealth by counting gold. Magical goods are, at times, useful, but are not the valuable trading commodity that dwarfs seek out. Dwarfs are rumoured to get along badly with elfs, but the truth of the matter is that they have little dealings with them.
Many dwarfs think closer ties with elf kingdoms would be good, but any that look at it cannot see the financial benefits of these associations.
Perceptions of Humans
Dwarfs see the southern human kingdoms as far more wealthy than those of the north. They have, collectively, been subjected to some unpleasant racism from the humans in those places in their attempts to get access to their money. And now there is some success being enjoyed. Dwarfs are still seen as (at the best) 'outsiders' in the south, but they've become established, their reputation as builders is firmly set, and they've seen a large improvement in the money they've taken from the Imperials.
Ticetians have always been viewed as brethren by the dwarfs, meaning they have always been close trading partners. There are considered 'friends' by dwarfs, as they are always willing to spend money on building, mining and smithing works. At the same time Caldonacians are seen as lesser comrades, despite being situated much closer to the Gora and Riviga Kiziph delves, due to their poorer financial status.