Dwarven History
There are those that believe that dwarves were the first sentient species to set foot on Shaintar.  Certainly they have left their mark in ancient ruins and long-lost subterranean communities throughout the continent.
The dwarven homelands are located in the mountains surrounding the Prelacy of Camon (The Wolfhead Mountains, the Northern Fangs, and the Southern Fangs).  This is virtually the only place where dwarves live freely; there are many clans that live as slaves to the Empire far to the north.  Dwarves are craftsmen, engineers, and miners primarily, but warriors first thanks to thousands of years of practice.  Their race is only now beginning to struggle back from near extinction.  They are ruled by clan chieftains, although the highest of the chieftains is called the King of the Dwarves
     	However, their time (at least as a free species) almost came to an end during the Dragon War; it turned out that dwarves were a particular delicacy to the great beasts.  It did not help that many Goblinesh clans conspired to "supply" various Dragons with dwarves in return for their own safety.
     	What is left of free dwarven society is scattered throughout the Wolfhead Mountains and the Fangs.  This gives them control over most of the mineral wealth to be found southeast of the Empire, putting them in a particularly powerful bargaining position with both the Prelacy of Camon and the Kingdom of Galea.  Although things have always been pleasant with the Kingdom, tensions are steadily building with the Prelacy as the Church seems more and more inclined to claim land within the mountains.  There have been numerous skirmishes as Camon mining companies move further and further into the foothills, protected by Camon soldiers.
     	By necessity, dwarven society has taken on a very militaristic tone; various collections of clans are organized like army units, and everyone is trained to defend their home.  It is virtually impossible to be raised in the Clanhomes and not learn something of warfare.  However, they have struggled hard to maintain the artisan skills as well; dwarves seem to have an almost mystical affinity for machines and technology.  This is just as well, as dwarves have all the magic potential of a lead weight otherwise.  This both helps and hinders them; they are difficult to affect with magic, but they cannot wield one strand of essence.
     The King of the Dwarves presides over the largest clan; this would change if ever another clan became more numerous.  This competition of population is quite intentional, for if the dwarves are to survive they must replenish their numbers.  The Mid-Spring Census, done over the months of First Hunt and Golden Eagle, is a very serious and revered custom, and the Great Feast held on the first day of Planting Moons is one of their most important holidays (as well as one of the biggest parties in all of Shaintar); it is here, at Castle Gorgon, that the results of the Census are revealed.
     The ruling Clans are the eight largest clans; each holds mastery over one of the dwarven urban centers.  The Chieftain of each of these clans presides as ruler over that area; below him are Elders who advise and assist him.  There are very few other ruling titles of note, mostly because dwarves don't seem to care much for that kind of thing.