Dwarves Name: Homo petrous (sps. khazad or naugrim also exist). The first Dwarves were created many, many ages ago by Aule the Smith. Aule misjudged the coming Children of Iluvatar, and desired to make Children of his own to teach his many skills and arts. Aule's work was in peril for he did not have the power to give his devine creations life. That power belonged only to Iluvatar.
When the Dwarves were created the voice of Iluvatar spoke to Aule and it was agreed upon that Iluvatar would grant the Dwarves true life, and include them in his plan for Arda. Iluvatar, however, would not allow the Dwarves to awaken until after the Firstborn (the Elves), and so Aule set each of his beloved creations apart from one another, deep underground, until the time would come when Iluvatar would give his permission to awaken Aule's children.
Like Aule their creator, the Dwarves excelled in the smith craft and stone working; they mined and worked metals throughout the mountains of Middle-earth and became very skilled craftsmen and miners. The Dwarves developed a lust for precious metals and gem stones and were know for their taste of malted beverages.
The Dwarves did not like to socialize or interact with other races for they were loaners and liked their privacy; their language, Khuzdul, was a closely guarded secret, and they told their true Dwarfish names to only members of their own clan.
Aule made the Dwarves at a time when the World outside Aman still lay under the dominion of Melkor. From the very beginnings, Melkor sought power and mastery over others. Melkor had the greatest gifts of skill, power, and, knowledge. He also shared in all the gifts that his fellow Ainur possessed. Melkor coveted the Imperishable Flame, for he desired to create beings in his own image. So Aule made the Dwarves sturdy and hardy enough to survive the battles of powers that were unleashed upon the inhabitants of Middle-earth.
In nature, the typical Dwarf is stubborn and secretive. However secretive they maybe, Dwarves make loyal and good friends, they are also a proud and stern race and are quick to meet any challenge that lay before them. They do not suffer grievance or insult, and their enmity is long-lasting. Dwarves are said to be quick to learn new skills and have above average intelligence. They are smarter than a Goblin or an Orc and yet do not have the intellectual prowess of a human. Dwarves are superior close quarter warriors for their height and do not tire easily during the heat of battle.
Probably the best known aspect of the Dwarvish character, though, is their strong instinctive skills in the working of metal and stone, no doubt derived from Aule their maker, the Vala whose province these things were. In ancient times, they were said to have preferred working with copper and iron, though in later days they wrought gold and silver, and the Mithril they found in the Mines of Khazad-dum. Though Dwarves live much longer than mortal man ( two to three human life spans longer), are not immortal but have the same mortality traits as do humans.
They have extremely well developed musculature and are susceptible to most human diseases. Dwarves are comfortable in the darkness, but also in daylight. They can see perfectly in both. This is a unique advantage which only the dwarves have in battle. What happens after their death remains a mystery. The Elves have said that the Dwarves return to the stone from which they were made, however Dwarves see their venture to the great beyond in a different manner. According to Dwarvish tradition, they are gathered by Mahal (their name for Aule) in a part of the Halls of Mandos thta has been set aside for them. After the end of the world and the last battle, Dwarves believe they will aid Aule in the rebuilding of Arda.
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