The Creation of the Dwarves
When the gods shaped the world, each sought to create a race that reflected their own greatness. While Giants already dominated the world with unmatched strength and wisdom, the goddess Maphr refused to accept that her creations would remain inferior.
Instead of focusing on physical power, Maphr gifted her children with intelligence, curiosity, discipline, and an unmatched desire to understand the material world. She believed that through knowledge and innovation, they would one day surpass even the Giants.
These creations became the Dwarves, a race destined to master engineering, mathematics, craftsmanship, and industry.
Servants of the Giants
During the Age of Giants, Dwarves served as engineers, bankers, craftsmen, and laborers. Under Maphr's guidance, they studied Absolute Geometry, a mysterious science said to explain the laws governing the material world.
This knowledge enabled them to achieve extraordinary feats, including the construction of magnificent structures such as the legendary Sky Gardens and the Palace of Karnak.
The secrets of Absolute Geometry were recorded on stone tablets written in the language of the Giants. To prevent misuse, only Dwarven elders were taught how to read them, passing the knowledge down through generations.
Dwarves also played a crucial role in mining Star Diamonds and helping construct one of the greatest achievements of the Giants: the Sky Railway.
The Fall of the Giants
Everything changed after the Giants were defeated in their war against the gods.
Fearing that the advanced technology of the Giants might fall into mortal hands, the gods shattered Maphr's sacred tablets into twelve pieces and scattered them across the continent. Much of the world's advanced knowledge was lost, and civilization entered a period of decline.
While Elves struggled for dominance and other races fought for survival, the Dwarves focused on preserving knowledge and rebuilding civilization.
They established the underground city known as Labyrinth, where they continued studying the remnants of Giant technology and sought to uncover the secrets hidden by the gods.
The Rise of the Guilds
Dwarven society became organized around powerful guilds, each responsible for a different aspect of civilization:
Black Anvil Guild — Blacksmiths and craftsmen.
Gray Pillar Guild — Builders, miners, and engineers.
Iron Gate Guild — Guards and bankers.
Silver Scale Guild — Merchants and diplomats.
Golden Wheel Guild — Transporters and suppliers.
Through discipline, organization, and relentless work, the Dwarves became the most industrious race on the continent.
The Dream of the Sky Wagon
As their kingdom prospered, Dwarves revived the mining of Star Diamonds and restarted work on the legendary Sky Wagon project.
Their dream was ambitious: to create a flying transport capable of reaching the Sea of Stars and even the realm of the gods.
Massive rail networks were constructed, tunnels were carved through mountains, and mining operations expanded. However, the enormous project came at a terrible cost. Many miners lost their lives during construction, including Master Corona, whose sacrifice was commemorated by the creation of Corona Pass.
Despite their efforts, the project eventually exceeded available resources and was abandoned after a series of tragic events.
Even today, legends and ghost stories surrounding the Sky Railway continue to attract adventurers seeking its secrets.
Political Survival and Prosperity
As wars erupted across the continent, the Dwarves adopted a practical approach to politics.
When conflicts broke out between Elves, Humans, and Orcs, the Dwarves avoided taking unnecessary risks and instead aligned themselves with whichever alliances best protected their interests and trade.
This strategy proved highly successful.
Human kingdoms relied heavily on Dwarven weapons, armor, engineering, and financial expertise. As a result, Dwarven influence spread throughout the continent, and their merchants became trusted partners in nearly every major city.
The Fall of the Dwarven Kingdom
Prosperity eventually gave way to invasion.
Human armies and resurgent Orc forces attacked the Dwarven kingdom. Despite fierce resistance, the Dwarves were ultimately forced to abandon their homeland.
According to legend, the Dwarven king personally fought until the very end, buying time for his people to escape into the northern mountains.
Though displaced, the Dwarves discovered new opportunities in their harsh northern refuge. The region contained vast deposits of rare minerals, including the largest Mithril vein in the world.
Leadership passed to a Council of Elders representing the major guilds, though many Dwarves still believe a descendant of the ancient king will one day return and lead their people into a new golden age.
The Mithril Mine and the Awakening of Trasken
While searching for new Mithril deposits, Dwarven miners unknowingly uncovered an enormous underground cavern.
Unfortunately, the cavern served as the lair of Trasken, a monstrous Earth Wyrm and one of the most terrifying creations of Shilen.
The creature emerged from its slumber and began devastating Dwarven settlements.
Unable to stop the monster through conventional means, the Dwarves placed their hopes in a hero named Lucien and his warriors.
Armed with the finest equipment available and aided by powerful sealing magic, Lucien's forces confronted Trasken in a desperate battle.
Rather than attempting to kill the massive creature outright, they focused on containing it before it could spawn countless offspring. Five sealing altars were erected around the mine, creating a magical barrier that ultimately imprisoned the beast.
The victory saved Dwarven civilization and elevated Lucien to legendary status. His name remains honored throughout Dwarven lands to this day.
Innovation Beyond Warfare
Dwarven achievements extended far beyond the battlefield.
Inventors and engineers continued experimenting with ancient Giant technology. One notable success was the development of siege golems, powerful mechanical constructs that earned the Black Anvil Guild widespread fame and respect.
As their reputation grew, Dwarves became known throughout the continent as master craftsmen, reliable merchants, skilled diplomats, and trusted financial experts.
Their influence reached nearly every kingdom through trade, banking, manufacturing, and engineering.
The Merchants of Mammon
Not all Dwarven enterprises followed traditional values.
Over time, a secretive organization known as the Merchants of Mammon emerged. These traders gained immense wealth and influence after entering into forbidden agreements with demonic forces.
While their activities violated long-standing Dwarven principles, their success became legendary. Through mysterious connections to catacombs and the underworld, they acquired unique goods and extraordinary riches.
Although officially exiled from Dwarven society, many merchants secretly admired the power and prosperity they had achieved.
Legacy of the Dwarves
Among all the races of Lineage II, the Dwarves stand apart for their dedication to knowledge, craftsmanship, and innovation.
From the Age of Giants to the battle against Trasken, their history is defined by perseverance, ingenuity, and an unwavering desire to uncover the secrets of the world.
While other races pursued glory through conquest, the Dwarves built their legacy through industry, technology, and the pursuit of progress—qualities that continue to define them throughout the world of Lineage II.
