The Dwarves are a recurring race in the Suikoden series.
General Overview
Dwarves are a humanoid race standing around four feet tall. They are particularly noted not only for their short stature, but their rather stocky stature. A generally secretive race, dwarves tend to have little to do with humans. Their life span is also one of the longest; Dwarves age at a rate roughly 1.7 times slower than humans. Dwarven longevity is partly attributed to the fact they that dwell underground or far away from human settlements. This is not out of xenophobia, but stems from general indifference and disinterest in other races. Despite their physical similarities, the Dwarves of the Toran Republic are different than their Falenan counterparts.
In Falena, the dwarves have a culture largely built on mining and tunnelling. This craft is taken to such an extreme that the females are generally responsible for making sure the males don't pass out from exhaustion or lack of air. Their unique culture also extends to their food, which cave lizards, mole frogs, and fish being among the dwarven staples. Besides digging, they are noted for an exceptional skill in blacksmithing and for laying an exceptionally long underground railway from their own home all the way to the Deep Twilight Forest beyond Sauronix Castle. Thanks to their isolated position in the mountains, Falenan dwarves were rather indifferent to other races and would allow them to freely roam in their camp. Despite their indifference to humans, the dwarves inevitably became involved in the Falenan Civil War and officially became citizens of the country with the establishment of the New Parliament.
Unlike the southern dwarves, the Toran dwarves are less concerned with tunnelling and live completely above ground. They make their home in the Great Forest and are separated from the elves and kobolds by a carefully guarded mountain path. Unlike most of the world, they have carefully maintained the skill of alchemy, which was likely passed on to them by the Sindar. With this talent they enjoy the benefits of electricity (provided by wind power) and artificial light. However most of their inventions are never put to use and are instead carefully preserved in a giant vault located north of their village.
Notable examples of Toran dwarves' ingenuity include robots, Fire Spears, the Burning Mirror, the Firewind Cannon, and other powerful weapons. Most of their inventions are never used, although the plans are occasionally sold (as well as their superior armour) to whoever is willing to pay the price for them. Unlike their Falenan counterparts, these dwarves greatly disliked the elves and typically looked down on the skills of humans. During the Toran Liberation War, the dwarves generally remained neutral in the conflict, but provided support to the Liberation Army.
Prominent dwarves include: Dowango, Chief of Dwarf Village, Twaikin, Wabon, Gunde, Zunda, Dongo, and Bergen.
Dwarves as enemies
Being highly protective of their own territory and wary of other races, it is not uncommon that dwarves attack the uncaring traveller.