Many dwarves can be found in the human cities of the Arwondel Kingdoms. They were originally brought from Mervin Hills as slaves to serve the Barinorr Empire, but as the empire crumbled they regained their freedom. While many returned to their homelands, some settled for good. As time passed, word spread of the opportunities for skilled craftsmen in the cities, and dwarves from both Dar'Kolbur and Mervin Hills traveled south to seek their fortune. Descendants of the Mervin dwarves are most numerous in the Valgarn Kingdom, while those of Dar'Kolbur heritage favor the rival Kingdom of Torindal. The Arwondel dwarves generally live together with their kin in dwarven city blocks, trying to preserve their dwarven traditions despite the bustling city life. The city dwarves hold many prestigious roles in society, such as bankers, weapon masters, blacksmiths and craftsmen of runes and heraldry.