On Dwarven Bone

Dwarven bone is not simply Human bone made heavier. The distinction is worth making because otherwise competent physicians continue to assume that a Dwarf’s remarkable skeletal density is merely the result of increased mineral content. The microscopic architecture differs as well: Dwarven cortical bone is unusually thick, trabecular structures are densely arranged, and the geometry of load-bearing surfaces distributes force with exceptional efficiency.

This makes fractures comparatively uncommon. It does not make them pleasant. When a Dwarven bone does break, the force required is often substantial, which means the surrounding soft tissue has usually suffered considerable injury as well. Setting such fractures is difficult in its own right, since the bone resists manipulation with an enthusiasm normally associated with masonry. A Human surgeon once described reduction of a Dwarven femoral fracture as “attempting to persuade a bridge support to reconsider its position,” and I consider this accurate.

The usual romantic explanation is that Dwarves are “made from stone.” The anatomical explanation is that their skeletons are extraordinarily well adapted to compact bodies bearing high loads over long periods. The stone explanation remains more popular because it requires less reading.