It’s a question that sometimes arises—especially from readers new to the world of Vacari

Where are the Dwarves?

The answer is simple: they do not live in Vacari—and for good reason.

Vacari is a realm of ancient forests, sacred groves, wild magics, and deep spiritual connections to the natural world.

The forests are not just scenery—they are alive, and in many cases, sentient. They pulse with celestial energy, and when they suffer, the land feels it. More importantly, so does Keisha.

As seen in Shadows Unveiled, Keisha is not just an Eladrin—she is uniquely bound to the forests of Vacari. When harm befalls them, she feels it as if it were her own pain. Her bond to the land goes far beyond typical Elven attunement. Vacari breathes through her.

Dwarves, by nature, are builders, miners, and crafters—proud skills with a rightful place in the world.

But their instinct to shape, to dig, and to extract would create imbalance in a realm like Vacari. To them, a forest might be seen as resources—lumber, fuel, space.

To Keisha and to the ancient spirits of the land, that mindset is incompatible. Even the noble dragons, though varied in temperament, would not stand idly by if Vacari’s delicate equilibrium were threatened.

This is why the Dwarves chose not to settle there.

But that is not to say they are absent from the world entirely.

In neighboring Afor, the desert realm, their presence is far more feasible.

The sands and stone offer a foundation more suitable to their craft, without the volatile spirit of Vacari’s forests.

And in Shadows of Betrayal, Prince Gailen's journey into Etharyon—a world far removed from the forests of Vacari—hints at lands where Dwarves could thrive.

While they were not present near the Moon Elves of that realm, there may yet be deep mountains or citadels in the distant reaches of Etharyon where Dwarven kingdoms slumber or stir.

For now, the Dwarves remain outside Vacari’s story.

Whether they rise elsewhere is a matter for future books.

May the Light of Vacari shine.