Niküa

Alpha-2 Niküa character models and starting gear 3D turntable.^[2]

Niküa (pronounced Ni-koo-ah^[3]^[4]) are a playable Dünzenkell Dwarven race in Ashes of Creation.^[5]^[6]

The Tropics biome is intended to be the home of the Niküa.^[7]

Exploration - Optimism - Hospitality

Three things matter most to the Nikua: family, open sky, and a sail full of wind. They're renowned explorers, sailors, fisherfolk, and adventurers who maintain the reliability of their cousins, the Dunir, without the discipline.^[5]

The Nikua act according to the decisions of an elected council of five elders, but are generally only loosely associated outside of their home waters. Their adaptability, and community-oriented nature guide their social structure.^[5]

Their accommodating nature is balanced by the council's unanimous decisions, shaping cautious diplomacy.^[5]

Appearance

Latest Dünir female character concept art.^[8]

The female Dünir models have received some upgrades!^[8]

Facial hair has been portrayed on Dünir male and female characters, and Niküa male characters.^[1]^[9]^[8]
Body hair may also be a character customization option for female Dünir.^[10]
The developers updated the Dünir dwarves' design to have a more stout traditional fantasy appearance based on feedback from Alpha-1.^[11]^[12]
Niküa dwarves have a "halfling" appearance.^[11]^[12]

Some of the following information has not been recently confirmed by the developers and may not be on the current development roadmap.

Facial hair is characteristic of the Dünir, not the Niküa.^[13]
Female Dünir beards will not match that of the male. It will be more of a braided option that is not as voluminous.^[13]

Artistic influence

The Niküa have a Polynesian influence.^[14]^[15]

Dünzenkell Dwarves

Dwarf concept art.^[16]

Dwarves are born with the beard attached to their skull and it just takes time for the beard to grow out of the skin, but the beard is there from the start.^[17] – Steven Sharif

Dwarf facts from in-game.^{[ citation needed ]}

Little known fact; Dwarves actually have the strongest leg muscles among the divine races on Verra.^{[ citation needed ]}

Dünzenkell Dwarves are split into two races: Dünir and Niküa.^[6]

Deep in the mountains of Verra legend tells of a forge created by the gods, from whence all Dwarves are originated. Fabled to be the first created of the major races, the Dwarves are said to have arrived on the continents with ships made of stone and steel. Dwarven smiths and craftsmen are found far and wide across Verra. The center of the Dwarven race is the nation of Dünzenkell, found deep in the northern mountains. Dwarven society tends to be heavily matriarchal and their clans existing under the oftentimes eldest matriarch. Dwarves are closely connected to one-another by alliances forged between family guilds. The Dwarven child is marked at a young age with his or her guild sigil. Some dwarves banished from Dünzenkell or having chose to walk a path alone will often have their sigils burned from their skin.^[18] – Steven Sharif

The Dünzenkell nation, deep within the mountains of Verra exists the oldest nation in the world. The Dünzenkell have been known as many names over the ages, but only one name has graced the highest mountain, within which their capital has stood since the beginning of recorded history: Dün. The Dwarves of the Dünzenkell rule through a council of guilds. A royal family is chosen once every 200 years by this council to rule. Currently the right to rule falls on the shoulders of King Grimlay. It has been nearly 400 years since a king has lead the Dünzenkell. Traditionally this role falls to the matriarchs of the family. Expeditions are often sent into the Underrealm from Dün; and there many believe lies the source of secrets among the Dwarves and their success with mastering artisanship. Untold magic lies deep within Verra. It's source not known to many. Dünzenkell has long benefited from this source though. It has fueled the expansion of the Dwarven kingdoms throughout the northern mountains.^[19] – Steven Sharif