SDS

The 'SDS' is, at its most basic level, a form of military intelligence. It maintains a number of 'agents' which it deploys to undertake difficult missions, often in secret, for little reward expect the knowledge that the dwarven people are safer.

Officially, the SDS was founded in the dwarven city of Overlook in the 10th century as a means of putting its most ingenious citizens to good use instead of allowing their talents go to waste. However the number of dwarves that volunteered for this duty was so low as to make the scheme unworkable. Hence the SDS 'recruits' its members, often with offers that 'can't be refused'.

The SDS is often called the 'Secret Dwarf Service' by its operatives. This is patently ludicrous because no "secret" organisation would advertise the fact, but many members of the military refer to it as such. Some operatives believe the actual title is 'Suicidal Dwarf Service' due to the nature of some of the missions they are sent on but as many operatives go on to lead long lives this is probably exaggeration.

Sadly the truth of the matter is that the SDS is how Overlook deals with its criminals. Not wanting to maintain a prison they instead offer those with 'usable' skills in combat or espionage three simple alternatives;

• hard labour
• training and employment in the SDS
• death penalty

Not many take the first or last choices.

The name 'SDS' is actually an acronym for the people that are employed by Overlook for this work: Scoundrels, Drunkards and Sociopaths.