Short answers, pulled from the story.
The dwarf concept in Dungeons & Dragons traces back to Norse and Teutonic mythology. Germanic stories like The Ring of the Nibelungen and Brothers Grimm fairy tales such as Rumpelstiltskin served as ancestors for these creatures. Dwarves appeared alongside giants as one of the first non-human types introduced into Chainmail, a wargame that preceded D&D.
Female dwarves in Tolkien novels could also grow beards though this varied greatly across editions. World of Greyhawk allowed all dwarves including females to grow beards but only some chose to shave them. Artist William O'Conner received specific direction during the fourth edition preview to change how female dwarves were depicted with no beard on their faces.
Dwarves worship Moradin who they believe created them using gems and metal. Legends state Moradin fashioned dwarves into his likeness then breathed life into them. Many campaign settings include a pantheon led by Moradin alongside Abbathor Berronar Truesilver Clanggedin Silverbeard Dugmaren Brightmantle Dumathoin Muamman Duathal Vergadain Laduguer serves as god of duergar.
Dethek script appears in the Cyclopedia of the Realms released with Forgotten Realms Campaign Set in 1987. This runic-type script translates directly into Common language used throughout the game world. Dwarves prefer not writing on perishable materials preferring metal or stone inscriptions instead.
Athas planet Dark Sun campaign setting features dwarves under five feet tall weighing nearly two hundred pounds. Each dwarf pursues singular obsession called focus requiring minimum one week completion time. Physically unique among kind having no hair at all.