Alviss is a dwarf that is currently working on a dig in the dungeons beneath Miscellania. He is also researching the Fremenniks' and dwarves' past history. Although he doesn't mention where he's from, it is likely he has travelled to the island from Keldagrim, the dwarven capital city.
Alviss is one of a group of mining dwarves hired by King Vargas of Miscellania to expand the caves beneath the kingdom's castle. These caves, which were formerly dungeons, have proven to provide good housing for the kingdom's people. Because the dwarves have long been a subterranean people, Vargas has selected them to expand the caves.
However, because the dig must be done slowly, the dwarves work in shifts of two. Alviss is not currently digging, and so has the time off. During this time, he has been researching the past historical connections between the dwarves and Fremenniks, who have long inhabited what is now the Fremennik Province. Although his research is still in its early stages, Alviss has found a number of mythological connections between the two, suggesting that they had some type of contact prior to the dwarves' hiding during the God Wars.
A recent Giant Sea Snake infestation has temporarily put Alviss and his crew's mining project on hold. During the Royal Trouble quest, players help eliminate the snakes, saving the project.