Dwarves

Short, thick and driven with purpose are the race of Dwarves. Thick luxurious beards adorn the faces of both the males and females of the dwarf race. Gruff in demeanor, but good at heart, a dwarf is a staunch ally but a fierce opponent. Dwarves are driven to create things that will outlast even their impressive lifetimes. Dwarf engineers and stonecutters have built the most incredible buildings in the world, and dwarf metalwork is second to none. The strength of the dwarf is beyond belief for their size, and they are tireless in their endeavors. Dwarves are knowledgeable about a wide variety of topics, but are opinionated and it takes a lot to change their minds once they have been made up. This stubbornness is not always a detriment however as many of their greatest discoveries resulted directly from a dwarf refusing to give up. Norm Size: 700 years 46 5 Weight: 135-185 lbs Lifespan: 400

Dwarf warriors are built and equipped specifically for heavy combat. Even the weakest dwarf can easily lift twice his body weight over his head. Heavy slashing and bludgeoning weapons are the tools of choice for a dwarf; axes, heavy slashing swords, war hammers, flails and maces all made from super-hard dwarf steel. Crossbows with incredible draw strength augment the dwarf heavy infantry, when it marches into battle. Thick plate armor forged from dwarf steel (as hard and strong as titanium) wrap the dwarf warrior from head to toe. Even with all the weight of the armor, the dwarves can move quickly over short bursts. Their great strength allows them to carry the weight without effect. A dwarf army on the march will travel fully armed and armored, with their weight in supplies on their backs, and tirelessly dozens of miles between short rests. Dwarves wade into battle in tried and proven battle formations. Little can halt an advancing wedge of dwarf heavy infantry. With shields up, they crash into their enemies, pushing hard while slashing and smashing anything in the way. Heavy armored boots stomp on any enemy that falls before the steel wall, snapping bones and crushing the life out of them. Once the enemys lines are broken, the formations will break as dwarves surge outward to wreak havoc among the enemy. Dwarves society is clan based, where the elders take lead in all clan matters. Dwarf clans regularly communicate with each other to coordinate tasks and materials for their projects under way. The Dwarf Kings power (outside of war time) is mostly contained in diplomatic relations with other races and within his immediate clan. During a war however, the kings power is absolute and is paramount over all other authorities. Males and females share duties equally, and marriage is considered a sacred and

permanent bond. Personal relationships with a dwarf take a long time to develop, but once established are deep and lasting. Many a dwarf has marched to battle with a friend, regardless if the friend is in the right or not. Fierce loyalty is a hallmark of the dwarf. Dwarves love roasted meats, root vegetables, and breads of all kinds. Their great herds provide milk that is made into all kinds of cheeses, and dwarves are master brewers & distillers. Dwarves work no magic, preferring science and technology. What magic that they do create is not cast, but is more summoned during in the process of creation. A dwarf smith learns the prayers and incantations early on as an apprentice. He sings and chants as he works dedicating his effort to the gods, while calling on them to bless his work. As time goes by, and his skills increase, so to does the magic worked into his creations. Ancient mastersmiths have been known to create weapons of incredible power that are imbued with special abilities almost at the will of the crafter.