Dwarves are small, stocky humanoids known for their industriousness and tenacity in battle. They usually live in elaborate underground cities, built beneath mountains, but can adapt to almost any climate. Dwarves harbor a deep respect for the earth and rock, stable things that stand the test of time.
Society[]
Almost all Dwarves are warriors, inventors, or hard laborers. Dwarves have a very strict work ethic, and do not believe in leisure or wasting time. They are also very family-oriented folk, and it is common for businesses and occupations to be handed down through many generations. Although they will freely cooperate with the other good, and sometimes neutral, races, Dwarves tend to look down upon those who do not work as hard as they do and waste too much time on entertainment
Combat[]
Dwarves make some of the fiercest warriors in all the lands. They prefer a good close-quarters fight to the use of magic and missile weapons, but that does not stop them from laying siege to well-fortified cities with archers and bombards. Although they look down upon stealth tactics, they have been known to attack from underground caves and over mountains to gain the element of surprise.
Units[]
Level 1[]
Portait | Name | Description |
---|---|---|
Dwarf Archer | Dwarven archers are about average in their ability to use a bow. Although Dwarven bows are smaller in size by necessity, their composite construction allows them to fire with the same power and range as larger bows. With practice and experience, Dwarven archers become more lethal with the bow and arrows. Like other Dwarves, they are able to move easily underground and traverse large mountains. Their inborn hardiness also gives them a natural resistance to many magical effects and poison. | |
Dwarf Axeman | Dwarves prefer to strike their enemy with an axe. And though it has led to some confusion and misunderstandings among the Elves, Dwarves do not use the battleaxe on trees. They can train to become quite proficient with both axe and shield. Like other Dwarves, axemen are able to move easily underground and easily traverse large mountains. Their inborn hardiness also gives them a natural resistance to many magical effects and poison. Like other Dwarves, axemen are able to move easily underground and easily traverse large mountains. Their inborn hardiness also gives them a natural resistance to many magical effects and poison. | |
Battering Ram | The battering ram is a standard piece of equipment for almost every civilized race. It is also often a necessary one for conquest and expansion. Made of sturdy wood construction, a ram can withstand a fair amount of damage. | |
Dwarf Berserker | The Dwarven Berserker does not rely on any sort of formal training to defeat his adversaries so much as he does on sheer rage and strength. Berserkers disdain armor, as it only inhibits their mobility when plowing through the ranks of their enemies. They thrive on combat, and even on being outnumbered (which, to them, means more fighting). Dwarves do not look upon Berserkers as war-crazed deviants, rather they are honored as the bravest warriors among other Dwarves. Like other Dwarves, they are resistant to magical and other effects. Berserkers are seldom impeded by the weakening effects of poisons. |
Level 2[]
Portait | Name | Description |
---|---|---|
Dwarf Cleric | Dwarves cherish the stalwart and firm nature or rock and earth. Dwarven Clerics, in particular, derive their power from the earth and the powers that organized it. They revere the symbolic steadfastness and stability of stone, while still encouraging the inventiveness of the dwarven heart. They possess the power to heal, dispel magic, and turn the Undead. They are resistant to poison, magic, and--like the steady stone--fear nothing. Their deliberate study of the stuff of wisdom has led their people to ally with the Giants and other creatures which were considered too slow to be of value. | |
Dwarf Boar Rider | Dwarven Boar Riders, wielding great axes, are among the fiercest mounted warriors, rivaling the Orcish heavy cavalry. Boars are not able to move as quickly as full-sized horses, but they enable the Dwarven riders to move much faster than foot soldiers. Like other Dwarves, their inborn hardiness also gives them a natural resistance to many magical effects and poison. Though mocked by other races as "Pig-lovers" the Dwarves share a strong bond of trust with the formidable swine. The boars are sure-footed, even across rocky mountain passes. | |
Bombardier | The Dwarves invented the bombardier shortly after discovering the explosive mix of sulfur, charcoal and saltpeter. The device was made to hold a large quantity of boom-powder in a great metal caldron, which hurls a heavy rounded piece of ore over long distances. Roughly as accurate as a catapult, but with greater range, the bombardier has led to the obsolescence of catapults among the Dwarves. | |
Ballista | Although mechanically different from crossbows, Ballistas function quite similarly. Ballistas are siege machines that are most effectively deployed at long ranges against other units rather than city walls. Their javelins are much more accurate and aerodynamic than the boulder of a catapult. Several ballistas can provide excellent cover for catapults and rams attempting to breach a city's outer wall. |
Level 3[]
Portait | Name | Description |
---|---|---|
Giant | For reasons forgotten over time, Giants are kindred to Dwarves. Regardless of the validity of that notion, these immense beings maintained good relations with their shorter counterparts. Since Dwarves respect the slow and stalwart, Giants are ideal allies. Giants lack the sophistication of Dwarves and are commonly said to be stupid. Not unlike Trolls, Bards sings tales of simple children outwitting Giants or defeating them with a simple weapon like a sling. In combat, Giants wield huge tree-trunk clubs which deal devastation to everything they strike. Giant can hurl boulders at opponents or walls, enabling the Dwarves to avoid complicated siege engines. | |
Dwarven Balloon | The Dwarven Balloon, or Zeppelin as it eventually came to be known, is an expansive balloon-like structure with a small transport compartment. By utilizing a propeller and sails the ship can carry troops over the all sorts of obstacles. It can be used to carry up to five passenger-troops at a time. | |
Dwarf Mole | The Great Mole is a docile creature which was nearly hunted to extinction by the Goblins as a source of food. Dwarven Clerics, however, discovered the creatures were quite intelligent, for animals, and could be trained by a Dwarf with patience and diligence. With the help of a trainer they learn to be alert and ferocious fighters. Giant Moles, without a trainer are almost completely blind. To compensate, trainers employ devices to enhance their underground vision. Moles have great claws which not only do damage to enemies but are used to rip tunnels through the earth. As with the Wild Boar, with their trainer's expertise Moles have been known to cross high mountains without too much difficulty, but they prefer life underground. Moles eat a diet of Big Beetle grubs, and Sandworm Larvae. They are resistant to poison. |
Level 4[]
Portait | Name | Description |
---|---|---|
Dwarf First Born | Legend holds that the Dwarves were created from the earth itself, molded from raw earth and molten rock. Some of these ancient fiery primeval Dwarves still exist and are known as the First Born. The First Born are rarely seen and will only appear in battle for the cause of good and justice. The First Born possess enormous strength, and typically make very formidable foes in combat. The First Born's composition makes it immune to all fire-based attacks and gives it the ability to ignite flammable materials without the use of any tool. |