Dwarf

## Dwarfs - Masters of Steel and Stone

### **Background**

Dwarves possess an abiding love for stone and earth, having carved their home city of Kaladim deep into the dense rock of the Butcherblock Mountains. Considered excellent miners, Dwarves love to harvest rare and precious gems from the depths of the earth. This ancient race is strongly motivated by honor and loyalty. They also know how to balance work and play, and how to tell a good story. If a Dwarf is ever wronged, it can be painful for the wrongdoer, as Dwarves tend to hold a grudge. Their willingness to fight for what they believe in, combined with their natural strength, makes Dwarves excellent Fighters. Although a bit awkward in stride, their nimble fingers and close ties to the earth allow them to be skilled Scouts. Dwarves are distrustful of most magic and are not prone to take up the magical arts, although there have been exceptions.

### **Faith**

Dwarves are devoted to their creator, Brell Serilis. No matter how long his direct influence has been absent from their lives, their faith will not waver. While Scouts often choose to worship Bristlebane, the King of Thieves, none will forget the debt owed to their maker.

### **Effects of the Shattering**

The Dwarves’ love of culture and tradition runs deep. While most Dwarves are resolved to work together with the other races and rebuild the world, a few sing songs of deep and hopeless sorrow, wanting only to return to their beloved Kaladim. As a kind of comfort and therapy, Dwarves surround themselves with decoration and architecture that reminds them of home. There is not a Dwarf in Norrath — no matter how battle hardened — who will not shed a tear when thinking about his beloved Butcherblock Mountains.

### **Pros and Cons**

#### **Pros:**

* Dwarves have long been known for their ability to hold ground in almost any adverse situation. A good combination of Strength and Stamina makes this possible, and draws Dwarves naturally to the path of the Fighter. They will do well in any heavy-hitting class, though if you pursue Monk, do try to pick up some Agility-boost items to make you lighter on your feet.
* Dwarves are naturally wise and make excellent Priests, being much tougher than the other “wise” races. This means you will last longer when a battle goes sour and a creature starts gnawing on your leg. Dwarves are arguably the best choice for a “tanking” Cleric, while giving up very little Power. You will find your natural Strength enables you to carry more armor (and loot) than Elves and Erudites, the other “wise” races.
* The only race in which the females can grow a proper beard.

#### **Cons:**

* Dwarves are all good aligned. Thus, if you wish to join an evil Freeport Guild or pursue an evil profession, you will have to undertake the Betrayal Quest, a long and arduous task.
* They are not suited to the pure casting classes. Dwarves have never had much use for froofy finger-wiggling, leaving that to the races that cannot fight their own battles. You will face a significant deficit in Power, should you decide to follow the path of the Mage … but, we still beat Trolls in that department.
* Dwarves are not as agile as some, so are not as suited to Scouting as the Elven races. Should you choose that path, you will find a strong arm indeed behind your dagger. As far as the Bard path goes, if you cannot sing well, simply sing louder!