Dwarves
The Dwarven Races: The first of the Stout Folk are the Dwarves. From the mysterious Shadow Dwarf, to the noble Stone Dwarf, and the nearly broken Sundered Dwarf these ancient people all share the same stubbornness and singlemindedness of their forefathers.
Additionally, Dwarves are extremely long-lived, aging only one year for every seven Human years. These attributes enable these beings to be such an enduring power in the realm.
Stone Dwarf
These stocky and sturdy cousins of the Shadow Dwarves are believed to have arisen from the very rock of the realm’s mountains. These noble beings have left an indelible mark on history.
The Dwarves’ legendary love of song, history, and drink certainly belies their amazing fierceness in the arts of war.
Makeup Requirements
Dwarves have only one make-up requirement. Male and female characters alike must wear (or have) a full beard. Note: This beard must be approved by a Marshall.
Costuming of a Nordic or Slavic type is encouraged as is costuming which would safely add to the look or feel of a Dwarf such as shoulder pads or broad waist belts.
Population
15 per 100 players in the game.
Profession Information
Preferred Professions: Warrior, Cavalier, or Smith
Forbidden Professions: Marauder, Knight of Darkness, Magi and Sorcerer
Preferred Magic: Hearth or Healer
Forbidden Magic: None
Affinities
Weapon: Hammers and Axes (DR with Shield)
Magic: Runes & Hearth
Production: Armorsmith & Weaponsmith
Skill Information
Special Skills: Resist Toxin & Resist Disease (up to 5 times each)
Special Masteries: Dwarven Weapon Master (All Axes (Cleaving) & Blunt Weapons)
Inherent Advantages:
Because of a natural toughness, Dwarves start with +10 hit points, and thus may attain +10 hit points over their profession’s hit point cap.
Dwarven tradition has led to breakthroughs in stone and metalworking and study of Rune magic.
This allows Dwarves to purchase the Rune Lore skill at half cost.
The following skills are also purchased at half skill point cost, rounded up: Stonemason & Blacksmithing
Stone Dwarves may also purchase the Apprentice, Journeyman, Master and Grandmaster Armorsmith & Weaponsmith skills for -1 skill points if their profession allows, and for 10 skill points each even if their profession is restricted from learning these skills.
Dwarfs may purchase Armorsmithing and Weaponsmithing levels for 6 skill points each even if their profession does not normally allow these skills, or even beyond their profession’s normal limits.
Natural resilience permits a Stone Dwarf to purchase the Resist Disease & Resist Toxin skills up to 5 times each.
Stone Dwarves may purchase levels of the Improved Armor Skill and Wear Extra Armor skill for -1 skill points as well.
Stone Dwarves may purchase all skills relating to shields at -1 skill points as well. (i.e. Shield Use, Shield Block and Shield Bash)
Starting Stone Dwarves may buy the Nobility skill if they wish.
Inherent Disadvantages:
Because of their stout stature, Dwarves are unable to purchase the Bow, or Weapon Master - Missile Weapons skills. Though Dwarves may learn and excel at the Crossbow and Thrown Weapon skills.
Stubbornness prevents efficient learning of Ethereal magic; therefore, any Ethereal Arts skill costs triple (x3) the normal skill points cost.