Dwarves are known for their skill in warfare, their ability to withstand physical and magical punishments, their knowledge of the earth's secrets, their hard work and their capacity for drinking ale. Their mysterious kingdoms, carved from the insides of mountains, are renowned for the marvelous treasures that they produce as gifts for trade.

Physical Description

Dwarves stand only 4 to 4 1/2 feet tall, but they are so broad and compact that they are, on average, almost as heavy as humans. Dwarf men are slightly taller and noticeably heavier than dwarf women. Dwarf men value their beards and groom them very carefully. Dwarves are considered adults at about age 40 and they can live to be more than 400 years old.

Alignment

Dwarves are usually lawful and they tend toward good. Adventuring dwarves are less likely to fit the common mold, however, since they're more likely those who didn't fit perfectly into dwarven society.

Religion

The chief deity of the dwarves is Moradin, the Soul Forger. He is the creator of the dwarves and he expects his followers to work for the betterment of the dwarf race.

Racial Traits

• +2 Constitution, -2 Charisma.


• Medium: As Medium creatures, dwarves have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.


• Dwarf base land speed is 20 feet. However, dwarves can move at this speed even when wearing medium or heavy armor or when carrying a medium or heavy load.


• Weapon Familiarity: Dwarves may treat dwarven war axes as martial weapons rather than exotic weapons.


• Stability: +4 bonus on ability checks made to resist being bull rushed or tripped when standing on the ground.


• +2 racial bonus on saving throws vs. poison.


• +2 racial bonus on saving throws vs. spells and spell-like effects.


• +1 racial bonus on attack rolls vs. orcs and goblinoids.


• +4 dodge bonus to Armor Class vs. giant-type creatures, such as ogres, trolls and hill giants.


• +2 racial bonus on Appraise checks related to stone or metal items.


• Favored Class: Fighter.