Dwarves

Description

The Dwarves of Ansalon are a stout and industrious people, known for their unparalleled skill in crafting, metalworking, and stonecutting. Standing at around 4½ feet tall, with dense builds that make them appear heavier than their stature suggests, dwarves possess a rugged strength that mirrors their hardy nature. Both male and female dwarves can grow facial hair, though only males cultivate full beards, which are meticulously groomed as symbols of pride and heritage.

Dwarves are often perceived as gruff and reserved, but among trusted companions, they reveal a warm, loyal, and fiercely protective nature. They favor practical, sturdy clothing and armor, often adorned with intricate designs that reflect their clan or craft. Their culture values tradition, hard work, and honor, and they take great pride in their achievements, whether it be in crafting a legendary weapon or raising a strong family.

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History

Dwarves trace their origins back to the legendary Kal-Thax, their first great stronghold, and have built lasting civilizations such as Thorbardin and Kayolin. However, the Cataclysm was a devastating turning point in their history, fracturing their realms and igniting internal strife.

• The Cataclysm and Civil War: The Cataclysm caused massive upheavals and earthquakes, splitting the dwarves of Thorbardin from their southern kin and igniting a bloody civil war between mountain and hill dwarves. Starvation, fear of invasion, and isolation drove both sides to conflict, resulting in deep scars on their society.
• Kayolin's Separation: The creation of the New Sea isolated the Kayolin dwarves, forcing them to rebuild their society independently of Thorbardin. This separation led to the flourishing of a unique dwarven culture in the Garnet Mountains.
• Post-Cataclysm: In the Age of Despair, dwarves struggled to recover from the Cataclysm's devastation. Thorbardin faced internal unrest among its clans, while Kayolin developed closer ties with surface dwellers.

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Culture

Dwarves are clannish and deeply tied to their traditions and families, living in intricately designed stone communities often carved beneath the earth. Their society is highly structured, with each clan fulfilling a distinct role:

• Hylar: The noble ruling class of Thorbardin, known for their leadership and diplomatic skills. As master architects and craftsmen, they are the visionaries behind the dwarven kingdom's grandeur and governance.

• Daewar: Renowned warriors and artisans, the Daewar are deeply devout worshippers of Reorx. Their gilded halls and magnificent temples are symbols of their unmatched dedication to the gods and their crafts.

• Klar: The hardworking backbone of Thorbardin, the Klar are farmers, laborers, and worm wranglers. Their erratic behavior contrasts with their steadfast loyalty and essential role in dwarven society.

• Neidar (Hill Dwarves): Living above ground, the Neidar serve as intermediaries between mountain dwarves and the surface world. Practical and independent, they maintain deep connections to their land while preserving dwarven traditions.

• Vrakar: The Vrakar dwell in the icy mountains of Icereach. A spiritual and sorcerous clan, they harness powerful magics to shape their subterranean cities, the most notable being Aurvarindun (Goldmantle). Their mystical traditions set them apart, blending the arcane with the dwarves’ legendary industriousness.

• Calnar: Originally hailing from the land of Thorin in the Khalkist Mountains, the Calnar were forced to flee to Kayolin following a devastating bugbear invasion. Known for their inventiveness, metalworking, and wealth, the Calnar are distinguished by their black hair and men’s distinctive, short, windswept beards. They are proud bearers of their ancestral legacy and continue to innovate within Kayolin.

• Nylgai Clan: The Nylgai are a highly organized people who dwell in the OdderRhing, an extensive series of caverns beneath the Ring Mountains. Renowned as the greatest delvers of the world's depths, the Nylgai have discovered some of the rarest ores and deadliest creatures. The devastation of the Great Destruction forced the Nylgai to retreat even deeper into the earth, and the years spent delving the OdderRhing have altered their physical appearance, giving them an almost otherworldly pallor and a heightened sensitivity to the dark.

• Lokhar (The Unclanned): These are dwarves who have been expelled from their clans, often due to dishonor or personal misfortune. The Lokhar include individuals from all clans, including those who have lost their memories after encounters with Shadow Wights. Without a past to guide them, the Lokhar band together in their exile, forming a unique subculture focused on survival and rediscovery.

Dwarves value honor, loyalty, and tradition above all else. Their songs, stories, and heirlooms preserve their history and are passed down through generations. Beards are a source of pride and identity, meticulously groomed and symbolic of their commitment to their heritage. Dwarves may appear gruff to outsiders, but their loyalty and warmth shine through to those they trust.

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Religion

Dwarves are devout followers of Reorx, the god of creation and crafts. They believe they are his chosen people, created in his image to shape the world through their skills. Reorx’s forges are seen as the source of their divine purpose, and dwarves often pray to him for inspiration in their work. The Battle Clerics of Clan Daewar are some of the finest holy warriors in all of Ansalon.

The Daewar maintain grand temples with eternal flames, symbolizing their unwavering faith in the return of the gods. However, the absence of divine guidance after the Cataclysm has led to the rise of cults, causing unrest among the faithful.

Other dwarves honor Kiri-Jolith for his valor and justice, especially in times of war, and Chislev, for her connection to the natural rhythms of life. Despite the trials of the Cataclysm, dwarves remain steadfast in their faith, lighting fires in their temples and forging on with hope for the gods' return.

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Leadership

The High King

The position of High King, the supreme ruler of the dwarves, remains vacant following the death of King Duncan during the Dwarfgate Wars. King Duncan's passing left the dwarves without a clear successor, plunging their society into uncertainty. To address this crisis, the legendary dwarven hero Kharas, grieving over the horrors of the wars, hid the Hammer of Kharas, a sacred symbol of dwarven unity and leadership. Kharas declared that no new High King would be crowned until the hammer was found.

The absence of a High King has left the Council of Thanes as the primary governing body of the dwarves, though the lack of a central leader has exacerbated tensions between the clans. The search for the Hammer of Kharas continues, with many believing its discovery will herald a new era of unity and prosperity for the dwarves.

Council of Thanes

The Council of Thanes serves as the governing body of the dwarves, comprised of representatives from each major clan. Below are the current Thanes, their personalities, and their roles:

• Hylar Thane: Thrain Ironshield
• Often seen as the de facto leader of the council, Thrain works tirelessly to mediate disputes and maintain harmony among the clans.
• Daewar Thane: Durik Goldforge
• As a staunch defender of dwarven traditions, Durik ensures that the Daewar’s voice is strongly represented, particularly in matters of faith and defense.
• Vrakar Thane: Freya Icevein
• Representing the Vrakar’s arcane and shamanistic traditions, Freya emphasizes the importance of magic in dwarven society and the preservation of ancient knowledge.
• Calnar Thane: Orik Blackhammer
• As the voice of the inventive Calnar clan, Orik focuses on fostering trade, crafting, and wealth generation for the dwarven realms.
• Neidar Thane: Gilda Stonehearth
• Representing the hill dwarves, Gilda ensures that the Neidar’s trade and alliances with the outside world are maintained.
• Klar Thane: Borik Earthcaller
• Borik champions the interests of the Klar, advocating for the fair treatment of laborers and the maintenance of essential infrastructure.
• Nylgai Thane: Drothrik Deepdelver
• Drothrik advocates for careful resource management and deeper exploration of the world’s underground. He often brings a unique perspective to the council, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against threats from below, such as the Disir.
• Thane of the Dead: Eldrin Stonekeeper
• Eldrin’s role is symbolic but vital, reminding the council of the sacrifices and wisdom of those who came before.

Race Recommended Classes and Subclasses

• Barbarian
• Path of the Ancestral Guardian
• Path of the Battlerager
• Path of the Berserker
• Path of the Zealot
• Bard
• College of Creation
• College of Eloquence
• College of Lore
• College of Spirits
• College of Swords
• College of Valor
• Cleric
• Arcana Domain
• Forge Domain
• Grave Domain
• Knowledge Domain
• Life Domain
• Light Domain
• Order Domain
• War Domain
• Fighter
• Battle Master
• Blade Breaker
• Champion
• Rune Knight
• Paladin
• Oath of the Crown
• Oath of Devotion
• Oath of Glory
• Oath of Redemption
• Oath of Vengeance
• Oath of Zeal
• Ranger
• Beast Master
• Gloom Stalker
• Hunter
• Monster Slayer
• Rogue
• Assassin
• Inquisitive
• Mastermind
• Scout
• Swashbuckler
• Thief
• Warlock
• Hexblade
• Wizard
• Order of Scribes
• School of Abjuration
• School of Conjuration
• School of Divination
• School of Enchantment
• School of Evocation
• School of Illusion
• School of Necromancy
• School of Transmutation
• War Magic
• Artificer
• Armorer