Dwarf

Description
Many dwarves believe that their ancestors came from the heart of the world itself, given life by Moradin and being made by the All-Father's hammer in the Soulforge, this patron deity is also known as Reorx or Grungni.

Most dwarves dwell underground within ancient mountain strongholds near to the surface yet well above the Underdark. These kingdoms are often riddled with mine workings while the cities themselves are carved right out of the stone itself, many take lifetimes to build but are ageless once finished. The fortress citadel of Khazrad-Zirak, home to the Thane has become famous throughout the realms for its size as well as its treasures and defences.

Longbeards are a hardy and long-lived race. Their unbending will and pride serves them as stoic juggernauts upon the battlefield as well as being the greatest craftsmen across the old world. But cross them at your peril as a dwarf grudge is never forgotten, quests for revenge handed down generation to generation, until the debt is finally settled in blood...

The dwarf does not forgive past wrongs easily and the clans have regularly declared war on goblins and orcs as a whole, wiping them out wherever they find them. Many dwarves view these 'lesser' races as a foul infestation of their mountain homes and their duty is to purge them. Because of this most view outsiders, such as humans, with distrust and hate duergar utterly.

Dwarven friendship is hard to earn, but is strong once won. Naturally dour and suspicious, the resiliant folk are slow to accept others, particularly the pointy-eared elves in the aftermath of the 'War of the Beard'. The Great Northern Road which ran from Elfwood to the outpost of Azagathol as a symbol of friendship between both races has long since rusted away.

Dwarves have little tolerance for both kender and gnomes who they consider to be a plague set upon the world and an inevitable safety hazard that are best avoided, by all means possible. Even if it means getting into a boat.

Bonuses

 * Infravision
 * Naturally very high Wis
 * Naturally high Con
 * High Base HP
 * Increased Hit points per point of Con
 * Higher natural armour class and weapon class
 * Defence bonus when in mountain areas
 * Very high satiation capacity
 * Insanely high alcohol tolerance
 * Ability to cast spells whilst drunk

Penalties

 * Lower spell points per point of Int
 * Lower natural Dex
 * Fight penalty when in underwater areas

Racial Weapons
Dwarves have always relied on two main weapons, their trusty hammers tuned to their calloused hands over many centuries at the forge and their mighty battle axes which cleave through their foes, bloodying mountain trails.

Prefered Classes
The dwarven warriors excel at combat, where their durability plays a vital role amidst the ranks of the front lines. The wisdom of the elders enables them to be incredibly adept as clerics and master the art of runesmithing.