Most people are familiar with dwarves. They are fairly commonplace throughout the world. Dwarves of Karion are divided into four distinct subraces. The hill dwarves live in low foothills, while the mountain dwarves live deep underground in the high mountain ranges. It is the mountain dwarves who are more common. The two other subraces-the derro and the duergar-can only be found deep underground and are never seen on the surface.

Hill dwarves can be recognized by their tan skin, ruddy cheeks, and bright eyes. Their hair tends to be brown, black, or gray and worn in bushy beards and mustaches. Their clothing tends to be various shades of earth tones.

Mountain dwarves have light brown skin and smooth cheeks, though they share the same bright eyes of their hill dwarf cousins. Their hair and clothing tends to be brown, black, gray, or white. Mountain dwarves tend to be more vocal than hill dwarves, and they enjoy singing.

PERSONALITY:

Dwarves are, above all else, hard workers. They can become totally absorbed in a task, never slacking off and certainly never leaving a job half-finished. They take great care and pride in their work. Dwarves also are known for being passionate about many things. For them, anger burns for decades, even centuries. Likewise, they can love something with their whole hearts, whether it is a good woman or a strong cup of ale. Lastly, dwarves (particularly mountain dwarves) are very suspicious of outsiders. They do not feel comfortable around strangers, even dwarves from another clan. They are often considered to be unfriendly or even rude. However, once a dwarf has accepted someone as a friend then they will be perfectly comfortable around him or her, allowing their more artistic nature to come to light.

LIFESTYLE:

Hill and mountain dwarves live in large cities, usually at least partially underground. They are expert miners and often will have valuable metal or jewel deposits nearby. Dwarven cities will always be well defended, as the dwarves have many enemies.

TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY:

Hill dwarves prefer to use battle axes and maces or short swords and favor light armor. Mountain dwarves favor hammers and heavy swords, and thick, heavy armor (particularly plate armors).

Mountain dwarves are so skilled at smithing armor that they can produce plate armors or shields which have an AC of 1 less than the normal armor of the same type. Such armors will cost 5 times the normal price or more, but are well worth it.

Caff: (Damage 1D6/1D6, Speed 7, Type P) A caff consists of a 3' long pole with a hook at one end and a hook and spike on the other. It is not uncommon for spelunking dwarves to use them as probes and to aid in climbing. They can be purchased for about 15 GP in dwarven cities.

Prybar: (Damage 1D4/1D4, Speed 5, Type B) A prybar is a long metal bar with two curved, beveled ends used for prying. With the aid of this tool, a character may add his or her strength score to their bend bars/lift gates roll, or it can add +2 to strength when trying to pry open doors or chests. They can be used as weapons, but are -1 to strike. 5 GP.

Weighted Sword: (Damage: 1D6 + 3/1D6 + 3, Speed 8, Type S) This sword has a weighted blade that adds +3 to damage in combat. Anyone struck by this weapon must make a strength check or be knocked backwards. However, the weight works against the dwarf as well; on a downward swing, a failed strength check will mean that he or she suffers a -1 to AC while they recover from the force of the swing. On a horizontal blow, the failed strength check causes them to spin in a circle, making an unintentional attack against everyone within 4'. 12 GP.

GAMING NOTES:

Attribute Adjustments, Special Abilities, Special Disadvantages, Class Options: See 2^nd edition Player's Handbook.

Proficiencies: Appraising, Armorer, Blacksmithing, Brewing, Gem Cutting, Jumping, Mining, Mountaineering, Stonemasonry, Tumbling, Weaponsmithing.