Dwarves were raised from the earth in the elder days by a deity of the forge. Called by various names on different worlds-Moradin, Reorx, and others- that god gave dwarves an affinity for stone and metal and for living underground. The god also made them resilient like the mountains, with a life span of about 350 years.
Squat and often bearded, the original dwarves carved cities and strongholds into mountain sides and under the earth. Their oldest legends tell of conflicts with the monsters of mountaintops and the Underdark, whether those monsters were towering giants or subterranean horrors. Inspired by those tales, dwarves of any culture often sing of valorous deeds-especially of the little overcoming the mighty.
On some worlds in the multiverse, the first settlements of dwarves were built in hills or mountains, and the families who trace their ancestry to those settlements call themselves hill dwarves or mountain dwarves, respectively. The Greyhawk and Dragonlance settings have such communities.
History
The dwarves of Kildar were once a mighty and proud people, with their kingdoms and clans spanning the mountains like veins of precious ore. Renowned for their mastery of craftsmanship, warfare, and lore, they were the cornerstone of Kildar’s society. However, their golden age was shattered by the Great Orc Wars - also known as the War of Unyielding Shadows - a brutal conflict that decimated their numbers and left many of their strongholds in ruins. This was followed by the arrival of Hadar, an ancient and malevolent god whose dark magic nearly destroyed the dwarven race.
In the aftermath of Hadar’s defeat, the dwarves faced a dire future. Many of their smaller clans were left devastated, their numbers too few to survive on their own. Recognizing the need for unity, these smaller clans banded together to form the Oathstone Clan. This new clan was founded on a solemn pact to uphold the laws of Kildar, protect their kin, and preserve the dwarven heritage. The Oathstone, a sacred tablet inscribed with these oaths, became the symbol of their unity. The Oathstone Clan established itself in Blackstone Hold, located in the city of Rhyl, which became the political and spiritual center of dwarven society.
The Oathstone Clan evolved into the primary enforcers of law and order across Kildar. They took on the responsibility of maintaining justice throughout the land, not just within their own borders. Over time, they founded several Paladin Orders, each dedicated to upholding justice, protecting the innocent, and enforcing the rule of law. However, this rigid adherence to the law led to the rise of vigilante groups within the clan, who took it upon themselves to enforce justice outside the formal system, creating internal tensions and challenges for the clan’s leadership.
Culture
Dwarf culture is based around five major clans. The biggest of these is the Oathstone Clan. The other four are the Cragshadow Clan, the Embercleft Clan, the Stonehearth Clan and the Grimbrand Clan.
Language
Dwarves are a linguistically adept race, fluent in Common and their native Dwarven tongue, which is often used for their formal and cultural expressions. Due to their extensive dealings with subterranean creatures such as goblins and duergar, they also often learn Undercommon. Among the dwarven paladin orders, linguistic skills are even more diverse; these lawkeepers learn multiple languages, enabling them to communicate effectively across species and regions. This linguistic versatility ensures that their enforcement of justice is both comprehensive and precise, allowing them to uphold the law in any context with unwavering authority.
Otherworldly
Tieflings with their resistance against fire are seen as potential master crafters as they can stand the heat of the forges. Aasimar are very rare among dwarven society and are often seen as a dark omen of things to come. This is because just before the Great Orc Wars, an abnormally large number of Aasimar were born.
Backgrounds
The Dwarves gravitate towards backgrounds as artisans and merchants. In addition, their calling as paladins and lawbringers leads them to paths as Guards and Soldiers.
Classes
Oathstone adventurers typically become Paladins, whereas Emberclefts and Stonehearths are usually Fighters. The Cragshadows and the surviving members of the Grimbrands are usually elusive rogues.
Professions
Dwarves, known as great Artisans, typically have members in most Guilds. Notable among these are the Smiths Guild, Leatherworkers Guild.
Factions
Oathstone Clan (Rhyl), Cragshadow Clan, Embercleft (volcanic mountain), Stoneheart (Ironhold mountains). Smaller factions are possible, and there are still some remaining grimbrand clan members
Appearance
Dwarves, renowned for their deep appreciation of craftsmanship, wear clothing that reflects their rich cultural heritage and meticulous artistry. One common style among them features robust, earth-toned garments woven from thick, durable fabrics, often adorned with intricate embroidery that tells tales of their ancestors. Another style showcases finely tailored vests and tunics made from the hides of mountain beasts, reinforced with gleaming metal studs and rivets that catch the light with every movement. A more opulent style includes luxurious cloaks and robes made from richly dyed wool or velvet, edged with finely wrought silver or gold thread and encrusted with small, polished gems. The most prestigious among them wear armor-like attire, combining function with elegance—thick leather or chainmail adorned with hammered metal plates, each embedded with rare stones, signifying their rank and status within their society. These varied styles all highlight the dwarves' love for finely crafted materials and their skill in weaving precious metals and stones into everyday wear, making their appearance as impressive as their craftsmanship.
Lineages: Duergar
Duergar are dwarves whose ancestors were transformed by centuries living in the deepest places of the Underdark. That chthonic realm is saturated with strange magical energy, and over generations, early duergar absorbed traces of it. They were further altered when mind flayers and other Aberrations invaded and performed horrific experiments on them. Fueled by Underdark magic, those experiments left early duergar with psionic powers, which have been passed down to their descendants. In time, they liberated themselves from their aberrant tyrants and forged a new life for themselves in the Underdark and beyond.
Like other dwarves, duergar typically have a life span of 350 years
Notable members
Founder of the Oathstone Clan, Yrsa Goldbraid was a visionary leader who united the remnants of several smaller clans after the Great Calamity. Her leadership laid the foundation for the laws and traditions that govern Kildar today, and her name is revered as the ultimate arbiter of justice.
Kragan Warbeard, a seasoned warrior with a heart of stone and a mind of iron, commands the Stoneheart Clan with a fierce dedication to tradition. He is revered for his leadership in battle and his relentless defense of the clan's ancestral ways.
Eldrin Stonecloack is the cunning and elusive leader of the Cragshadow Clan. With his sharp mind and mastery of covert operations, he guides his people through the shadows, forging secret alliances and ensuring the clan’s influence extends throughout Kildar.
Hilda Flintfist, a masterful blacksmith and visionary leader, heads the Embercleft Clan. Her creations are as fiery and intricate as her leadership, and she is celebrated for advancing the clan’s reputation as unparalleled artisans and crafters.
Kragan Stonebreaker, a legendary figure from the Stoneheart Clan, Kragan Stonebreaker was known for his unparalleled strength and valor. He famously shattered the gates of an enemy fortress during the Orc Wars, leading his kin to victory and earning eternal glory.
Balgrim Ashhelm, a legendary smith of the Embercleft Clan, infused his weapons with the very essence of flame. His enchanted warhammers were wielded by the greatest dwarven heroes and are still revered as relics of immense power.
Maelis Shadowsteel, a master spy and strategist from the Cragshadow Clan, Maelis Shadowsteel’s intelligence-gathering during the Great Calamity was critical to the survival of the dwarves. Her name is synonymous with stealth and precision, and her legacy lives on in the clan’s covert operations.
The dwarves that fought Hadar are revered as heroes throughout Kildar. Their deeds are immortalized in the songs of bards and the stories passed down through generations. In their honor, statues stand tall in dwarven strongholds, and their legacy is a source of pride for all dwarves, inspiring future generations to uphold the values of courage, loyalty, and honor.