Shield Dwarf

Shield dwarves tend to like their privacy and actively discourage visitors to their strongholds. Shield dwarves are stout and compact, typically standing between 4 and 4½ feet tall. While they are not the tallest of dwarves, their dense builds make them some of the heaviest, with an average weight of around 170 pounds. This stocky stature contributes to their exceptional strength and durability. They have skin that ranges from a deep tan to a light brown. Their skin's pigmentation provides natural protection against the harsh conditions of their underground strongholds. Unlike their gold dwarf cousins, shield dwarves tend to have lighter hair colors. Their hair can be black, gray, or brown, often with streaks of gray as they age. These hair colors are well-suited for blending into their dark, subterranean environments. The shield dwarves point to their powerful builds and hardy nature as proof of them being the original species of dwarves on Elaris. Their eyes are typically dark, but clear and full of life.
While orcs, goblins, and even the treacherous gray dwarves pose threats that Shield Dwarves must contend with, their most relentless and dreaded adversaries are the colossal arachnids that inhabit the labyrinthine tunnels beneath their mountain homes. Giant spiders, with their venomous fangs and predatory cunning, have long been the bane of shield dwarf existence. These massive beasts, whose presence looms like a shadow in the darkened depths, are known for constructing vast subterranean lairs. The very tunnels that shield dwarves rely on for their homes and livelihoods often conceal these arachnid dens, a constant reminder of the peril that lurks beneath the earth. For the Shield Dwarves, battling the eight-legged fiends has become an ongoing struggle that demands the utmost vigilance.
In response to this ever-present threat, Shield Dwarves have developed specialized units known as the "Spiderguard." These elite warriors are handpicked from the most skilled and fearless members of the dwarven military, trained in the art of arachnid combat. Armed with specially crafted weapons designed to pierce the thick exoskeletons of giant spiders, the Spiderguard are relentless in their pursuit of these abominable creatures. Each Spiderguard undergoes rigorous training, learning the subtleties of tracking, ambushing, and engaging their formidable foes. Their tactics and strategies are honed to perfection, ensuring that they can navigate the treacherous terrain of spider-infested tunnels with unmatched expertise. These brave warriors stand as the first line of defense against the arachnid menace, and their unwavering dedication to protecting their fellow Shield Dwarves is a source of immense pride within dwarven society.
However, the Shield Dwarves' penchant for specialization extends beyond combat units. Within their strongholds, various guilds and crafters dedicate themselves to specific areas of expertise. For example, the miners are responsible for retrieving precious minerals and ores from the heart of the mountains. With unwavering determination, they extract valuable resources that serve as the lifeblood of the dwarven strongholds. The shield dwarves additionally excel in shaping stone and constructing fortifications. The shield dwarven stonemasons are the master builders responsible for the impressive architecture of the dwarven citadels, creating intricate tunnels, spacious halls, and stout defenses that are the envy of other races.
The lamplighters play a crucial role in ensuring the proper illumination and safety of the tunnels and chambers. They meticulously maintain the intricate network of lanterns, torches, and magical lights that pierce the darkness, guiding the way for Shield Dwarves and their guests. These specialized groups form the backbone of dwarven society, with each member tirelessly perfecting their chosen craft. The meticulous attention to detail, unwavering dedication, and uncompromising work ethic of these artisans and craftsmen are key elements that contribute to the overall prosperity and grandeur of Shield Dwarf strongholds.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Hilda, Thora, Greta, Elin, Astrid, Ingrid, Sigrid, Solveig, Brunhild, Freydis, Gerda, Sigrida, Helga, Frea, Runa, Karin, Dagmar, Sigrun, Gudrun, Hildegarde, Thrym, Birgitta, Jorunn, Helmina, Edda

Masculine names

Bjorn, Brandur, Brokk, Drakar, Einar, Grimwald, Gunnar, Haldor, Hildor, Hrothgar, Ingmar, Kjell, Olafur, Orin, Ragnar, Rurik, Sven, Thordar, Thorin, Thrain, Torvald, Ulfar, Valdimar, Valthor, Vidar

Family names

Anvilbreaker, Battlehammer, Blackrock, Boulderfist, Coppervein, Diamondhelm, Flintlock, Frostbeard, Frostforge, Gemcutter, Graniteforge, Hammerfall, Hammerstone, Hearthstone, Ironbeard, Ironfoot, Ironhide, Oakenshield, Silvervein, Steelheart, Stonebrow, Stonehelm, Stormbeard, Thunderaxe, Thunderbrand

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Table of Contents

Game Statistics

Custom System

Ability Score Adjustment.  Born Warrior. You gain proficiency with longswords, falchions, pikes, light shields, mediume shields, and medium armor.
Smith. You gain a +2 Racial bonus to your choice of Craft (Armoring) or Craft (Weaponsmithing) checks.
Ancestral Combat. You gain a +1 Racial bonus to hit creatures with the Orc or Goblinoid subtype, and a +4 Racial bonus to Dodge against Giants.
Languages. You can read, speak, and write Shield Dwarf.

5th Edition

To Be Made

4th Edition

To Be Made

3.5th Edition

To Be Made

2nd Edition

Ability Score Adjustment. The initial ability scores are modified by a +1 bonus to Constitution, but a -1 to Charisma.

Ability	Minimum	Maximum
Strength	8	18
Dexterity	3	17
Constitution	11	19
Intelligence	3	18
Wisdom	3	18
Charisma	3	16

Class	Maximum
Fighter	16
‎ ‎ ‎Paladin	—
‎ ‎ ‎Ranger	—
‎ ‎ ‎Barbarian	12
Mage	—
‎ ‎ ‎Specialist	—
‎ ‎ ‎Warlock	—
Cleric	10
‎ ‎ ‎Druid	—
‎ ‎ ‎Monk	12
‎ ‎ ‎Shaman	—
Thief	12
‎ ‎ ‎Assassin	10
‎ ‎ ‎Bard	—
Psionicist	8

Special Advantages. In melee, shield dwarves add 1 to their roll to hit orcs, half-orcs, goblins, and hobgoblins.
Shield dwarves have infravision that allows them to see in the dark to a range of 60 feet.
Shield dwarves are miners of great skill. While underground, they can detect the following information within 10 feet of the particular phenomenon (but they can determine their approximate depth below the surface at any time.) The dwarf must focus and be actively attempting to determine this—the information does not just spring to mind unbidden.

Phenomenon	Chance
Detect grade or slope in passage	1-5 on 1d6
Detect new tunnel/paassage construction	1-5 on 1d6
Detect sliding/shifting walls or rooms	1-4 on 1d6
Detect stonework traps, pits, and deadfalls	1-3 on 1d6
Determine approximate depth underground	1-3 on 1d6

Special Hindrances. None.
Role-Playing Suggestions. Of all dwarves, shield dwarves are the most traditional, holding fast to their clan and family traditions even if there are clearly better ways of doing something. A shield dwarf stonemason may shape every creation they make using only a hammer and a pickaxe because its what his father, grandfather, and so on did, even though it would be much easier to do using a chisel instead.
Languages. Shield dwarf, dwarven, gnomish, goblin, kobold, orc, ogre, troll, common

Pathfinder 2e

To Be Made

Encompassed species

• Dwarf