Dwarf
Dwarves are a humanoid race commonly found living in hills or mountains. They are found all across Toril, notable for their toughness, tradition, and craftsmanship. Most dwarves live in underground fortresses or cities, either near the surface or in the Underdark. However, a large number of dwarves do live on the surface, especially in human-majority settlements. Dwarves follow their own pantheon, the Mordinsamman, which is headed by Moradin.
Civilization and Culture
History
While non-dwarven scholars believe that dwarves are not native to Toril, dwarves have their own creation myth. They believe that they were created by Moradin in the heart of Abeir-Toril, then fought their way to the surface. Regardless of their origin, the first known dwarven settlement was created in the Yehimal Mountains, on the border of Faerûn, Zakhara, and Kara-Tur. They settled in underground cities, and migrated in all directions to the three continents. The first dwarven settlement in Faerûn was located beneath what is today called Semphar, in the Hordelands. From there, the first mighty dwarven kingdom was founded below the Shaar, named Bhaerynden.
Although Bhaerynden prospered for many thousands of years, in -11,000 DR it experienced a major schism. The dwarf Taark Shanat, "the Crusader", led a migration to the west from the caverns of Bhaerynden. These dwarves and their descendents would eventually become known as the shield dwarves, founding the empire of Shanatar beneath the Lands of Intrigue.
After the end of the Crown Wars, Bhaerynden was conquered by the drow, and the survivors of the conquest fled into exile. When Bhaerynden collapsed millennia later, becoming the Great Rift, these exiles would settle there, becoming known as gold dwarves. At some point after the Crusader led the shield dwarves from Bhaerynden, one of the clans - Clan Duergar - became enslaved by mind flayers under the Shining Plains. Their descendants became known as gray dwarves, better known today as duergar.
Although many powerful and great dwarven empires were founded after the end of the Crown Wars, most of them have since collapsed. Shield dwarves are the most common in western and central Faerûn, while gold dwarves are the most populous in southern regions.
Although Bhaerynden prospered for many thousands of years, in -11,000 DR it experienced a major schism. The dwarf Taark Shanat, "the Crusader", led a migration to the west from the caverns of Bhaerynden. These dwarves and their descendents would eventually become known as the shield dwarves, founding the empire of Shanatar beneath the Lands of Intrigue.
After the end of the Crown Wars, Bhaerynden was conquered by the drow, and the survivors of the conquest fled into exile. When Bhaerynden collapsed millennia later, becoming the Great Rift, these exiles would settle there, becoming known as gold dwarves. At some point after the Crusader led the shield dwarves from Bhaerynden, one of the clans - Clan Duergar - became enslaved by mind flayers under the Shining Plains. Their descendants became known as gray dwarves, better known today as duergar.
Although many powerful and great dwarven empires were founded after the end of the Crown Wars, most of them have since collapsed. Shield dwarves are the most common in western and central Faerûn, while gold dwarves are the most populous in southern regions.
Lifespan
350 years
Average Height
4'-5'
Average Weight
150 lbs
Geographic Distribution
Related Ethnicities
Size: Medium
Speed: 25 ft.
Natural Sprinters. Your speed is not reduced by wearing heavy armor.
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Dwarven Resilience. You have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage.
Dwarven Combat Training. You have proficiency with the battleaxe, handaxe, light hammer, and warhammer.
Tool Proficiency. You gain proficiency with the artisan's tools of your choice: Smith's tools, brewer's supplies, or mason's tools.
Stonecunning. Whenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to the origin of stonework, you are considered proficient in the History skill and add double your proficiency bonus to the check, instead of your normal proficiency bonus.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Dwarvish.
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