Shield Dwarf

Shield dwarves, also known as mountain dwarves, are among the most common of the dwarven peoples. Once the rulers of mighty kingdoms across Faerûn, the shield dwarves have since fallen by the wayside after centuries of warfare with their goblinoid enemies. Since then, shield dwarves have been less commonly seen throughout Faerûn, though during the Era of Upheaval the subrace, spurred on by the Thunder Blessing, began to retake an important role in local politics. They are the most common dwarf in the north of Faerûn.

Shield dwarves are on average half a foot taller than other dwarves. Their skin is fair or lightly tanned and they have green or silvery blue eyes with long light brown or red hair, growing gray and white with age. Most males and even some females have large beards and mustaches. The females are slightly shorter and less heavy than the males.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Hair colors: Red to Light Brown; grays to White with age

Hairstyles: Long, Groomed Beards

Eye colors: Green, Silvery Blue

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Traditionally, clan and class meant everything among the shield dwarves but as their civilization declined so did the importance of these issues. Although bloodline is still a mark of pride for a dwarf from a particularly strong clan, personal accomplishments have come to mean more practically than the old ways, which seems increasingly irrelevant. Among the Hidden, traditions remain strong, but there is an increasing number of shield dwarves willing to leave the mountains for a life as adventurers or craftsmen among humans.

Family life remains a prime concern for dwarves, however, and while elders play a diminishing role in childrearing, the relationships between parent and child or siblings remain as strong as ever. Most dwarves are literate and are taught to read at an early age, before being handed off to an apprenticeship. In the workplace, shield dwarves are taught to work for not only themselves and their family but the greater good of their clan. Most shield dwarves, while proud of their work, are fairly humble and avoided ostentatious displays of decadence. After a shield dwarf loses his or her ability to work physically, they remain a valued part of the community for their experience and wisdom and when they die they are honored with funeral rites appropriate to their legacy.

Origin/Ancestry

Dwarf

Lifespan

250 - 450 years

Average Height

Male: 4'4"-4'10"

Female: 4'2"-4'8"

Average Weight

Male: 150-240 lbs

Female: 115-175 lbs

Average Physique

Stocky, Broad, Muscular

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Skin colors: Pale to Lightly Tanned