Races of Eredane: Dwarves

The dwarves are an ancient people, their society structured along family lines. Like the Dorns, loyalty to the clan and honor is a central part of their lives. Dwarven clanholds once numbered more than 600, but as the Shadow continues its advance that number continues to dwindle. Most dwarven clans (about 4 out of 5) live underground in warren-like holds carved out of the mountains. The remaining Kurgun dwarves are surface dwellers and occupy the old dwarven surface cities in the south Kaladruns.

Clan Dwarf

Clan dwarves are a stout race with thick bones and heavy muscle. They are covered in thick hair in a variety of pale colors, typically indicating an individual’s clan heritage along with the jeweled bangles they wear in their heavy braids. The humanoids tend to have blue eyes and light, ruddy skin and wear heavy, goat-hair clothes, supple metal lame tunics, and ort-hide boots.

Abilities

• Evasive: The long war of attrition with the orcs has installed an instinct which allows Clan dwarves to avoid orcish blades. Clan dwarves gain +1 Parry against orc opponents.
• Low Light Vision: Clan dwarves are accustomed to life underground and ignores penalties for bad lighting in all but pitch darkness.
• Racial Enemy (Orc):The dwarves have been under siege by the Shadow in the North for nearly a century and see little reason to talk with an orc. Clan dwarves receive +1 damage for all successful attacks against orcs and dworgs and -4 Charisma when dealing with the same.
• Short: Clan dwarves begin with a Pace of 5.
• Tough & Sturdy: Clan dwarves are a hardy bunch and begin with a d6 in Vigor and +1 Toughness.

Kurgun Dwarf

Kurgun have darker skin due to life in the sun and tend to wear their long black hair bound in multiple ponytails. Most noticeable are their intricate, abstract tattoos with which they decorate their bodies beginning at a very young age. Those familiar with the patterns can trace the dwarf’s lineage and match father to son simply by reading the patterns. Krugun dress in goat leather and typically wear vests made of small, intricately carved metal plates.

Abilities

• Mountaineer: Kurgun dwarves receive a +2 bonus to all Climb skill tests.
• Racial Enemy (Orc):The dwarves have been under have been at war with orcs for thousands of years and under siege by the Shadow in the North for nearly a century and see little reason to talk with an orc. Kurgun receive +1 damage for all successful attacks against orcs and dworgs and -4 Charisma when dealing with the same.
• Short: Clan dwarves begin with a Pace of 5.
• Tough & Sturdy: Clan dwarves are a hardy bunch and begin with a d6 in Vigor and +1 Toughness.