Potestas: a D&D3E supplement

Chapter Two: Races

Dwarves (mortal humanoids)

Masters of metalworking and mining, the dwarves live underground in some of the mountains and hills of Arda. They are small compared to the other races, with an average height between 3 and 4 feet and typically a stocky and muscled build. Most dwarves resemble humans, with the exception of the dwarves of Louvo in Minj, who resemble the kattar. Dwarves live for two to three centuries, and can survive for long periods of time with little food and drink. They are proverbially wealthy and greedy, much like the land-dragons, who also live underground.

Unlike the other mortal races, dwarves are literally creatures of the earth: they are carved from rock by their most skilled sculptors and awakened to flesh and blood life by the quality of the work and the breath of their maker. As a result, dwarves made by the same scuptor are similar in appearance and call themselves brothers. While dwarves do not need to eat to live or to procreate to produce children, they enjoy these activities and will happily do both.

Some dwarves leave the safety of their mountain halls to live on the surface among the humans and other races, where their skills as smiths and masons are highly valued and good food and women are more readily available. Dwarves who live among other races tend to age and die younger, usually after only two centuries or so.

Racial Traits

• Small Size: dwarves receive a +1 size bonus to Armour Class, +1 size bonus to attack rolls, +4 size bonus on Hide checks, and a -4 penalty on grapple checks. Their innate attack is 1d2, they must use smaller weapons, and their lifting and carrying limits are three-quarters that of Medium creatures.
• Characteristic Modifiers: -2 Strength, +2 Dexterity, +2 Constitution, -2 Charisma. Although they are small, dwarves are surprisingly hardy and strong. They are also quick and agile, but tend to be gruff and reserved.
• Base Speed: 20 feet.
• Darkvision: dwarves can see in the dark without impediment, though they cannot see colours in those conditions.
• Saving Throws: +2 racial bonus on saving throws against poisons, spells, and spell-like effects; +2 morale bonus on saving throws against fear.
• Athletic: dwarves gain a +2 racial bonus to all Climb and Jump checks.
• Stonecunning and Metalcunning: dwarves gain a +2 racial bonus to all skill checks that are related to stone and metal (including Appraise, Craft, and Search).
• Fasting: dwarves do not need to eat or drink to live.
• Automatic Languages: all dwarves automatically speak their dwarven language and the local language.
• Favoured Class: Fighter.

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