A while ago I published my take on the HD&D dwarf. Well, Graham’s been playing a dwarf in my ongoing campaign for the best part of nine years, so he thought he’d take a stab at them as well. This post illustrates something Daniel and I have been discussing in the comment thread of the HD&D Gnome, namely that my take on the HD&D mechanics is far more extreme and 4e-like than Daniel’s. Graham’s ideas here are also much more understated. Have a look, compare the two and see what you think.
The only comment I’ll add at the moment is that Dwarven Resolve needs to give 4 hit points instead of 3. It was 3 on earlier drafts, so Graham may be working from that. It should also only apply to talents and not feat. I’m pleased to see that Graham remembered to include Stonecunning, as I completely forgot about that! I’ll add further comments when I get the chance. Busy, busy at the moment!
The HD&D Dwarf
I present my attempt at the Dwarf. A sturdy race that are slow to laugh or jest and suspicious of strangers, yet generous to those they trust. Dwarves as a race are a varied people ranging from fierce warriors to master craftsmen. They value fine art, jewellery, gems gold and simply a good fight.
Average Height: 4’-4’6”
Average Weight: 160-230lbs
Ability Scores: +2 to Con and +2 to Str or Wis
Size: Medium
Speed: 25 feet
Vision: Low-light
Unarmed Attack: Punch or Kick (Strength)
Unarmed Damage: 1d6 + Strength Modifier
Languages/Scripts: Any four
Skills: +2 to Craft (Stone and Metal) and +2 to Survival
Defence: +1 to Fortitude
Racial Traits
Stout Body
The dwarven immune system is adept at fighting off poisons of all kinds
Continuous Effect | Mundane
Prerequisite: Dwarf
Area of Effect: Personal
Effect: You gain a +2 racial bonus to Fortitude Defence versus poison.
Stout Mind
The dwarven mind is practiced at resisting magic
Continuous Effect | Mundane
Prerequisite: Dwarf
Area of Effect: Personal
Effect: You gain a +2 racial bonus to Will Defence versus spells.
Racial Talents
Appraisal
You are skilled at determining the value of items
Continuous Effect | Mundane
Prerequisite: Dwarf
Area of effect: Personal
Effect: You gain a +2 bonus on checks to determine the value of items.
Dwarven Resolve: You gain 3 additional hit points when you choose this talent.
Homeland Defender
You have trained long and hard to protect the dwarven homelands from their traditional enemies
Continuous Effect | Mundane
Prerequisite: Dwarf
Area of effect: Personal
Effect: You gain a +2 morale bonus to weapon skill rolls against orcs and goblinoids.
Dwarven Resolve: You gain 3 additional hit points when you choose this talent.
Stability
You are exceptionally stable on your feet
Continuous Effect | Mundane
Prerequisite: Dwarf
Area of effect: Personal
Effect: You gain a +5 bonus on checks to resist being bull rushed or tripped when standing firmly on the ground.
Dwarven Resolve: You gain 3 additional hit points when you choose this talent.
Stonecunning
Years of living around stone have heightened your senses at spotting the unusual
Continuous Effect | Mundane
Prerequisite: Dwarf
Area of effect: Personal
Effect: You gain a +2 bonus on checks to notice unusual stonework. Merely by coming within 10 feet of unusual stonework allows you to make a check to notice it as if you were actively searching.
Dwarven Resolve: You gain 3 additional hit points when you choose this talent.
Racial Feats
Art Critic
You know how to value fne art
Continuous Effect | Mundane
Prerequisite: Dwarf: Appraisal talent
Area of Effect: Personal
Effect: You gain a +2 bonus on checks to determine the value of fine art, jewellery and gems. This stacks with the bonus from the appraisal talent.
Dwarven Resolve: You gain 3 additional hit points when you choose this talent.
Dodge Giants
A history of enmity with the giantish races has given you the happy knack of avoiding the attacks of larger foes.
Continuous Effect | Mundane
Prerequisite: Dwarf or Gnome
Area of Effect: Personal
Effect: You gain a +2 racial bonus to Reflex Defence against the attacks of Large or larger foes.
Dwarven Resolve: You gain 3 additional hit points when you choose this talent.
Underground Explorer
Years of living around stone have taught you how to navigate through it
Continuous Effect | Mundane
Prerequisite: Dwarf: Stonecunning talent
Area of Effect: Personal
Effect: You can sense approximately how far underground you are as naturally as a human can sense which way is up. You gain a +2 bonus to survival when navigating underground.
Dwarven Resolve: You gain 3 additional hit points when you choose this talent.
Weapon Familiarity
You know how to use the weapons of your people
Continuous Effect | Mundane
Prerequisite: Dwarf
Area of Effect: Personal
Effect: You gain a +2 racial bonus to weapon skill rolls for dwarven weapons.
Dwarven Resolve: You gain 3 additional hit points when you choose this talent.
The Walk Between Worlds 