The Tolkien-inspired, Nordic-derived dwarves of standard D&D aren't the only dwarven subraces out there. There is another dwarvish tradition: a more folklore and fairytale one. The dwarves of the Country of Yanth in the Land of Azurth are that sort of dwarf.
Compared to the average D&D dwarf, they tend to be more social and affable. They are fond of good food and drink and are renowned brewers. While they may be miners or metalworkers, they are not as oriented toward these tasks as others of their race, and are just as likely to loggers, woodworkers, or farmers.They have no more love or precious metals or jewels than humans.
Unless otherwise noted, the folkloric dwarf subrace has the traits of the standard dwarf.
 |
| Art by Jerad S. Marantz |
Lucky. Like a Halfling's.
Size. Folkloric dwarves vary more in height than other dwarven races. Most are medium, but a few are under 4 foot and so small.
Dwarven Combat Training. They eschew the battleaxes and hammers employed by other dwarves, but are handy with the axe and short sword.
Tool Proficiency. Their choices for proficiency are smith's tools, brewer's supplies, cobbler's tools, woodcarver's tools, or cook's utensils.
so a gnome, basically...
ReplyDeletePoul Anderson's dwarf in Three Lions and Three Hearts is similar to the dwarves you have here and may be the inspiration for Scottish sounding dwarves. Gygax has the novel in his Appendix N as inspiration for D&D.
ReplyDelete@deathless - Well, not in the sense gnomes are operationalized in D&D. The abilities are rather different. In the broadest sense of being "little people who often have beards," sure.
ReplyDelete