The Dwarves of Dungeon World

Dwarves are said to be native to Dungeon World-- made from the maggots that feast on the corpse of Rainbow Queen. Some believe that these dwarves are the origin point of all dwarven kind throughout the planes. Regardless of the veracity of this truth, many dwarves do find themselves at home in the demi-plane. Dwarven hands carved its tunnels and their hands helped lay the stones of its oldest structures.

Of the Dwarves native to the pocket dimension, only Brok of the Forge of the World lives in Topside. As a result, he is the default elder of the settlement's dwarven community. With his background in metal working, he has cultivated a community centered around the traders. The community he leads is made up of a diverse smattery of the dwarves found throughout the planes. Here are four of the most common background these dwarves hail from:

1. The Bargainers- Some dwarves are known for their knowledge and skill with gold. Gold is often the most coveted of precious metals. These dwarves, often surrounded by such wealth, often begin to crave more exotic treasures-- shadows, first born children, and the like. Pacts around such things can compel Bargainers as if under a geas to complete their side of the agreement. It is believed that Bargainers who truly amass a large hoard of gold transform into dragons. They begin play speaking common, dwarvish, alignment language, dragon, goblin, and hobgoblin. In addition, they may maintain Splendid Items made of gold for 1/2 the upkeep cost.
   
   
   
2. Cave Dwarf- There may no other group of dwarves more famed for their knowledge of stone than the Cave Dwarves. While they are experts at making items from stone and erecting grand stone monuments, they askew metalworking and grand architectural projects. Some believe the cave dwarf is an ancient tradition that stretches back to when they first arose form the maggots feasting on Tiamat's flesh. Others think they are dwarves that have adapted a less disruptive way of live that saves the earth from the harms of mining and smithing. In battle, they are brutal. The treasured secrets of their people- they would sacrifice all to keep theirs to the bitter end. A cave dwarf cannot get a good night sleep when trying to rest inside a constructed shelter. The begin play knowing common, dwarvish, alignment language, gnome, kobold, and pixie. In Addition, they may maintain Splendid items made of stone for 1/2 the upkeep cost.
   
   
   
3. Dwarves of the Dark Country- Deep in the blackest corners of the planes, some dwarves gather in golden halls. These dwarves are known to hone crafting skills that even the gods envy. They are known to work will all manner of material but sacred runes play a key part in the designs of their creations. They are known to be bitter negotiators and being incredibly prideful of their craftiness. They often appear covered in soot or with a pallor similar to that of a corpse. They begin play knowing common, dwarvish, alignment language, gnomish, goblin, and kobold. In addition, they may maintain Splendid Items inscribed with dwarven runes at 1/2 the upkeep cost.
   
   
   
4. Knockers- There is a dwarven tradition of miners that work steady and with a keen eye towards spotting quality veins of metal known as 'Knockers'. They are called such for while many have heard the acoustic products of their toil, few outsiders have gazed upon their work-- for privacy is their creed. Dwarves that number themselves among the Knockers are known for kindness and fairness but woe to those who meet them with disrespect in their hearts or greed tinkling in their eyes. Knockers are so exacting in their 'fairness' that they are at a -2 to reaction rolls when attempting to negotiate a deal that unjustly rewards one side more than the other. They begin play speaking common, dwarvish, alignment language, gnome, kobold, and pixie. In addition, they maintain Splendid Items crafted out of metals of mythic natures (such as mithril or adamantine) for 1/2 the cost.

Advancement and Level Titles

In order to obtain Level 3, a dwarf must successfully make in Splendid Item in downtime in addition to obtaining the proper amount of XP.

Level Titles

Level 1 (0xp): Dwarven Novice Level 2 (2200xp): Dwarven Journeyman Level 3 (4400xp): Dwarven Crafter This post was in part inspired by the Middenmurk post "Heigh Ho" and the Hill Cantons post "The Feral Dwarf: New LL or B/X Class".