Spellforce - Dwarves

Dwarves

The best weapons and armour in Fiara come from the dark slopes of the Grimwarg Peaks and the snow-covered summits of the Windwall Mountains, items that are highly valued and traded among the races of the light. These amazing wares are forged by the smiths of the dwarves, a race small in height, but of amazing strength and unshakeable courage. Like the elves, the dwarves are an ancient race that survived the reign of the dragons hidden deep in the labyrinth of caverns under the Windwall Mountains. While the giant lizards ruled the air, the dwarves drove the mines and shafts of their stony home deeper and deeper in the rock. There, they found discovered their destiny to work with rock and ore, bonding with the spirits of the earth and the god whose realm is the rock foundation of the world. They became the servants of Niethalf, the Soulsmith and Warrior God, who deep under the surface forges the souls of all living creatures until they become strong and solid. And so it came that the dwarves also became a strong race, a race of builders and blacksmiths, but also of warriors and heroes.
Courage and strength are the pillars of their life, and despite being known for a certain greed for gold and other jewelry, they are the only values they truly recognize. And though they may often seem reserved and condescending, they are always ready to help a true friend in need of their aide. Today the dwarves not only live in the dark shafts under the peaks of Grimwarg, but have created imposing cities of stone where they trade with the other races of the light. These are Fastholme, which stands under the old mines at the foot of the Grimwarg Mountains, and Windholme, which is an imposing sight in front of the snow-covered peaks of the Windwall, where it provides cover from the southern storms. There, the hammers of the master smiths ring constantly and merchants loaded with the most valuable of steel and silver travel to all regions of Fiara. And when it comes to war, the closed ranks of dwarf warriors will march from there with their indestructible armour and feared axes, always ready to support their brothers of the light.

Worker
	The dwarf workers are no untrained laymen, like other races. They are also not inexperienced youths who must first prove themselves or work their way up the social hierarchy. Dwarf workers are artists and masters, highly regarded by their peers. They form rock and metal to create wondrous buildings and wares of quality and precision that no other race can hope to attain. It is never silent in the mines and quarries, generation after generation the hammers of this strong race ring out, constantly striving to surpass and improve upon their elder’s skills to create even better items and buildings.

Worker

The dwarf workers are no untrained laymen, like other races. They are also not inexperienced youths who must first prove themselves or work their way up the social hierarchy. Dwarf workers are artists and masters, highly regarded by their peers. They form rock and metal to create wondrous buildings and wares of quality and precision that no other race can hope to attain. It is never silent in the mines and quarries, generation after generation the hammers of this strong race ring out, constantly striving to surpass and improve upon their elder’s skills to create even better items and buildings.

Militia
	As the people of the War God, no dwarf can go without being trained to fight. And fearsome fighters they are, swinging their axes on the battlefield with the same force and precision as the hammer on their anvil. Always ready to fight for their people and God at any time, any place, the heart of every dwarf is a warrior’s heart. Although the militia does not possess the stunning armour and decorated weapons of the warriors, many a cowardly attack on a dwarf settlement has been beaten back by their courageous ranks. They guard, secure, and work in times of peace, and whenever the horns of war sound, they are ready to exchange their tools for weapons.

Militia

As the people of the War God, no dwarf can go without being trained to fight. And fearsome fighters they are, swinging their axes on the battlefield with the same force and precision as the hammer on their anvil. Always ready to fight for their people and God at any time, any place, the heart of every dwarf is a warrior’s heart. Although the militia does not possess the stunning armour and decorated weapons of the warriors, many a cowardly attack on a dwarf settlement has been beaten back by their courageous ranks. They guard, secure, and work in times of peace, and whenever the horns of war sound, they are ready to exchange their tools for weapons.

Warrior
	The foundation of all stories and legends of the dwarf people are the warriors, and many of these seemingly tall tales of courage and heroics are indeed true. There has never been a war in Fiara that has gone without the songs and heroic deeds of the dwarf warriors. They are legend, a prime example of courage for all peoples of the light. Uncounted armies that threatened to falter under the stream of the dark races have found hope and order in the steadfast march and battle horns of the dwarf warriors. A warrior dedicates his life to Niethalf, constantly striving to forge his own soul in the fires of challenge and purify it for coming generations. They do not fear death, for their god will forge a new life from their soul so long as they please him through courage and honour.

Warrior

The foundation of all stories and legends of the dwarf people are the warriors, and many of these seemingly tall tales of courage and heroics are indeed true. There has never been a war in Fiara that has gone without the songs and heroic deeds of the dwarf warriors. They are legend, a prime example of courage for all peoples of the light. Uncounted armies that threatened to falter under the stream of the dark races have found hope and order in the steadfast march and battle horns of the dwarf warriors. A warrior dedicates his life to Niethalf, constantly striving to forge his own soul in the fires of challenge and purify it for coming generations. They do not fear death, for their god will forge a new life from their soul so long as they please him through courage and honour.

Demolisher
	As capable the dwarves are of building magnificent structures, they are just as skilled at destroying them. To this end, the dwarf smiths build great rams the demolishers use to tear down their foe’s buildings. They drive the metal heads of these rams into the weak points and broken walls of enemy constructions, causing even proud fortresses and castles to collapse like a house of cards under the attack of dwarf foot soldiers. And though little is known about the demolishers among the races of the light, they have not seldom been the blow that brought about victory. Hardly a commander anticipates these elderly master builders using their extensive knowledge as a weapon, realising the danger only when it is already to late, their walls and fortifications collapsing around them.

Demolisher

As capable the dwarves are of building magnificent structures, they are just as skilled at destroying them. To this end, the dwarf smiths build great rams the demolishers use to tear down their foe’s buildings. They drive the metal heads of these rams into the weak points and broken walls of enemy constructions, causing even proud fortresses and castles to collapse like a house of cards under the attack of dwarf foot soldiers. And though little is known about the demolishers among the races of the light, they have not seldom been the blow that brought about victory. Hardly a commander anticipates these elderly master builders using their extensive knowledge as a weapon, realising the danger only when it is already to late, their walls and fortifications collapsing around them.

Battlepriest
	As strict as Niethalf’s judgement over his followers may be, the more powerful his strength and helpfulness when he comes to their aide. Through song and prayer, the battlepriests channel his power to the dwarves, giving them the legendary strength and instilling fear into their enemies’ hearts. From the powerful lungs of the priests the songs sound out across the battlefield, and as long as they can be heard, a dwarven army will not falter. Thus, the battlepriests are the core of any dwarven army and the source of their strength, but also their conscience, a constant reminder not to bring shame on the people of the forge. Since many priests were at one time warriors, they hardly differ from their brothers when it comes to prowess on the battlefield. Anyone trying to break an army’s courage by attacking the priests may well be in for a grim surprise.

Battlepriest

As strict as Niethalf’s judgement over his followers may be, the more powerful his strength and helpfulness when he comes to their aide. Through song and prayer, the battlepriests channel his power to the dwarves, giving them the legendary strength and instilling fear into their enemies’ hearts. From the powerful lungs of the priests the songs sound out across the battlefield, and as long as they can be heard, a dwarven army will not falter. Thus, the battlepriests are the core of any dwarven army and the source of their strength, but also their conscience, a constant reminder not to bring shame on the people of the forge. Since many priests were at one time warriors, they hardly differ from their brothers when it comes to prowess on the battlefield. Anyone trying to break an army’s courage by attacking the priests may well be in for a grim surprise.

Defender
	The dwarf mines and forges have always been a desired target for conquest. Their treasures and weapons are the key to victory and wealth, to dominance and power over Fiara. So also thought the Fial Darg as again and again, they threw their armies against the dwarven fortresses. For days on end, the dark princes rained fire and rock down on the dwarven fortifications, their siege towers advancing relentlessly. Soon, the dwarf kings realised that their warriors’ armour, made for marching and the battlefield, was too open to withstand the constant barrage of projectiles. From this came the heavy armour and great shields of the Defenders, who forthwith constitute the impenetrable ranks on the battlements, repelling the waves of darkness.

Defender

The dwarf mines and forges have always been a desired target for conquest. Their treasures and weapons are the key to victory and wealth, to dominance and power over Fiara. So also thought the Fial Darg as again and again, they threw their armies against the dwarven fortresses. For days on end, the dark princes rained fire and rock down on the dwarven fortifications, their siege towers advancing relentlessly. Soon, the dwarf kings realised that their warriors’ armour, made for marching and the battlefield, was too open to withstand the constant barrage of projectiles. From this came the heavy armour and great shields of the Defenders, who forthwith constitute the impenetrable ranks on the battlements, repelling the waves of darkness.

Watchman
	Niethalf’s servants are not the only inhabitants of the depths of the earth. They are also home to the demons of the Red Horde, who incessantly seek flesh and a path to the light. Often, when dwarves dug their mines too deep, they would break through to the fiery caverns of the Horde and soon, the mineshaft would be full of demons, flames and death, leaving the workers little chance of escape. Thus Watchmen accompany the miners into the shafts, to protect them from the dark secrets of the depths. They stand firm in the suffocating breath of the demons and secure the shaft until the workers have escaped and can close the tunnel. Many have found their grave in the course of duty under the mountains. However, a Watchman’s weapons and amour are not only suitable for battle underground, these courageous warriors are also a welcome reinforcement on any battlefield or battlement.

Watchman

Niethalf’s servants are not the only inhabitants of the depths of the earth. They are also home to the demons of the Red Horde, who incessantly seek flesh and a path to the light. Often, when dwarves dug their mines too deep, they would break through to the fiery caverns of the Horde and soon, the mineshaft would be full of demons, flames and death, leaving the workers little chance of escape. Thus Watchmen accompany the miners into the shafts, to protect them from the dark secrets of the depths. They stand firm in the suffocating breath of the demons and secure the shaft until the workers have escaped and can close the tunnel. Many have found their grave in the course of duty under the mountains. However, a Watchman’s weapons and amour are not only suitable for battle underground, these courageous warriors are also a welcome reinforcement on any battlefield or battlement.

Elder
	From the ranks of the Elders come the leaders of the dwarves. They are high priests and kings, princes and warlords, who steer the destiny of the realms in great gatherings. In the depths, they convene at great tables of stone to consult and seek their god’s guidance. Should an envoy of another race of the light seek help from the dwarves, he would come before the Elders and ask their assistance. And when the counsel rings the hammers of war, they lead their armies from the stony halls and mountains to aid their comrades at arms or protect the unity of the light. As priests, the Elders are blessed with Niethalf’s power, and their song empowers their armies as well. As warriors, they are equipped with the best armour, forged of pure Moonsilver, their weapons sanctified by the might of the god of war. Their experience and courage are exemplary, spurring any warriors around them, and as soon as there is a possibility, and elder will fearlessly face the enemy leader in a duel, to bring him down in Niethalf’s name.

Elder

From the ranks of the Elders come the leaders of the dwarves. They are high priests and kings, princes and warlords, who steer the destiny of the realms in great gatherings. In the depths, they convene at great tables of stone to consult and seek their god’s guidance. Should an envoy of another race of the light seek help from the dwarves, he would come before the Elders and ask their assistance. And when the counsel rings the hammers of war, they lead their armies from the stony halls and mountains to aid their comrades at arms or protect the unity of the light. As priests, the Elders are blessed with Niethalf’s power, and their song empowers their armies as well. As warriors, they are equipped with the best armour, forged of pure Moonsilver, their weapons sanctified by the might of the god of war. Their experience and courage are exemplary, spurring any warriors around them, and as soon as there is a possibility, and elder will fearlessly face the enemy leader in a duel, to bring him down in Niethalf’s name.

Elite
	Moonsilver is rare and difficult to work, but it is the culmination of any warrior’s career to one day forge his own armour and weapons from this precious metal. It is a long and arduous path that leads to this dream’s fulfilment, however, a path lined with many victorious battles and deep devotion to the God of War. When this journey is over and the last hammer blows ring, when the warrior leaves the forge clad in gleaming Moonsilver, a new era in his life begins. What follows is often legend. The Elite are the undefeatable core of the dwarven armies, a glittering mountain in the storm of darkness. Never will their ranks falter, and any slain from their midst will be avenged a thousandfold with whirling axes. And though the armies of the light may tremble at the sight of the dark hordes, hope remains as long as the ranks of silver armour stand, an armour no blood can stain, that shines like a star of hope in the death-bringing darkness.

Elite

Moonsilver is rare and difficult to work, but it is the culmination of any warrior’s career to one day forge his own armour and weapons from this precious metal. It is a long and arduous path that leads to this dream’s fulfilment, however, a path lined with many victorious battles and deep devotion to the God of War. When this journey is over and the last hammer blows ring, when the warrior leaves the forge clad in gleaming Moonsilver, a new era in his life begins. What follows is often legend. The Elite are the undefeatable core of the dwarven armies, a glittering mountain in the storm of darkness. Never will their ranks falter, and any slain from their midst will be avenged a thousandfold with whirling axes. And though the armies of the light may tremble at the sight of the dark hordes, hope remains as long as the ranks of silver armour stand, an armour no blood can stain, that shines like a star of hope in the death-bringing darkness.

Rocksmith (Titan)
	When the dark races swarmed over Fiara landing their endless legions from their black galleys, fear grasped the hearts of the people of Light and they turned towards the dwarves for help, asking them for weapons and armour to stand against the tides of darkness. The dwarves realized that only united could the people of Fiara hope to weather the invasion and thus Niethalf’s sons rushed to the forges and began their legendary task. Day and night the anvils sang with the ringing of the hammers as the strong arms of the dwarves began to forge the weapons for the armies of light. But even the famed strength and endurance of the dwarves had to run dry before the task was completed. Weary with fatigue the dwarves called on their god to aid them. And Niethalf created the rocksmith, large creature shaped out of stone. But rather than lending them his divine power, he implanted in them the strong will and dedication of the dwarven folk to finish their great task and oppose the hordes of darkness. Thus the rocksmith stood side by side with the dwarves at their forges and when the legions of Darkness broke against their walls, they sallied forth and armed with their hammers of stone spread havoc among the enemy, driven by the strength of will of Niethalf’s sons to vanquish the dark armies from the face of the land once and for all. Although slow, the stone from which the rocksmith sprang is very hard to break and it takes a strong force to even dent the armour of these giants. Their stone hammers easily squat foe after foe with one stroke. The iron will, that gives life to the stone, does also affect allies and lends them new strength, banishing all weariness and wounds. Magic has little effect on the living rock and he need not fear it, but for the ice magic, since the cold grip of frost can break even the strongest of rocks.

Rocksmith (Titan)

When the dark races swarmed over Fiara landing their endless legions from their black galleys, fear grasped the hearts of the people of Light and they turned towards the dwarves for help, asking them for weapons and armour to stand against the tides of darkness. The dwarves realized that only united could the people of Fiara hope to weather the invasion and thus Niethalf’s sons rushed to the forges and began their legendary task. Day and night the anvils sang with the ringing of the hammers as the strong arms of the dwarves began to forge the weapons for the armies of light. But even the famed strength and endurance of the dwarves had to run dry before the task was completed. Weary with fatigue the dwarves called on their god to aid them. And Niethalf created the rocksmith, large creature shaped out of stone. But rather than lending them his divine power, he implanted in them the strong will and dedication of the dwarven folk to finish their great task and oppose the hordes of darkness. Thus the rocksmith stood side by side with the dwarves at their forges and when the legions of Darkness broke against their walls, they sallied forth and armed with their hammers of stone spread havoc among the enemy, driven by the strength of will of Niethalf’s sons to vanquish the dark armies from the face of the land once and for all. Although slow, the stone from which the rocksmith sprang is very hard to break and it takes a strong force to even dent the armour of these giants. Their stone hammers easily squat foe after foe with one stroke. The iron will, that gives life to the stone, does also affect allies and lends them new strength, banishing all weariness and wounds. Magic has little effect on the living rock and he need not fear it, but for the ice magic, since the cold grip of frost can break even the strongest of rocks.

Stone Ram
	The masons of the strong nation create these rams as statues from stone to honor Niethalf and the world forger breathes life into this lifeless stone. They are the guards of the old dwarf treasure in the deep abandoned mines and the protectors of Niethalf's holy places under the mountain. When the horns of war are blown, they fight on the side of the dwarves as long as their belief in their master Niethalf is strong enough.

Stone Ram

The masons of the strong nation create these rams as statues from stone to honor Niethalf and the world forger breathes life into this lifeless stone. They are the guards of the old dwarf treasure in the deep abandoned mines and the protectors of Niethalf's holy places under the mountain. When the horns of war are blown, they fight on the side of the dwarves as long as their belief in their master Niethalf is strong enough.

Siege Warrior
	These warriors sit together and drink in the Hall of Valor until the dwarven horns summon them into battle. The awestruck ranks of warriors step aside when the siege warriors march towards the opponents’ fortifications through the hail of projectiles under the protection of their massive shields. They break down the foundations of the enemies’ towers with powerful blows of their hammers and collapse entire bulwarks. Not many of them return home but they command the highest respect of the sons of Niethalf.

Siege Warrior

These warriors sit together and drink in the Hall of Valor until the dwarven horns summon them into battle. The awestruck ranks of warriors step aside when the siege warriors march towards the opponents’ fortifications through the hail of projectiles under the protection of their massive shields. They break down the foundations of the enemies’ towers with powerful blows of their hammers and collapse entire bulwarks. Not many of them return home but they command the highest respect of the sons of Niethalf.

The Realm

For the first time after the end of the rune wars, which had led to the final elimination of the Circle, an order started to develop in the old empires.

The dwarves of the Middle Mountains, far away from their brothers in Windholme and constantly threatened by Mountain Orcs and demons from depth, contribute more to the realm than just their craftsmanship. From the mines of Underhall and the Fireforge come not only the heavily armoured axe warriors and famous forgers, but also the siege machines of the realm.

Defender
	The defender with his massive shield is the best-armoured unit of the realm. Hardly anything penetrates the heavy armour plates of his armour and a wall of shields of defenders is hardly inferior to a brick wall of a fort, since the iron strong arms of the dwarves hold it up. The hammers of the defenders do not cause as much damage as the axes of the elites, but with their robustness and stamina they stand firm as a rock against the enemies.

Defender

The defender with his massive shield is the best-armoured unit of the realm. Hardly anything penetrates the heavy armour plates of his armour and a wall of shields of defenders is hardly inferior to a brick wall of a fort, since the iron strong arms of the dwarves hold it up. The hammers of the defenders do not cause as much damage as the axes of the elites, but with their robustness and stamina they stand firm as a rock against the enemies.

Elite Warrior
	One may rightly assert that there is hardly any other close combat fighter that can bear comparison with an Elite. His two Moonsilver Axes are a whirlwind of death, and his dwarfish robustness provides his blows with power and his breath with stamina. Demon or Titan, even the mightiest enemies will not forget the blow of an Elite.

Dwarven Catapult
	After the Convocation War, Niethalf’s sons had sworn never again to produce weapons of such destruction power. But when the first forts of the realm were shaken by the siege weapons of its enemies, the dwarves had no other choice. Therefore, these creaky monstrosities were rolled to the front line to let loose their shower of stones on the enemies. Unprotected in close combat and slow on the battlefield, these catapults are an easy capture for cavaliers, but their heavy shots smash any defence construction with ease and tear huge gaps among the unfortunate armies, which do not get out of range in time.

Dwarven Catapult

After the Convocation War, Niethalf’s sons had sworn never again to produce weapons of such destruction power. But when the first forts of the realm were shaken by the siege weapons of its enemies, the dwarves had no other choice. Therefore, these creaky monstrosities were rolled to the front line to let loose their shower of stones on the enemies. Unprotected in close combat and slow on the battlefield, these catapults are an easy capture for cavaliers, but their heavy shots smash any defence construction with ease and tear huge gaps among the unfortunate armies, which do not get out of range in time.

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