Dwarf
Source Galactic Ancestries pg. 56
Short, squat, and hardy, dwarves take great pride in their traditions and are known as the best and fairest crafters in the galaxy.
When you want something done right, ask a dwarf. This sentiment resonates with many people all across the cosmos, and for good reason; dwarves are the heartiest of lost Golarion's children, proud of the exacting standards they apply to their work. A shoddy job is not a finished job, and this attitude can be seen in dwarven shipyards, weapon forges, and mining operations. It's a matter of honor and pride; to do something poorly is to fail to live up to your clan's traditions.
Even so, there is a tragic aspect to dwarven heritage. They came from lost Golarion's molten heart, called to the surface by the great god Torag. Now, both Golarion and Torag are missing, and the dwarves' stories of old are filled with yearning for a home long gone. In the face of this ineffable longing and sorrow, dwarves persevere with their unbending principles, pursuing a perfection they know to be unattainable. They create as a means to improve themselves and so that they can be looked upon by ancestors and descendants alike with pride.
If you want to play a proud and stubborn artisan with close familial bonds, you should play a dwarf.
Even so, there is a tragic aspect to dwarven heritage. They came from lost Golarion's molten heart, called to the surface by the great god Torag. Now, both Golarion and Torag are missing, and the dwarves' stories of old are filled with yearning for a home long gone. In the face of this ineffable longing and sorrow, dwarves persevere with their unbending principles, pursuing a perfection they know to be unattainable. They create as a means to improve themselves and so that they can be looked upon by ancestors and descendants alike with pride.
If you want to play a proud and stubborn artisan with close familial bonds, you should play a dwarf.
You Might…
- Take promises, contracts, and the matter of your honor very seriously.
- Strive for absolute perfection in your own creations and hold others to the same standard.
- Think back wistfully to a home world you never knew.
Others Probably…
- Write you off as a stubborn or even backward traditionalist.
- Assume you have worked in a mine or a forge at least once in your life.
- Admire the deep love you have for your family and closest friends.
Physical Description
Dwarves typically stand around 4 feet tall, have wide and stocky frames, and generally weigh between 175 and 250 pounds. A dwarf's most noticeable physical feature is their hair. Dwarves of all genders take great pride in their haircare, weaving and braiding phenomenally intricate patterns into their beards and coifs, cleaning them with the finest products, and ensuring they only grow to a certain length (which is determined by their age). The older the dwarf, the longer their beard and hair, and the more respected they are by their clan.
Dwarves reach maturity at around age 25, but clans generally hold additional rites a dwarf must partake in before they're considered an adult. Dwarves typically live up to 350 years old.
Dwarves reach maturity at around age 25, but clans generally hold additional rites a dwarf must partake in before they're considered an adult. Dwarves typically live up to 350 years old.
Society
A dwarf's home is not a planet, but a clan—a family business that spans the stars and determines many of a dwarf's ideals and prospects. The clans of lost Golarion have spread across the cosmos: Clan Firecask is the premier ale producer in the Pact Worlds, Clan Vanderholl builds many of the finest kaiju-slaying mechs, and Clan Thodja designs exceptional starships inspired by cloud dragons. A dwarf can always rely on their clan to care for them, even if they've never met. For example, a wary member of Clan Minebrewer from Voxha could show up at the doors of a Minebrewer astroquarry in the Diaspora and be greeted as a long-lost sibling.
Most clans have a headquarters, or clanholding, on Absalom Station. They set up wherever resources are plentiful, like chemclans living on satellites near gas giants where compounds relevant to their trades can be harvested. Many dwarves live aboard city-sized ships called Star Citadels. These city-ships are hubs for dozens of clanholdings that rely on each other's production. The most famous Star Citadel, Ironstar, is a massive generation ship exploring the Vast as part of the New Quest for Sky.
During the Gap, dwarves began the practice of carving clan crystals from gems found within the heart of the nearest planet or asteroid to celebrate a new child's birth. Once carved, these crystals often resemble small statues depicting a notable family leader, and many dwarves strive to have their likeness rendered on a clan crystal someday. To lose or sell a clan crystal is deeply taboo. They're always crafted into a type of weapon valued by the individual clan.
Most clans have a headquarters, or clanholding, on Absalom Station. They set up wherever resources are plentiful, like chemclans living on satellites near gas giants where compounds relevant to their trades can be harvested. Many dwarves live aboard city-sized ships called Star Citadels. These city-ships are hubs for dozens of clanholdings that rely on each other's production. The most famous Star Citadel, Ironstar, is a massive generation ship exploring the Vast as part of the New Quest for Sky.
During the Gap, dwarves began the practice of carving clan crystals from gems found within the heart of the nearest planet or asteroid to celebrate a new child's birth. Once carved, these crystals often resemble small statues depicting a notable family leader, and many dwarves strive to have their likeness rendered on a clan crystal someday. To lose or sell a clan crystal is deeply taboo. They're always crafted into a type of weapon valued by the individual clan.
Beliefs
At some point during the Gap, Torag disappeared without a trace. His vengeful brother Angradd has dutifully taken up the mantle in his stead, tempering his flames to light his people's way forward. Much has been done to heal the old wounds between dwarves and orcs, who in modern times are united peoples with deep cultural ties and strong alliances.
Some dwarves believe that Torag's disappearance isn't a setback, but that it's simply the next part of the Quest for Sky of old. Yes, dwarves reached the surface of Golarion and the heavens beyond it, but what if their destiny is some other alien sky, and Torag is on a quest to find it? These dwarves explore the universe in the hopes of finding their lost god in the Vast as well as a new home for their kind. The most famous expedition operates aboard Star Citadel Ironthrone, but far smaller crews regularly undertake this quest.
Popular Edicts work hard at your trade, keep your clan's interests at heart, celebrate life with food and drink
Popular Anathema betray your clan, put yourself before your loved ones, produce a flawed piece of work
Some dwarves believe that Torag's disappearance isn't a setback, but that it's simply the next part of the Quest for Sky of old. Yes, dwarves reached the surface of Golarion and the heavens beyond it, but what if their destiny is some other alien sky, and Torag is on a quest to find it? These dwarves explore the universe in the hopes of finding their lost god in the Vast as well as a new home for their kind. The most famous expedition operates aboard Star Citadel Ironthrone, but far smaller crews regularly undertake this quest.
Popular Edicts work hard at your trade, keep your clan's interests at heart, celebrate life with food and drink
Popular Anathema betray your clan, put yourself before your loved ones, produce a flawed piece of work
Sample Names
Aode, Bongrun, Duravor, Gontun, Hondue, Karvak, Morakt, Nerlond, Ontz, Quarnot, Vog, Zormuid
Dwarf Mechanics
Hit Points
10
Size
Medium
Speed
20 feet
Attribute Boosts
Constitution, Wisdom, Free
Attribute Flaw
Charisma
Languages
Szandite
Orcish
Common
(or one regional language)Additional languages equal to your Intelligence modifier (if it's positive). Choose from the list of common languages and any other languages to which you have access (such as the languages prevalent on your home world).
Clan Crystal
At birth, you're given a one-handed simple weapon crafted with your clan crystal. The crystal can't be removed, and selling the weapon or crystal is a terrible taboo that earns you the disdain of other dwarves.
Darkvision
You can see in darkness and dim light just as well as you can see in bright light, though your vision in darkness is in black and white.