- See also: Category:Dwarves
Dwarves are a short but stocky race that inhabits Toril. What a regular dwarf lacks in in height (measuring between 4 and 5 feet), he makes up for in bulk, weighing as much as a mature human. Dwarven males are a bit taller and heavier than their female counterparts.
Dwarves are unusually tough for humanoids, in more ways than one. Dwarven stomachs, for instance, are resistant to virtually all poisons and it takes less effort for a dwarf to get back on their feet than other races. Dwarves also have dense bodies and are difficult to push around as a result, as well as having the capacity to bear loads, that other races might find hindering, with little ill effect.
Male dwarves are often bald and grow thick facial hair, which is sometimes used to display social status. Unusually for humanoids, both sexes naturally grow ample facial hair, though the majority of shield dwarf females shave their beards off.
Many dwarves have an affinity for the caverns in which they live, possessing a knack for recognizing unusual patterns in stonework that could almost seem supernatural at times. They are also renowned for their metalworking and crafting abilities.
Subraces[]
Duergar[]
The Duergar, also known as gray dwarves, are a subterranean subrace of dwarves. They carve out an existence in the Underdark. Their kinship to surface dwarves can be compared to that of the Drow to surface Elf folk. Duergar are implemented in the game.
Gold Dwarf[]
Gold dwarves, are a subterranean subrace of dwarves, and are known for their confidence and keen intuition. The culture of their Deep Kingdom values family, ritual, and fine craftmanship. These are not implemented in the game.
Shield Dwarf[]
Shield Dwarves, are a subterranean subrace of dwarves, survived a long fall from grace, surrendering many of their ancient kingdoms in wars with goblins and orcs. These losses have lead to a cynical mindset, yet shield dwarves will endure anything to restore their ancestral homelands. These are not implemented in the game.
Racial Traits[]
- Racial Bonuses: Infravision. Up to -5 bonus to Death, Wand, and Spell saving throws with additional Constitution-based bonuses, see "Shorty" Saving Throws.
- Stat Modifiers: +1 Con, -1 Dex, -2 Cha
- Stat Minimum/Maximum:
- Str: 8/18
- Dex: 3/17 (2/17 in BG:EE)
- Con: 12/19
- Int: 3/18
- Wis: 3/18
- Cha: 2/16 (1/16 in BG:EE)
Classes[]
Class Accessibility[]
Barbarian, Cleric, Fighter, Thief
Multi-Class Accessibility[]
Fighter / Thief, Fighter / Cleric
Dwarves make excellent warriors because of their extremely high constitution. The very small selection of playable classes available for dwarves, second only to halflings, may discourage anyone wanting to play a dwarf that isn't the fighting type. They don't have as much strength as half-orcs, but their ungodly high saving throws more than makes up for it in the long run. While the 17 maximum in dexterity at character creation hurts their armor class, it can be boosted to 18 with the use of skill manuals. This will put your AC on par with any other race outside of halflings and elves. Dwarves are also the only race who can play as the fighter kit Dwarven Defender, which is the only class kit that is not available to humans.
Those interested in playing thieves can still do so with a dwarf character because the dexterity restriction is actually balanced out by naturally high racial adjustments to thieving skills (particularly disarm traps, open locks and set traps). However, it should be noted that the high constitution bonus only applies to warrior classes and the steep charisma penalty dwarves suffer doesn't make them ideal as party leaders or for getting the best prices at stores.
In-Game Description[]
| “ | Dwarves are short and stocky, easily identifiable by their size and shape. They have ruddy cheeks, dark eyes, and dark hair. Dwarves tend to be dour and taciturn. They are given to hard work, and care little for most humor. They enjoy beer, ale, mead, but most of all, they love gold. There are four racial divisions of dwarves within the Realms: shield dwarves, gold dwarves, wild dwarves, and duergar.
Dwarves have the following traits:
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” |
Related Items[]
Exclusive item: Dwarven Thrower 
Baldur's Gate II:
Shadows of Amn (2000)
This icon indicates content from the original Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn campaign. 
Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition – Shadows of Amn (2013)
This icon indicates content from the Shadows of Amn campaign of the Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition.
Not exclusive items but better for Dwarves :
- Helmet of Dumathoin
Baldur's Gate:
Siege of Dragonspear (2016)
This icon indicates content from the Siege of Dragonspear campaign of the Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition. - Nimblefinger Gloves
Baldur's Gate:
Siege of Dragonspear (2016)
This icon indicates content from the Siege of Dragonspear campaign of the Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition. - Steadfast Baldur's Gate:
Siege of Dragonspear (2016)
This icon indicates content from the Siege of Dragonspear campaign of the Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition. - Lucky Boots Baldur's Gate:
Siege of Dragonspear (2016)
This icon indicates content from the Siege of Dragonspear campaign of the Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition.
See also[]
External links[]
- Dwarf on the Forgotten Realms Wiki, a wiki for the Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting Forgotten Realms.