Dwarf

Dwarves are experts in combat, effectively using their environment and executing well-planned group attacks. They rarely use magic in fights, since they have few wizards or sorcerers (but dwarven clerics throw themselves into battle as heartily as their fellow warriors). If they have time to prepare, they may build deadfalls or other traps involving stone. In addition to the dwarven waraxe and thrown hammer, dwarves also use warhammers, picks, shortbows, heavy crossbows, and maces.

Special Abilities

• Hardy (Ex)

  Dwarves gain a +2 racial bonus on all saves against poison and all esoteric abilities.

• Inexorable (Ex)

  A dwarf’s speed is never reduced by armor or encumbrance.

• Powerful Build

  Whenever a dwarf is subject to a size modifier for an opposed check, the dwarf is treated as one size larger if doing so is advantageous to him. He is also considered to be one size larger when determining whether a creature’s special attacks based on size can affect him. A dwarf can use weapons designed for a creature one size larger without penalty. However, his space and reach remain those of a creature of his actual size. The benefits of this racial trait stack with the effects of abilities, powers, and spells that change the subject’s size category.

• Racial Enmity (Ex)

  A dwarf gains Favored Enemy (Humanoid (gnoll, goblinoid, orc)) with a +1 bonus. This functions as the ranger ability of the same name, except for the size of the bonus. The bonus stacks with the favored enemy class feature. In addition, a dwarf gains a bonus on attack rolls against orcs, goblins, and gnolls equal to his total favored enemy bonus against them.

• Stability (Ex)

  As long as a dwarf is standing on the ground (but not when climbing, flying, riding, or otherwise not standing firmly on the ground), he gains a +4 racial bonus on Combat Maneuver Defense to resist being being moved, tripped, or knocked down.

• Stonecunning (Ex)

  Dwarves gain a +2 racial bonus on all Perception and Profession checks related to stone or metal. Additionally, a dwarf who passes within 10 feet of unusual stonework, such as traps and hidden doors located in stone walls or floors, receives a Perception check to notice the feature whether or not he is actively looking.

• Weapon Familiarity (Ex)

  Dwarves may treat dwarven waraxes and any other weapon with “dwarven” in the name as martial weapons, rather than exotic weapons.