The Hylar, often referred to as the "Highest," are the most noble and commanding of all dwarven clans. Once the rulers of great underground kingdoms, the Hylar dwarves have a storied history filled with both grandeur and tragedy. Known for their expert craftsmanship, especially in architecture and engineering, the Hylar are responsible for some of the most awe-inspiring wonders of the dwarven world. Their creations, from massive stone fortresses to intricate mechanical wonders, are a testament to their skill and dedication.
However, the Hylar have seen their power diminish in recent years. The Chaos War brought devastation to their ranks, with the destruction of Hybardin and the loss of many Hylar lives. Despite these setbacks, the Hylar remain a proud and resilient people. They continue to hold significant influence in the kingdom of Kayolin, where their numbers are strongest, and they strive to preserve their heritage and reclaim their lost glory.
As a Hylar dwarf, you carry the weight of your clan's legacy. Whether you seek to rebuild what was lost, explore new avenues of craftsmanship, or prove your worth in a world that has taken much from you, your noble bearing and indomitable spirit will guide you on your journey.
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from: History, Investigation, Persuasion, Insight.
- Tool Proficiencies: Smith's tools and Mason's tools.
- Languages: Common and Dwarvish. Choose one additional language from Elvish, Gnomish, or Primordial.
- Equipment: A set of smith's tools or mason's tools (your choice), a set of fine clothes, a crafted stone or metal symbol of your clan, a [item]pouch[item] containing 15 gp, and a journal filled with designs and sketches of dwarven architecture.
You have an innate understanding of construction and engineering, inherited from the generations of Hylar before you. You can quickly assess the structural integrity of buildings, bridges, and other constructions, knowing where the weak points are and how to reinforce them. When you attempt to build, repair, or improve a structure, you can complete the task in half the normal time, provided you have access to the necessary materials and tools. Additionally, you have advantage on checks to find or disable traps, secret doors, or other mechanical devices within structures.
Suggested Characteristics
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I speak with the authority and confidence of my noble heritage. |
| 2 | I have an eye for detail and can’t help but critique the work of others. |
| 3 | I value tradition and often quote the wisdom of my ancestors. |
| 4 | I take pride in my work and won't rest until a job is done to perfection. |
| 5 | I am a natural leader and expect others to follow my lead. |
| 6 | I have a deep respect for stone and metal, treating them almost as living things. |
| 7 | I am calm under pressure, believing that patience and planning are the keys to success. |
| 8 | I often dream of the wonders my ancestors built and strive to live up to their legacy. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Legacy. I must restore the honor and power of the Hylar. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Perfection. Everything I create must be flawless and enduring. (Neutral) |
| 3 | Tradition. The old ways are best, and I uphold them at all costs. (Lawful) |
| 4 | Resilience. No matter what life throws at me, I will rebuild and continue. (Neutral) |
| 5 | Nobility. I must lead by example and protect those who cannot protect themselves. (Good) |
| 6 | Innovation. The future lies in new designs and techniques, not just the past. (Chaotic) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I will rebuild my clan’s legacy, stone by stone, until we are once again the rulers of our kind. |
| 2 | My family heirloom, a tool passed down through generations, was lost during the Chaos War. I will find it. |
| 3 | The destruction of Hybardin haunts me, and I will do whatever it takes to honor the memory of those lost. |
| 4 | I owe a great debt to an artisan who taught me everything I know; I strive to surpass them in skill. |
| 5 | My clan is everything to me; I will defend them to my last breath. |
| 6 | The secrets of dwarven engineering must be protected from those who would misuse them. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am overly critical of others’ work, often to the point of offending them. |
| 2 | My pride in my heritage sometimes makes me arrogant and dismissive of other cultures. |
| 3 | I have difficulty letting go of the past, and it sometimes clouds my judgment in the present. |
| 4 | I am stubborn to a fault, refusing to admit when I’m wrong or when a different approach might be better. |
| 5 | I can be inflexible, sticking to traditional methods even when innovation is needed. |
| 6 | I hold grudges and find it difficult to forgive those who have wronged me or my clan. |
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