Homebrew Ancient Dwarf Species Details

Ancient Dwarves are born from the body of an old fallen god. His body was brought new life by the grieving spirit of his mother. She didn't have the strength to bring him back as he was, so she breathed spectacular magic into his body. The first dwarves came from his bones, they were strong and silent, using their enormous strength to dig out entire cave systems and move earth to make mountains. They moulded the perfect environment to bring the rest of the god's body to life, and after they completed this task, their spirits left them. Their bodies turned into the ores that their successors would use to create their society.

The second dwarves to be born of the old god's flesh came from two separate place, bearing opposite but complimentary strengths. They were brought forth from the old god's mind and heart, and they created a society. Those born from the mind were incredibly wise craftsmen, they created powerful magic machines and massive accounts of information and schematics. Those born from the heart were curious, they explored nature and attempted to understand the world they found on a deeper level. They created philosophy, language, literacy and society. Through natural disasters and adverse weather conditions, these dwarves went extinct, leaving behind a wonderful society for the next generation.

The third, final and current generation of dwarves came from the god's blood, the substance that lived through each part of the god's body. They have intellect and emotion, they explored the arts, such as sculpture and pottery. They also explored the world, forming relationships with other races, learning of new flora and fauna and finding new biomes. They share their knowledge with their allies, forming great bonds with races such as other dwarves, gnomes, genasi and orcs. Furthermore, they are very loyal allies, never starting wars themselves, but becoming fierce warriors when their allies need them, or if their homeland is attacked. 

Ancient Dwarf Traits

The third generation might be the smallest of dwarves, but they are versatile and hardy.

Jarred Rest

Whenever you sleep, you fold yourself into a barrel-like jar of rest. During this rest, you connect your spirit to the land in which you lay, gaining insights into its past and its present. You gain proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice.

Serene Resilience

You have advantage on saving throws against illusions and against being frightened.

Tectonic Skin

Your body was formed in both the blood of the fallen god and the dirt in which it rests. When not wearing armour, your armour class equals 12 + your Constitution modifier. You can wear a shield a still gain this benefit.

Extra Languages

You can read, write and speak Common, Dwarvish and Primordial

Superior Darkvision

You have darkvision (in shades of gray) out to 120 feet.

Rune of Connection

Your stone like skin allows you to etch designs into it, similar to marble carvings. Certain designs hold a special connection to the body from which you came, holding powerful magic that emboldens you. Once you reach 3rd Level, you can choose one rune, once you make this decision, you cannot change it.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increase by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.