Homebrew Dwelf Species Details

Typically, Dwelves are accepted easier into Dwarven society versus Elven, especially if the father is a Dwarf.  Not to say they are rejected from Elven society, but if found in Elven communities, Dwelves tend to remain on the outskirts. 

Not so Short and Stout

Bold and hardy, dwelves are known as skilled warriors, miners, Rangers, druids and bards. They stand roughly 5 feet tall, but are not so broad and compact as dwarves. Their courage and endurance are also easily a match for any of the larger folk.

Dwelven skin ranges from deep brown to a paler white. Their hair, worn long but in simple styles, is usually black, gray, or brown, though paler dwelves often have blond hair. Male dwelves do not value their beards as much, and tend to be clean shaven or keep their beards short and well groomed.

Long Memory, Long Grudges

Dwelves can live to be more than 500 years old, so the oldest living dwelves often remember a very different world.  However, as rare as they are, and possibly rejected from both Dwarven and Elven societies, their lives can be cut short by many means in this cruel world.

Individual dwelves are determined and loyal, true to their word and decisive in action, sometimes to the point of stubbornness. Many have a strong sense of justice, and they are slow to forget wrongs they have suffered. 

Clans and Kingdoms 

If you are lucky enough to have been accepted by a Dwarven clan, then all of the following applies to you as it would any full blooded dwarf.

Dwarven kingdoms stretch deep beneath the mountains where the dwarves mine gems and precious metals and forge items of wonder. They love the beauty and artistry of precious metals and fine jewelry, and in some dwarves this love festers into avarice. Whatever wealth they can’t find in their mountains, they gain through trade. They dislike boats, so enterprising humans and halflings frequently handle trade in dwarven goods along water routes. Trustworthy members of other races are welcome in dwarf settlements, though some areas are off limits even to them.

The chief unit of dwarven society is the clan, and dwarves highly value social standing. Even dwarves who live far from their own kingdoms cherish their clan identities and affiliations, recognize related dwarves, and invoke their ancestors’ names in oaths and curses. 

 

Gods, Gold, and Clan

Dwelves who take up the adventuring life might be motivated by a desire for treasure—for its own sake, for a specific purpose, or even out of an altruistic desire to help others. Other dwelves are driven by the command or inspiration of a deity, a direct calling or simply a desire to bring glory to one of their gods. Clan and ancestry are also important motivators. A dwelf might seek to restore a clan’s lost honor, avenge an ancient wrong the clan suffered, or earn a new place within the clan after having been exiled. Or a dwelf might search for the axe wielded by a mighty ancestor, lost on the field of battle centuries ago.

 

 

Dwelves get along passably well with most other races.  However, full blooded Dwarves and Elves may either shun you or accept you.  Expect neither.

Dwelf Names

A dwelf’s name is given by whichever parent raised it.  It could be a Dwarven first name with an Elvish surname, or vice versa.  A combination of Dwarf and Elf is not unheard of, either.

 

Dwelf Traits

Your dwelf character has an assortment of inborn abilities, part and parcel of dwarven and elven nature.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 1 and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Age

Dwelves mature at the same rate as humans, but they’re considered young until they reach the age of 50. On average, they live about 550 years.

Alignment

Most dwelves are lawful, or neutral. They tend toward good as well, with a strong sense of fair play and a belief that everyone deserves to share in the benefits of a just order.  

A Dwelf rejected from both Dwarven and Elven society would lean more toward chaotic, not having been raised to appreciate fairness and order.

Size

Dwelves stand roughly 5 feet tall and average about 150 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet. 

Darkvision

Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Resilience

You have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage (explained in the “Combat” section).  You also have advantage on saves against charm and fear.

Tool Proficiency

You gain proficiency with the artisan’s tools of your choice: smith’s tools, brewer’s supplies, or mason’s tools.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Dwarvish and Elvish. 

Keen senses

You have proficiency in the Perception skill.