Mostly found in the northern and western reaches of Faerun, Shield
dwarves are the dominant lineage of the northern dwarves. Master
craftsmen and smiths, they have endured a long decline, in the face
of endless battles with goblins, orcs, giants and trolls. The Thunder
Blessing has come as a relief and reprieve for the Shield dwarves,
giving them hope in spite of their constant battles.
Standing slightly taller than their gold dwarf cousins, Shield
dwarves average 4 and a half feet tall, with fair to lightly tanned
skin, and red to brown hair color. They are stout as most dwarves,
often as broad as they are tall, and weighing near an adult human.
Shield dwarves always keep their word, no matter the cost, and are
incredibly stubborn. They refuse to give an inch unless absolutely
neccesary. This has led to many clan wars, and fueds that have cost
them in strength. It is also one of the only reasons they have been
able to maintain their ancestral homes against those who would steal
them, in spite of the lack of defenders.
While rare before the Thunder Blessing, arcane spellcasters are
starting to become more common amongst the shield dwarves. This,
coupled with their immensely strong divine spellcasting contingent,
has greatly helped shield dwarves battle their enemies.