Dwarf

Biodata

Origins and history

Dwarves evolved from the Earthen, stone beings created by the Titans. The Earthen included varieties made from different ores and gemstones, which are said to have given rise to different kinds of Dwarves 250 254.

The Mountain King was regarded as the first and only king of all Dwarves and the founder of a Dwarf Empire. After his death, the Dwarves split apart 269.

Ironforge later came under threat when Orcs advancing north surrounded it. An alliance of seven human kingdoms led by Lordaeron came to its aid; the Bronzebeard Dwarves named Menethil Harbor in recognition of that help 400.

Blackrock Depths

The Dark Iron Dwarves fought the Dark Horde for control of Blackrock Spire and lost much of their lower-level territory. Warfare produced numerous captives, while generations of Dark Iron slaves formed the largest group in the Darkforge Mine 189.

A slave uprising across Blackrock Depths gave the Dark Iron lord Rendaen an opportunity to move against Thaurissan. Rendaen captured mines, freed slaves and recruited those willing to fight alongside him 221 222.

During the struggle, Thaurissan transformed palace servants and soldiers into Fire Dwarves. Rendaen’s forces fought them and his iron golems; after Unas resurrected Rendaen, the lord rallied his troops against the Fire Elementals 247 248 253 257.

Relations between the clans

Relations between the Bronzebeard and Dark Iron clans were strained by the marriage of Magni Bronzebeard’s daughter Moira to Thaurissan. Magni sent forces and adventurers against Blackrock Depths in attempts to bring her home 256.

Unas later served as Rendaen’s ambassador to Ironforge and proposed formal recognition of Rendaen’s rule. Magni agreed to contact the Wildhammer and establish relations with the Dark Iron Kingdom in exchange for economic and border arrangements 400. Magni, Rendaen and Falstad Wildhammer later attended a summit together as kings of Ironforge, Shadowforge City and Aerie Peak, respectively 426.

Appearance and physical traits

Dwarves are shorter than humans, with shorter arms and legs, although their hands are roughly the same size as human hands 113 114 250.

• Beards: An important standard of beauty and a defining part of Dwarven appearance. Torbjorn’s lack of hair and beard is described as rare; Stonebrow and Redbrow were distressed when ordered to shave theirs 211 389.
• Dark Iron Dwarves: Typically identified by gray-black skin and crimson or scarlet eyes 183 184 390.
• Strength and endurance: The Copperhammer brothers were noted for their strength, tough skin and sustained attacks during a contest 112 113.
• Swimming: Dwarves are generally poor swimmers; human immigrants controlled much of Menethil Harbor’s shipping trade 400.

Society and culture

• Mining and caves: Dwarves prize ore and antiques, and many spend their lives working in caves. Some have expertise in geological surveying and tunnel design 34 35.
• Craftsmanship: Dwarven craftspeople produce weapons and armor. The Thorium Brotherhood made Unas’s Thunder Spear and developed combat-puppet designs 212 431.
• Drinking: Dwarves are renowned for their love of drink; Unas was warmly received after sharing wine, dried meat and grain at a gathering 69.
• Traditional duels: A duel between Rendaen and Thaurissan was considered ancient and sacred by the Dwarves present, though it dissolved into a melee 255.
• Magic: Dark Iron Dwarves particularly value magical study and hold mages in high regard 216.

Abilities and skills

Stone skin

Dwarf warriors possess natural stone skin. During an unarmored training contest, the Copperhammer brothers could withstand blows from practice weapons while maintaining relentless attacks 113.

• Their short reach can be exploited by an opponent who keeps distance; Marcus used footwork and targeted the younger Copperhammer’s vulnerable points 113.
• Dwarf soldiers also use armor effectively: Torbjorn’s armored troops survived being knocked down by Ogre attacks and returned to the fight 212.

Ancestral Transformation and Avatar

Exceptionally gifted Dwarves can revert toward their Earthen ancestry, becoming larger, stronger and harder. The technique is also known as Avatar 250 269.

• Rendaen’s Bronze Body greatly increased his strength and defenses against physical and magical attacks 254.
• Magni’s Avatar enlarged him and turned his skin into black crystalline rock; its heightened state could not be sustained indefinitely 395 396.
• The Mountain King was famed for using Avatar to become a giant in battle 269.

Petrification

Magni used the Dwarves’ racial talent Petrification during his duel with Unas. It placed him in a semi-petrified state, greatly increasing his defenses, particularly against spells, at the cost of speed and reflexes 396.

Fire Dwarves

Fire Dwarves were created through Thaurissan’s unfinished transformation process. He claimed it would increase strength, magic and lifespan, but early subjects lost much of their sanity and survived only a few days before turning to ash 247.

• They were larger than ordinary Dwarves, with cracked bodies glowing fiery red from within, and could no longer speak 247.
• They possessed immense strength, hard bodies, high defenses and fire-aspected attacks, but had low intelligence 247.
• Those transformed by the crude potion eventually weakened and fell apart as their energy faded 253.

Groups and locations

Notable Dwarves

• Magni Bronzebeard — King of Ironforge and Moira’s father; he fought alongside Unas against Dwarf rebels and later received him as an ambassador 390 400.
• Rendaen-Mosmar — Dark Iron lord who rose against Thaurissan and led forces against the Fire Elementals 221 257.
• Thaurissan — Dark Iron king who sought to transform his people and became a flame avatar 247 248.
• Moira Bronzebeard — Magni’s daughter and Thaurissan’s wife 256.
• Yomode Stonebrow — Steel Brotherhood caravan leader who helped guide the pursuit of Bessarius and later oversaw excavation work 34 35 147.
• Dugal Redbrow — Stonebrow’s younger cousin and leader of the Dwarves at the valley outpost; he later helped infiltrate Shadowforge City during the search for Unas 58 203.
• Half-Face — Dark Iron representative of Holder Blackbeard who maintained a multiracial faction in the mines 191 198.
• Torbjorn — Dark Iron blacksmith and faction leader who later pledged himself to Rendaen 211 221.