The Dworn - The Earthborne

The Dworn resemble humans in many ways but possess subtle yet distinct differences that set them apart. They have slightly more solid builds, with broad shoulders, dense musculature, and a resilient constitution that reflects their deep connection to the element of earth. This physicality grants them exceptional endurance and strength, enabling them to withstand harsh environments and laborious tasks that would overwhelm others.

Dworn age much slower than humans, often living for centuries. It is not uncommon for a Dworn to see their great-grandchildren grow to adulthood, fostering a long view of the world and a deep respect for tradition and legacy. Despite their longevity, they do not physically appear aged until much later in life, retaining their strength and Vigor well into their elder years.

One of the most iconic features of the Dworn is their long, majestic beards, often grown and meticulously maintained as a sign of wisdom and experience. Braids, beads, and metal clasps are frequently used to decorate their beards, each design reflecting personal achievements, clan affiliation, or status. However, not all Dworn choose to grow beards, and their lack does not diminish their standing within society. Those who do not grow beards, as well as Dworn women, often adorn their hair in similar ways, braiding and weaving it with beads, metal clasps, and intricate decorations, mirroring the traditions of beard adornment.

Their hair, often shades of deep brown, auburn, or black, occasionally shows streaks of silver or gold as they age, which is seen as a mark of respect and honor. Their eyes are typically earth tones, brown, green, or grey, though some rare individuals possess amber or gem-like hues, believed to be a sign of ancestral blessings.

The Dworn's Mastery of stonecraft and metalwork is unparalleled. Where others see raw materials, the Dworn see potential. Their cities, often subterranean or built into the craggy faces of mountains, are sprawling networks of carved halls, glowing forges, and towering spires hewn directly from the bedrock.

Their settlements reflect their values: sturdy, functional, and resilient to the passage of time. Intricate carvings and sturdy pillars tell stories of past glories and battles fought to protect the earth they cherish. Even in regions where the Dworn no longer reside, their architectural legacy endures, bridges, ancient roads, and city walls of Dwornish make still stand as monuments to their enduring craftsmanship.

DWORN RUNES

Dworn runes are an essential part of their culture, imbued with both practical and mystical significance. These ancient symbols, carved into stone, metal, and wood, serve as a written language and a form of magic that binds the Dworn closer to the elements of the earth. Runes are passed down through generations, with each symbol representing concepts such as strength, protection, growth, and wisdom.

Runes of Craftsmanship – Often etched into tools, weapons, and armor, these runes enhance the durability and effectiveness of the item. Weapons bearing the rune of "Kalthrun" (The Enduring Blade) rarely dull and can pierce the toughest of armors.

Runes of Protection – Carved into doorways, fortresses, and shields, protection runes such as "Grundvar" (The Guardian Stone) ward off intruders and reinforce structures against collapse.

Runes of Guidance – Marking pathways and guiding travelers through the mountains, these runes help prevent the unwary from becoming lost. "Thrumgal" (The Wayfinder) is a common sight along trade roads.

Runes of Memory – Found on tombs and memorial stones, these runes preserve the names and deeds of Dworn ancestors, ensuring that their legacy endures. "Velkorn" (Echo of the Ancestors) is one of the most revered runes.

Runes of Power – Rare and difficult to craft, these runes are said to carry immense magical properties, capable of amplifying spells or unleashing devastating energy. Only the most skilled runemasters can inscribe the "Drakthal" (Dragon's Wrath) rune, capable of channeling destructive forces in battle.

Runes are more than symbols to the Dworn, they are part of their identity, woven into their daily lives, artifacts, and architecture. Every rune tells a story, and every story is a link in the unbroken chain of Dworn heritage.

Dworn architecture reflects their values, strength, permanence, and beauty in simplicity. Their structures are built to endure, often carved directly into mountainsides or constructed from immense blocks of stone. Dworn cities are a seamless blend of nature and craftsmanship, with towering pillars, grand archways, and sprawling subterranean halls illuminated by glowing crystals or enchanted braziers.

Dworn architecture is defined by its intricate craftsmanship, durability, and deep connection to the earth. Many Dworn cities extend far beneath the surface, forming vast subterranean metropolises reinforced with metal supports, runic inscriptions, and elaborate stone carvings that celebrate their history and legendary heroes. At the heart of each city stands a grand hall or keep, serving as the seat of leadership and a central gathering place for festivals and council meetings. These halls are lined with towering stone columns, detailed reliefs, and statues of revered ancestors, embodying the strength and unity of the Dworn people.

Fortifications are a key aspect of Dworn settlements, with thick stone walls, reinforced gates, and mechanized defenses powered by steam or magic protecting their cities. Defensive measures such as ballistae, stone-fall traps, and watchtowers ensure their strongholds remain impenetrable. Their expertise in engineering extends beyond defense, as they are renowned for constructing sturdy bridges and roads that span deep chasms or wind along mountainsides, often adorned with intricate carvings and inlaid metalwork.

Magic and craftsmanship intertwine in Dworn construction, with runic inscriptions carved into doorways, arches, and walls to imbue their structures with protective enchantments, ensuring their creations withstand the test of time. While their architecture is primarily practical and built for longevity, it is not without elegance. Patterns inspired by nature, mountains, rivers, and trees, are intricately woven into the stonework, reflecting the Dworn’s deep reverence for the land they inhabit.

DWORN MAGIC, GEOMANCY AND FERROMANCY.

The Dworn wield powerful magic grounded in the element of earth and the manipulation of metal. Some clans harness the power of geomancy, a form of earth magic that allows them to manipulate stone and soil, reinforcing their structures and creating formidable fortifications. This magic is often used in battle, allowing Dworn geomancers to reshape terrain or summon elemental guardians made of stone to act as bodyguards or hunt down enemy targets. These summoned creatures, known as Earthbound Servants, are hulking constructs capable of shielding their summoner or pursuing enemies relentlessly.

In addition to geomancy, ferromancy, the magic of steel and metal, is widely practiced among the Dworn. Ferromancers can reinforce their armor, sharpen their blades, and imbue weapons with destructive enchantments. This discipline is highly prized in times of war and allows Dworn warriors to become nearly impervious in battle.

Through geomancy and ferromancy, the Dworn reinforce their legacy as master craftsmen, warriors, and defenders of the mountain holds. In addition to magic, the Dworn are known as inventors and engineers. Many Dworn settlements boast technological marvels, including steam-powered machinery, mechanical constructs, and elaborate mechanisms that assist in mining, construction, and defense. These constructs are often powered by complex clockwork systems or infused with magical energy, blurring the line between magic and technology.

WEAPONS AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

Dworn weapons are not merely tools of war but masterpieces of craftsmanship and enchantment. Their blades, axes, and hammers are often adorned with intricate runes and forged from rare, enchanted ores harvested from the deepest veins of the mountains. It is said that Dworn blacksmiths sing to the metal as they work, binding the essence of the earth into the weapons they craft.

In ancient times, the Dworn created legendary magical weapons, artifacts of immense power forged during the titanic battles in which they slew their gods. These weapons, known as Relics of the First Forge, were infused with potent magic capable of severing the divine and disrupting celestial forces. The secrets behind crafting such weapons were lost in the aftermath of those cataclysmic conflicts, buried alongside the fallen gods beneath the mountains.

Occasionally, relics of this ancient age resurface, unearthed in long-forgotten tombs or reclaimed from the ruins of Dworn fortresses. These artifacts are revered as treasures of unparalleled value, and entire expeditions are launched at the mere rumor of their existence. Weapons such as Grimshard, the God-Breaker Axe, and Thalbor’s Anvil, a warhammer said to shake the heavens with every strike, are examples of these mythical tools.

To wield such a weapon is to carry the legacy of the Dworn’s greatest triumphs, and it is believed that the souls of those ancient smiths guide the hands of those deemed worthy.

Even in the present day, Dworn smiths strive to replicate the techniques of their ancestors, embedding their work with minor enchantments of strength, sharpness, and protection. While none rival the Relics of the First Forge, the weapons crafted by modern Dworn artisans are still sought after across Tymora, prized for their durability and artistry.

Dworn society is structured around clans, each with distinct roles that reflect their environment and expertise. Some clans dedicate themselves to mining rare minerals, while others focus on warfare, engineering, or shipbuilding. This division of labor fosters cooperation and unity among the Dworn, reinforcing the belief that every task, no matter how small, serves the greater whole.

Settlements often have members of several clans working together for the benefit of the community. Their specialties combined enrich and strengthen the community as a whole, ensuring that no single skill or craft is lacking. This harmonious blending of talents creates settlements that are self-sufficient, resilient, and vibrant.

PROMINENT DWORN CLANS 

• Stonehearth Clan – Masters of masonry and architecture, responsible for building many of Tymora’s grandest cities and fortresses.

• Ironroot Clan – Famed for their skill in metalwork and forging, their weapons and armor are considered the finest in the land.

• Deepdelver Clan – Expert miners and prospectors, delving into the depths of mountains to extract precious minerals and gems.

• Wavebreaker Clan – Seafaring Dworn who construct mighty ships and explore distant shores, trading and defending coastal settlements.

• Flamebearer Clan – A warrior clan dedicated to mastering the art of warfare and defending Dwornish lands from external threats.

• Runekeeper Clan – Scholars and practitioners of ancient Dworn magic, preserving lore, crafting enchanted relics, and advising clan leaders.

• Hearthwarden Clan – Farmers and brewers, supplying much of the Dwornish ale and grain that forms the backbone of their diet.

The Dworn believe in the power of community, with each member contributing to the well-being of the clan. Apprenticeships are sacred, as knowledge and skill are passed from elder to youth, ensuring that ancient techniques and secrets are never forgotten.

Major Dworn settlements, known as Holds, are fortified affairs capable of sustaining themselves for extended periods. These Holds are designed to be fully self-sufficient, housing expansive forges, granaries, aqueducts, and livestock pens within their walls. The layout of each Hold reflects the necessity for resilience, with multiple layers of defenses ensuring that even the longest sieges can be endured.

While large-scale sieges of ages past rarely occur in modern times, the Dworn remain vigilant and prepared for any eventuality. Defensive mechanisms such as stone-fall traps, reinforced gates, and concealed tunnels form the backbone of their fortifications, allowing Holds to repel invaders and withstand prolonged isolation if needed. This preparation is as much a cultural tradition as it is a military strategy, reinforcing the Dworn belief that complacency invites disaster.

The great Holds are not merely defensive bastions but centers of thriving industry and culture. Markets, training grounds, and vast libraries of stone-carved records exist within their depths, creating vibrant communities that can exist entirely apart from the outside world if necessary. It is said that within the heart of each Hold lies a forge that has burned for generations, symbolizing the unyielding spirit of the Dworn.

MAJOR DWORN HOLDS AND THEIR THANES

Each Dworn Hold reflects the strengths and needs of the land and people that call it home. While united by their craftsmanship and resilience, the Holds differ greatly in purpose, culture, and geography, resulting in unique identities defined by their environment and expertise.

Karag Vorn –The beating heart of Dworn industry and the largest of the Holds, Karag Vorn lies deep within the Ironcrag Mountains. This sprawling underground city hums with the sound of forges and the steady rhythm of hammer strikes. Known for producing the finest weapons and armor in Tymora, Karag Vorn’s extensive mines yield rare ores essential to Dworn smiths. Its people are industrious, valuing precision and endurance.

• Thane: Durgan Stonehand

• Crest: A silver hammer striking an anvil, framed by mountain peaks.

• Colors: Grey and silver.

Dranholm –In stark contrast to the mountain-bound Karag Vorn, Dranholm stands proudly along the Dworn coast as a beacon of seafaring prowess. This sprawling coastal fortress is home to shipbuilders, traders, and naval captains. Dranholm's bustling shipyards produce sturdy vessels that navigate the seas, and its golden sails are a common sight on distant shores. The people of Dranholm are as steadfast as the tides, fiercely protective of their maritime heritage.

• Thane: Brynja Stormhelm

• Crest: A golden ship atop crashing blue waves

• Colors: Blue and gold.

Thal Grun –Surrounded by fertile valleys and rolling hills, Thal Grun serves as the agricultural lifeline of the Dworn. Its lush fields produce bountiful harvests, and the Hearthwarden Clan ensures that granaries are full and the ale flows freely. Known for its vibrant festivals and close-knit community, Thal Grun is a place of celebration, embodying the Dworn's connection to the land and its cycles.

• Thane: Fendral Aleward

• Crest: A sheaf of wheat crossed with a tankard.

• Colors: Green and amber.

Beld Karak –Hidden deep within the heart of the mountains, Beld Karak is a fortress of miners and prospectors. Dominated by the Deepdelver Clan, the Hold is known for its rich veins of rare gems and precious minerals. The deep tunnels beneath Beld Karak wind through the rock like veins of gold, and its people are renowned for their ability to uncover hidden wealth from the earth. The Hold stands as a bastion of resource extraction and subterranean exploration.

• Thane: Belgar Deepaxe

• Crest: Two pickaxes crossed over a gemstone.

• Colors: Brown and gold.

Vordemar –Perched on the edge of Dworn territory, Vordemar is a frontier fortress that guards against external threats. Carved into sheer cliffs, it overlooks treacherous lands beyond the Dworn realm. The warriors of Vordemar, led by the Flamebearer Clan, are ever vigilant and battle-hardened, ready to defend the Holds from whatever dangers the frontier might bring. Fires are kept burning day and night within Vordemar's watchtowers, symbolizing eternal vigilance.

• Thane: Halgrun Fireblood

• Crest: A blazing sword engulfed in red flames.

• Colors: Red and orange.

Each thane serves not only as a political leader but as a living embodiment of their Hold’s spirit. The crests and colors of each Hold are proudly displayed, reinforcing the identity and pride that unite their people. From the industrious forges of Karag Vorn to the fertile fields of Thal Grun and the naval might of Dranholm, the Holds stand as a testament to the diversity and unity of the Dworn race.

Unique among the races, the Dworn's faith is centered around their defiance of the divine. Legends speak of the Dworn slaying their gods, freeing themselves from celestial bondage. In the absence of divine oversight, they venerate their ancestors—great builders, warriors, and leaders whose deeds shaped their world. Statues, crypts, and relics honor these figures, who are believed to watch over their kin from the heart of the earth itself.

The Dworn hold that their ancient heroes slew the gods that once ruled over them, believing that divine oversight was a shackle to their growth and independence. However, over time, these very heroes have come to be venerated as deities in their own right. The Dworn attribute realms of influence to each of these ancestral figures, offering brief prayers to them for good fortune in endeavors such as voyages, harvests, and mining expeditions.

While some Dworn worship all the hero gods equally, others choose to dedicate themselves to a particular deity that aligns with their craft, trade, or values. Shrines to individual gods can be found throughout Dworn Holds, standing alongside grand combined shrines that honor the entire pantheon.

There are nine primary gods in the Dworn pantheon:

Vordemar –God of leadership, justice, and war. The mightiest hero, and leader of the Gods. Symbol: A silver helm with crossed swords. Worn by warriors and military leaders.

Thargrid –Goddess of the forge, crafting, and invention. Patron of smiths and artisans. Symbol: A hammer entwined with flames. Favored by blacksmiths and artisans.

Brennar –God of mining, stone, and the deep earth. Protector of miners and treasure seekers. Symbol: A pickaxe striking a mountain peak. Miners and prospectors wear this for strength and fortune beneath the earth.

Galmora –Goddess of agriculture, fertility, and the harvest. Brings prosperity to the land. Symbol: A golden sheaf of wheat. Farmers and brewers wear this during planting and harvest seasons.

Karvag –God of the sea, storms, and sailing. Guides seafarers and defends coastal towns. Symbol: A trident over a crashing wave. Sailors and coastal dwellers carry this for safe passage.

Haldura –Goddess of hearth, family, and community. Keeper of home and tradition. Symbol: A flame cradled within open hands. Families and caretakers wear this as a sign of warmth and protection.

Drakar –God of battle, courage, and strategy. Patron of warriors and defenders. Symbol: A spiked shield and crossed axes. Worn by warriors and guards preparing for war.

Ysmirra –Goddess of knowledge, magic, and lore. Protects scholars and those who seek wisdom. Symbol: An open book with a star above it. Scholars, mages, and Runecallers wear this to seek wisdom and enlightenment.

Velkar –God of death, rebirth, and the afterlife. Oversees the spirits of the departed. Symbol: A skeletal hand clutching a stone. Priests and those mourning wear this to honor the dead.

Priests of the Dworn faith are known as Runecallers, distinguished by the runic staves and pendants they carry. They serve as spiritual leaders, storytellers, and historians, recounting the great sagas of their hero gods in grand halls and at gatherings. Runecallers also serve as mediators, calling upon the wisdom of the gods to resolve disputes and bless the Holds.

During festivals and holy days, Dworn gather at the great shrines, offering gifts of crafted goods, weapons, and ale in honor of their deities. These gatherings are as much a celebration of community and craftsmanship as they are of faith, reinforcing the Dworn's bond to their gods and each other.

Festivals celebrating these ancestral gods are common, filled with competitions of strength, craftsmanship, and storytelling. The Dworn do not seek immortality but instead aim to leave behind a legacy of stone and steel that will stand long after their bodies have returned to the soil.

Naturally insular, the Dworn tend to live in predominantly Dwornish societies, preferring the safety and familiarity of their mountain holds. While the newer races have begun to integrate and coexist with the Dworn, older races such as the Scions and Forsaken maintain a long-standing mistrust of the Dworn, stemming from ancient conflicts and bad blood.

However, the Dworn share a notably positive relationship with humans. Due to their physical similarities, the Dworn often view humans as younger kin—little children to be guided and protected. This paternalistic approach has fostered strong alliances between human and Dworn settlements, with the Dworn offering craftsmanship, wisdom, and military support in exchange for trade and camaraderie.

In times of need, the Dworn have been known to intervene in human conflicts, seeing it as their duty to protect their "little brothers and sisters" from the dangers of the world, a role they take with great seriousness.

The Dworn find kinship with humans, often forming alliances based on mutual respect for craftsmanship and resilience. Humans and Dworn frequently trade, and many of the greatest human strongholds owe their foundations to Dworn architects and masons.

In the ever-shifting tapestry of Tymora, the Dworn stand as stalwart guardians of the land, their legacy carved into the bones of the world itself.

Dworn characters in Wizards and Warlords gravitate toward classes that reflect their heritage, craftsmanship, and deep connection to stone and metal. Their society emphasizes the values of resilience, strength, and the forging of bonds through shared hardship, shaping the types of warriors, mages, and leaders that emerge from their Holds.

The following are the Classes available to a Dworn Character.

Ironbound –Fighter

The Ironbound are the hardened warriors of the Dworn, forming the backbone of their military forces. Clad in heavy armor and wielding sturdy round shields engraved with clan runes, the Ironbound are masters of the axe and blade. Renowned for their discipline and unshakable formations, they are often deployed to defend Holds during sieges or to break enemy lines in open battle.

• Famous Ironbound Leader: Thane Gorin Ironclad –Known for defending the gates of Karag Vorn for three days against an overwhelming Forsaken force.

Stoneguard–Paladin

The Stoneguard are sacred warriors devoted to the protection of the Dworn Holds and their people. They carry enchanted weapons blessed by Runecallers and inscribed with divine runes of protection. Guided by the will of the hero gods, Stoneguards serve as frontline champions in battles against monstrous threats and incursions from rival factions.

• Stoneguard Ideal: Protect the Hold, Guard the Flame.

• Symbol: A silver hammer crossed with a burning torch.

Runesmith – Artificer

Runesmiths are the master crafters and inventors of the Dworn, blending the art of smithing with arcane ferromancy. They craft legendary weapons, armor, and tools, embedding them with powerful runes and steel magic. Runesmiths are vital to the defense and advancement of Dworn technology, often seen as innovators and spiritual successors of Thargrid, the Goddess of the Forge.

• Notable Runesmith: Belgar the Bright –Creator of Stormcleave, a blade said to flash with lightning upon its edge.

Ferromancer – Battle Mage

Ferromancers wield the raw power of steel, using their magic to reinforce armor, sharpen blades, and enhance the physical strength of their allies. On the battlefield, Ferromancers are force multipliers, bolstering their kin with spells that harden their bodies like tempered steel or send showers of molten metal upon foes.

• Notable Ferromancer: Yorla Ironblood –Known for forging blades mid-battle with magic, granting her warriors fresh weapons as they fought.

Geomancer – Sorcerer

Geomancers are mages who manipulate the very earth beneath their feet. By drawing power from the land, they reshape terrain, raise stone walls, and summon guardians made of living rock to protect their Holds. Geomancers are often found at the forefront of Dworn defensive efforts, turning the environment itself into a weapon.

• Famous Geomancer: Erdan Deepstone –Architect of the Wall of Vordemar, raised overnight to repel an invading wild orc horde.

Runecaller – Bard/Priest

Runecallers serve as spiritual leaders, storytellers, and keepers of Dworn lore. Drawing upon the divine power of the hero gods, they etch protective runes, sing sagas of old, and weave magic into their words, inspiring allies and casting blessings. Runecallers often lead rituals, reinforcing the unity of the Holds through shared faith and history.

• Notable Runecaller: Ysra Hearthkeeper –Famed for her songs that healed warriors and mended shattered defenses during the Siege of Thal Grun.

Hearthwarden – Cleric/Druid

The Hearthwardens are the compassionate healers and caretakers of the Dworn, devoted to Haldura, Goddess of Hearth and Home. Their magic draws from the warmth of the forge and the flame of community, mending wounds, curing ailments, and shielding the vulnerable. In times of war, Hearthwardens walk the battlefield, tending to the fallen and keeping the Dworn fighting.

• Symbol:A glowing ember within a stone circle.

• Renowned Hearthwarden: Elder Brathin Warmheart –Known for saving hundreds of lives during the Blight of Beld Karak by invoking the warmth of the eternal forge.