Dwarves in Legacy

[hcobb]

The rules for dwarves are scattered through ITL, but here is my understanding of their explicit and some implicit aspects of this race that are sometimes overlooked due to their many shortcomings.

While they wear the same amount of armor material as humans (ITL 66), these pieces (other than shields) might not be interchangeable with humans. They don't get the shield weight savings of goblins because they need more defense in breadth. Their armor of whatever type imposes half the effective load on their bodies because of their doubled carrying capacity. (ITL 77) Why bring a mule into the labyrinth when a dwarf can carry just as much? Also dwarves are slightly heavier than humans (ITL 66) so they're a big load on ponies.

They can tunnel like rats (ITL 71) and have an Architect's sense for the layout of tunnels (ITL 69), so there's no point in taking the Miner mundane (but they still do).

They have the innate disadvantages of alcoholism and greed and don't play well with some other non-human races. (ITL 77)

Dwarves still get a bonus with Axes in Legacy, but it's implicit. A broadsword costs a third more than a War Ax, but weighs a third less. A dwarf can then more easily afford the heavier weapon (that they can easily carry), while justifying a fine weapon on the basis of background.

A good starting point for a dwarf is the crossbow sniper (I'd suggest a longbow, but it's too big a draw for stubby little arms.) So for example:

Gimmie, Dwarf, age 20
ST 12, DX 11, IQ 9, MA 10
Talents: Axe/Mace, Crossbow, Literacy, Miner (mundane), Recognize Value, Shield, Toughness
Languages: Common, Dwarvish
Weapons: fine war ax (2d+1), light crossbow (2d), crowbar (1d+1), untalented silver dagger (1d-1)
Attacks and Damage: Punch (1d-2)
Armor: Toughness, and small shield stop 2 hits
Equipment:
• Ruffian clothes, $10
• small shield, $30 10.0#
• fine war ax, $600 8.0#
• light crossbow, $50 6.0#
• 20 quarrels, $20 1.0#
• Labyrinth kit, $30 6.0#
• Belt pouch, $5 0.5#
• 3*Molotail, $60 6.0#
• 5*torch, $5 2.5#
• Crowbar, $10 4.0#
• Backpack, $40 4.0#
• 5 days rations, $25 5.0#
• 2 skins full of wine, $10 4.0#
• silver dagger, $100 0.2#
• 5 silver coins, $5 0.05#

Total: $1k 57.25#, can pick up another 38 pounds before slowing down.

[Jack O'All Trades]

I'd note that Miner (Mundane) might include more than digging and understanding the structure of tunnels. What exactly it includes probably depends a lot on what your mining technology looks like, though.

[Bill_in_IN]

My memory of dwarves in TFT was that they had too many disadvantages to appeal to someone creating an adventuring character. However, they were formidable foes to go up against. As a GM, a squad of dwarves would make a group work very hard for their experience points. Dwarves seemed best in the home ground defensive posture.

[hcobb]

Added a note about the changes from first edition.
https://www.hcobb.com/tft/legacy_first.html#dwarves

[Axly Suregrip]

I like what they bring to a party. Dwarves need to be played as greedy. As a GM I won't allow a Dwarf to leave a room with an unopened chest.

Human leader, "There was nothing defending that chest. It is clearly a trap. Let's move on."

Dwarf, "Then all the treasures mine."

HL, "It's a trap"

Dwarf, "Clearly but it's all mine!"

[hcobb]

Pick up all the chests in the dungeon and carry them home unopened.
You're a dwarf, so this is hardly any weight at all.

[phiwum]

How big are your chests? Do they fit on a belt or do you make the dwarf put the stack of chests in a sack or backpack?

[Axly Suregrip]

...and this is why any evil dungeon overlord worth his salt bolts all trapped chests to the ground.

[tomc]

Originally Posted by Axly Suregrip

...and this is why any evil dungeon overlord worth his salt bolts all trapped chests to the ground.

... or the trap is UNDER the chest, and triggers when uncovered. ;)

[hcobb]

The next dwarf I make shall smoke cigars.
Mostly to be obnoxious, but also to light grenades and molotails with.