Norse Dwarves

Mostly, it is the cultures and societies that are the greatest difference. Both races are renowned craftsmen and metalworkers of the highest order, but the greatest difference is the type of magic they employ. While standard dwarves have priests and gods of their own, Norse dwarves rarely, if ever, turn to the worship of a god. While they may respect the might of a Power, not too mention their jink, worship is out of the question.

Unlike the 'normal' dwarves, Norse dwarves are very fond of arcane magic and many are sorcerers, wizards or multiclass with these. Otherwise they are often fighters, with a select few barbarians. Monks and rangers are rare, but not unheard of. Rogues are usually those with an interest in mechanical devices and concentrate their talents to such things rather than sneaking and hiding and pick pocketing. Few are bards, since their nature doesn't lend itself well to such aesthetic pursuits. Still, the occasional Norse dwarf bard is found, specializing in the ancient lore of the Norse dwarves, and the Norse pantheon and their allies and enemies. Paladins, clerics and druids because of their religions ties are probably even less common than nordic bards.

One puzzling aspect is that few, if any, Norse dwarf females have been heard of. They are never encountered in their halls (by outsiders), never seen, or spoken of. Why? Only the Norse dwarves know, and they aren't telling.

The Norse dwarves have a history of creating the biggest and most powerful weapons around. Just where did Thor get Mjølnir? Where did Odin get his spear? The Norse Dwarves, of course. Sure, they can't create things like this on a whim. These are major artifacts that even other gods fear. They haven't created such items in a very long time, leading some to believe that they have lost their ability. Others think that it is because they can't be bothered to make weapons for every berk that comes along, Power or not.

Despite this, they are still sought after as master smiths for 'lesser' weapons. If you are fortunate to get hold of a piece of their work, you know that it is worth the price you paid and then some. It will never let you down, and there is often some little extra ability that makes it a truly unique piece. The Norse dwarves are a lot more like the stereotypical standard dwarf than most standard dwarves. On the whole, they are greedy, materialistic, canny and cunning. They are often wicked and unpleasant, caring only for the gleam of gold. They are not so clannish as other dwarves and readily betray their own kind if there is profit is involved. On the other hand, Norse dwarves avenge any wrong done to a member of their family by any outsider. And they use any means necessary to get even. They are close-mouthed and frankly few Norse dwarves have much love for each other, much less outsiders.

There are two factions or clans of dwarves, the Modsogne and the Durin. Named after the two first Norse dwarves created. Modsogne was first, and most powerful, but Durin was the one whom most Norse dwarves followed. The Durin are the ones who make most of the weapons and other items. They sell their work to anyone who has the gold to buy it, regardless of purpose to which it is put. The Modsogne are slightly more cautious and tend more towards non-violent items. Even so, there is little or no disagreement between the two 'clans'.

To people who don't know much about dwarves, a Norse dwarf is indistinguishable from a standard dwarf. The dwarves, on the other hand, instantly spot the difference. The relationship between the two races is polite, but cold and distant. They would just as soon never see each other. Still, the two races can mate and bear offspring, but this is unheard of.