Half-Dwarf, Variant (5e Race)

Half-Dwarf

A child of both dwarven and human heritage is almost as rare as a child of elven and a dwarven descent, but it does occasionally happen. Many believe that the half-dwarf are the gods’ greatest irony, since a fully-grown half-dwarf stands taller than any human. Most of the time, half-dwarf are confused with humans, albeit; tall, stocky humans. The reactions to this vary from one half-dwarf to another. Some make nothing of it, giving the assumption a quick laugh and a gracious correction, while others are utterly offended, go into a long rant and break whatever they can get their hands on. The combination of the human and dwarven temperaments is a passionate and unpredictable concoction at times. The natural constitution and strength of their Dwarven ancestors is amplified by the human heritage within them. This makes them into fantastic fighters, workers, and laborers.

A Big and Tall Story

Before it was mentioned that the half-dwarf are often taller than even Humans. This was not an exaggeration. No one can tell why the mixture of human and dwarven blood creates the offspring that could tackle a troll with ease, but nonetheless, half-dwarf are the first to take advantage of their size and stature. The average half-dwarf stands above 6 feet tall at full maturity, with a body comparable in build to a half-orc or even a goliath. Their skin can vary from shades of milky white to dark brown, while their eyes are always a light color, whether it be green, blue or brown. Their hair comes in as many varieties as their skin, ranging from a fiery red to a coal black, half-dwarfs are never blonde. The men of the race, they easily sprout a full beard early in their adolescence and can be confused with fully grown men by the age of 12, though a typical half-dwarf doesn’t reach full maturity until the age of 18. As for the women of the race, instead of sprouting glorious full beards, they are instead as buxom as they are strong.

Few and Far Between

Half-dwarf heroes and villains are lightly sprinkled throughout history, with evidence of their existence found as far back as the original races themselves. Many dispute that some of the great half-dwarf of history are even half-dwarf at all, but none can argue against the validity of Thout Harduum, the Iron Ram of the Morning Star, being the noblest and courageous half-dwarf of all history. Thout Harduum is said to be the man that struck down the leader of the dark elf armies over tens of millennia ago. He single-handedly banded together the remnants of the dwarven, elven and human armies and lead them into a glorious battle in the name of Moradin. Every half-dwarf is told the story of Thout Harduum as a child, and every one of them aspires to be as famous, courageous and glorious as he.

Hardy, Resilient Workers

Generally, half-dwarf function well in society. Like their human half they get along well with most other races and like their dwarven half, they are strong, dedicated workers. Anyone would be a fool to deny a half-dwarf work. Though their temperament may differ from person to person, their loyalty and dedication is unwavering.

Half-Dwarf Names

Depending on the parents, a half-dwarf could have a completely human name, or a completely dwarven name. More often then not, their name shares connections to both ancestries.

Half-Dwarf Traits

The rare product of a Human-Dwarven Coupling, though the results are contrary to the name.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength and Constitution scores increase by 2.
Age. Half-dwarfs reach full adulthood in their late teens, but can live well into their second century.
Alignment. Half-dwarfs do not fall under a general alignment, but most lean towards both good and lawful alignments.
Size. You stand above 6 feet tall but never exceed a height of 8ft. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet. Your speed is not decreased by wearing heavy armor.
Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Dwarven Resilience. You have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison damage (explained in chapter 9 of the Players Handbook).
Dwarven Combat Training. You have proficiency with the battleaxe, handaxe, light hammer, and warhammer.
Human Versatility. Your Human ancestry makes you a quick learner. You gain proficiency in two skills of your choice. Racial Feats applying to Humans and Dwarves can be selected by a half-dwarf.
Powerful Build. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
Languages. You have learned the languages from both your parents, you know Common and Dwarven, as well as one other language of your choice.

Random Height and Weight

Table: Half-Dwarf Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier	Base Weight	Weight Modifier
6′0	+ 3d8 in	260 lb.	x (2d6) lb.

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