Shield Dwarf
a.k.a The Wanderers or The Hidden
Shield Dwarves can trace their history back to a time line before that of Tellenes’ writen history. Shield Dwarves are not native to this world and their closest kin are the Gold Dwarves in which they share much of their secret early pre-Tellene history with. Shield Dwarves are known as wonders, but there are some that have hidden themselves from the outside world, content to pursue their traditional ways of life.
Personality
Shield Dwarves keep their word, whatever the cost, and are incredibly stubborn, unwilling to concede an inch unless there is absolutely no alternative. Such unyieldingness has aided to the decreasing shield dwarf population, but they still hold on to ancient strongholds with just a fraction of their original defenders. However, it has also led to influx within clans and long-standing feuds with other races which have sapped much of the strength of the Shield Dwarves.
Physical Description
Shield dwarves are taller than many other dwarves; they average about 4 ½ feet tall and weigh as much as an adult human. Their skin color is fair to lightly tan, and their eyes are usually green or a silvered blue. Hair color ranges from light brown to red, with all shades fading to a silver white with age.
Relations
Shield dwarves get along well with other dwarven sub-races, although they regard some as barbaric and arrogant. Despite centuries of squabbling with elves, they have for the most part put aside their differences. Shield dwarves get along best with gnomes and humans. Shield dwarf experiences with Halflings have been somewhat unreliable but they are easy to get along with.
Alignment
Shield Dwarves are not known to perfer any one alignment more than another, but they do tend to be good, and the wanders favor chaotic, and the hidden are often lawful. This is due more because of the social standing of the dwarf then their choosing.
Shield Dwarf Lands
Generations of wandering have created large and thriving dwarven enclaves within the lands of Brandobia among the human settlements, which all shield dwarves welcome as part of the loosely knit dwarven “clan.” Shield dwarves occupy the roles of smith or craftsmen in many human communities and are well respected for their skill as artisans. Few shield dwarves turn away from honoring their traditions, but most are quick to learn local trade tongue and make friends with other races.
Religion
Shield Dwarves have been worshiping The Speaker of the Word for ages. They also are very fond of two other deities, the Battler Ranger and The Wanderer. Warrior clerics hold important roles in Shield Dwarf life because of the warring with the goblinoid tribes.
Language
Shield Dwarves speak a dialect of Dwarven and Merchant tongue; they also speak the languages of the nearby lands. Common secondary languages reflect the trading contacts they have maintained with neighbors, including Elevn, Gnome, and Undercommon. Many shield dwarves learn the languages of their traditional foes Draconic, Giant, Goblin and Orc.
Adventures
Shield Dwarves are incredibly proud of the bloodlines, but because of the declining of the race they now place individual accomplishments at a much higher level. So the wandering clans tend to adventure more regularly. The Shield Dwarf will often enter the life of a Battle Ranger or Battle Mage when given the chase.
Source Notes: Forgotten Realms, Races of Faerun