"We would not exist if it were not for the labors of the Stone Dwarves in our number. In every town in the three realms, Stone Dwarves pound out the weapons and armor that are used to protect the homes, caravans and lands of their people. Stone Dwarves just as often pick up those same weapons and armor and lay their lives out for their clansmen."

Alexander Southern, Guildmaster of Alchemy, Piedmont Minting, Mercantile and Skilled Tradesmen’s Association.

Stone Dwarves are a common sight in any town that engages in the forging of weapons or armor. Consequently, they are a common sight almost every military camp of the three realms as both smiths and warriors.

Stone Dwarves are a hardy and practical folk. They tend to value hard work, quality craftsmanship and family. While many envy their skill as smiths, they instead see it as a natural extension of doing things the right way. They do however, feel an almost spiritual connection to the metals they work with and the stones from which it comes.

Among the strangest of the Stone Dwarves abilities is their ability to form a Stonelink. Stone Dwarves locked into a Stonelink are nearly impervious to harm, allowing them to concentrate on their tasks at hand.

Not all Stone Dwarves are craftsmen. A great many warriors and even spellcasters are seen on the battlefield with the distinctive hair streaks, beards, and braids of the Stone Dwarf race. They are a numerous race and found in almost every other pursuit, legal or otherwise, in the realms.

Stone Dwarves do favor particular weapons and fighting styles heavily, generally using axes or hammers, and they favor shield fighting over more exotic styles.

Advantages:
May purchase Armorsmith skill at half cost
May purchase Weaponsmith skill at half cost
May purchase Resist Disease
May purchase Stonelink

Disadvantages:
Cannot use Two-Handed Blunt weapons
Cannot use Two-Handed Swords
Cannot learn Two-Handed Weaponmaster skill
+1 build point cost Florentine
+1 build point cost Two Weapons

Makeup:
All Stone Dwarves have two noticeable stripes of white or black
in their hair, one at each temple. This color must stand out from
the color of the rest of their hair.
Male dwarves must wear a full beard. In addition, a male dwarf's beard
must have two noticeable stripes of white or black, starting at the corners of
the mouth. This color must stand out from the color of the beard.
Female dwarves do not wear beards. Instead, they must wear their hair in elaborate braids.