Fierce and unyielding, the Furnace Dwarves are a splinter clan of Narrul’s dwarves who abandoned the western mountains for the blazing forges of the north. By the time of the Great Schism, they had turned their backs on the Storm Faction and sought new fortunes with the Furnace. Often called “embers of the north,” Furnace Dwarves channel the intense heat of their volcanic strongholds into legendary craftsmanship—and formidable strength on the battlefield.
Furnace Dwarves are stout but slightly taller than their western kin. Their eyes tend to glow with a faint orange hue—an echo, they claim, of the molten fires stoked in their hidden forges. Insulated by thick beards and braided hair, these dwarves wear dark leathers and iron-plated garb etched with runes of flame. Strong-willed and blunt-spoken, Furnace Dwarves seldom mince words, yet they show an unwavering loyalty to those they call friends or allies.
They excel when venturing into hot dungeons or fiery wastelands. They gain synergy from flame magic but must keep watch on gear usage in cooler zones, where their abilities may be dulled.
Faction
Having forsaken Narrul, Furnace Dwarves dwell in a chain of jagged crags far to the north. Nestled amid lava tubes and sulfuric vents, their new domain is a natural furnace. Through pacts with Furnace Faction allies (Darque Goblins and Gamnod Humans), they maintain strict patrols of these heated tunnels, calling themselves guardians of the “Old Fire.” Though smaller in number than the main dwarven population of the west, they have carved out an unmistakable presence among the Blade Army ranks.
Crafts & Skills
- Molten Smithing: While all dwarves are masters of iron and stone, Furnace Dwarves claim to surpass even their Narrul cousins in sheer heat-based metallurgy. Their smiths harness volcanic vents or charstone forges to produce fearsome blades, flame-etched axes, and armor that can endure punishing heat.
- Ember Mining: Skilled at delving into active lava tubes for rare minerals, Furnace Dwarves harvest geodes and metals said to resonate with fire’s essence.
- Furnace-Forged Tools (Legacy Skill): Ancestral forging techniques from their western dwarf lineage remain a point of pride. Mixing these older methods with new furnace forging has given them an edge in crafting robust gear.
Gods of the Dwarves
Furnace Dwarves still call upon Yer’tur and At’bane—the dwarven gods of earth, fire, wind, and water—but they interpret them through a “furnace lens,” venerating volcanic fire above all else. Great feast days revolve around new forge-fires being lit or sealed. Their deep connection to the north’s hazardous environment means every clan member—from smith to scout—knows how to survive in punishing heat and blistering terrain.
Classes Available
Furnace Dwarves keep many of the same class options as their western cousins, though they gravitate toward roles that exploit their affinity for heat and metal:
- Warrior: Fearless front-liners armed with flaming axes or warhammers.
- Wielder: Harnessing smoldering runes for offense and defense, blending martial prowess with elemental flame.
- Hunter: Tough scouts who roam volcanic tunnels, using crossbows or throwing axes.
- Elementalist: Skilled at channeling the raw fire of their lava-filled homeland for potent spells
Racial Abilities
Each image is a unique art concept—diverse styles by design.
Lava Ward
Heated Strike
Stoke the Flame
Special Items
- Scorchbrand Axe: An iron axe that, once a day, can channel stored heat for a burst of flame damage.
- Cinder Gauntlets: Crafted from charstone and volcanic ash, these gloves allow for a brief, superheated punch that can crack stone or char an enemy’s armor.
Explore More
DRONE ELVES
DARQUE GOBLINS
