Main / DwarvenKits

Chapter 1 - Class - Character Kits

Dwarven Kits

These kits are reserved for Dwarven characters only.

These Dwarven kits allow further individualization of dwarf characters. Each kit is a collection of abilities, proficiencies, advantages, and disadvantages which better define the character.

The kits are entirely optional. A dwarf character can easily be created without them, but the kits will add detail. Only one dwarf kit is allowed per character.

It is possible to incorporate these kits into existing campaigns. A kit must be compatible with a character's past actions, background, and established personality traits. If a fighter has been played as cautious and careful, resorting to combat only when negotiation has failed, it would be unseemly to make him a Battlerager.

Once a particular kit has been assigned, it cannot be exchanged for a new one. The character can abandon it, but gives up all benefits and hindrances.

When designing a new character, first determine his ability scores, class or classes, specialization, and alignment. Once these elements have been decided, choose a kit, proficiencies, money, equipment, and other details.

These kits are unique to dwarves. Although other races may have similar kits, these kits are permitted to dwarf characters only. However, the kits in the Complete Player's Handbook series may be used with dwarf characters, unless explicitly stated otherwise. When using the Complete Fighter's, the Complete Priest's or the Complete Thief's Handbooks, their guidelines should be followed.

Five different character classes are discussed in this chapter. There are kits for warriors, priests, thieves, warrior/priests, and warrior/thieves. A character may only use a kit that belongs to his class. It is not possible, for example, for a thief to use a warrior kit. Multi-class characters are an exception. A player with a multi-class character is not restricted to these options. He may choose any one kit from those relevant to his character. A warrior/priest could choose a warrior, a priest, or a warrior/priest kit. A character may have only one kit.

A multi-classed character is not allowed to specialize in any weapon when selecting a warrior kit. A few of the multi-class kits allow characters to be weapon specialists, but these are the only ones allowed. The Battlerager cannot be used as a multi-class kit, only single class warriors may use this kit.


Each kit consists of several elements:
First is a description of the background, appearance, and manner of the characters in this kit, including any requirements necessary to take the kit.

Role: The role of the character in dwarf society and in the campaign.

Secondary Skills: If you are using the secondary skills rules from the AD&DŽ 2nd Edition game, the kit may require your character to take a specific skill instead of choosing or randomly rolling for it. It is recommended that, in order to get the most out of the kits, you use the weapon and nonweapon proficiency rules instead.

Weapon Proficiencies: The kit may require a dwarf to take a specific weapon proficiency, or to choose one from a limited range. Weapon proficiencies required for a kit are not bonuses unless specified. They must be taken to fill the weapon proficiency slots available to a 1st-level dwarf.

Bonus Nonweapon Proficiencies: Character kits provide bonus nonweapon proficiencies free, without having to spend any of the slots they would normally be granted. Even if the proficiencies belong to groups other than Dwarf or General, there is no charge for them.

Recommended Nonweapon Proficiencies: Some Nonweapon Proficiencies are recommended, not required. If the character decides to take a recommended nonweapon proficiency, it still fills one of the slots.

Equipment: Some dwarf characters use specific equipment, while others have limitations or restrictions on the way they acquire or use equipment.

Distinctive Appearance: Many kits have a distinctive appearance, making the character special and more easily recognizable for what he is. These are suggestions only,and not requirements.

Special Benefits: Most kits grant special benefits.

Special Hindrances: Any disadvantages that hinder a character.

Wealth Options: Some kits have special rules regarding wealth. These specify the amount of money received when a character is created and limit how it can be spent.


The Dwarven kits are:

Warrior

Priest

Thief

Warrior/Thief

Warrior/Priest