Chapter 1 - Class - Character Kits - Dwarven Kits
Highborn
Highborns are members of families who hold political power within a clan. A
Highborn dwarf may belong to the ruling family of a stronghold. They are able to trace
their lineage back to the beginnings of time. Highborn ancestors include the great
warriors and craftsmen of legend. They tend to behave in an arrogant manner to other
dwarves, believing their lineage makes them superior to their fellows. They consider
themselves the epitome of dwarf culture, the finest members of their race.
Role: Highborn dwarves are the law enforcers of a stronghold. They uphold the law,
insuring that they continue to benefit from the order of dwarf society. They expect to be
admired and treated with much respect, if not subservience.
Highborns believe that the continuance of dwarf society rests firmly on their
shoulders. It is their responsibility to ensure that life continues in a regular, orderly
manner, so that clansdwarves may ply their crafts in peace and security.
Highborn dwarf adventurers are the younger sons or daughters of a wealthy family.
As part of their education they are expected to travel in order to learn how other dwarf
strongholds are managed, and to experience first hand the way other races organize
themselves. Usually, this simply increases the highborn's sense of his and his race's
importance, as he constantly compares the shortcomings of others to his own inflated
opinions.
Secondary Skills: The Scribe secondary skill is suitable for Highborn dwarves.
Weapon Proficiencies: Highborn dwarves must take the sword, hammer, and light
crossbow proficiencies. The last proficiency may be used for a weapon of his choice, or
to specialize in one of the required choices.
Bonus Nonweapon Proficiencies: Endurance, Etiquette, Heraldry, Local Dwarf
History.
Recommended Nonweapon Proficiencies: Appraising, Artistic Ability, Blindfighting, Hunting, Modern Languages, Mountaineering, Survival (any).
Equipment: Highborn dwarves must always look their best to set an example to
other dwarves. They must start with at least banded mail armor. Since this is worn to
reflect status, it costs at least 10% to 25% more than usual, as do the fine weapons
Highborns must use.
Distinctive Appearance: Their status is apparent from the fine craftsmanship of
weapons, armor, and clothing.
Special Benefits: Dwarves of lawful alignment respect Highborn dwarves and react
to them with a +3 bonus. A Highborn may also demand food and shelter from other
dwarves, and this is willingly provided for him and his retinue. The Highborns administer
justice among members of their clan. In matters involving two clans, only the ruling
family of the stronghold can make binding decisions.
Special Hindrances: A Highborn dwarf may administer justice, but his decisions
may be later overruled by a Highborn clansman of greater status.
Highborns need to maintain their status by finding and purchasing the best goods
available. This means that they always spend an additional 10% to 25% on goods and
services. If a Highborn fails to do so, his reaction bonus drops by -1 each occurrence,
until it reaches 0. He may only increase his reaction to its former level by engaging inconspicuous consumption. This means a new suit of clothes and new equipment for
himself and his retainers, all purchased at 25% above the usual price. He must throw a
banquet for his entire clan (costing 1,000 to 5,000 gp), giving gifts to show that he
deserves the respect offered him by those of lower status. These gifts are usually craft
related, such as a fine set of tools, an anvil, or a loom.
Nonlawfully aligned dwarves tend to be irritated by Highborn dwarves' superiority
and react to them at -3.
Highborn dwarves are too proud for their own good, seeing themselves and their race
as superior to all others. This attitude causes other races to react to them with a -2
penalty.
Wealth Options: Highborn dwarves start with 400 gp, plus the standard 5d4x10 gp.
