Dresvadr

The Dresvadr are the dwarves of the deep, a reclusive and enigmatic people whose lives have always been bound to the most hidden places deep within the earth. On Encara, they dwelled near the planet's mantle, carving grand cities into massive geodes and harnessing magma to power their forges. Their halls glittered with crystals of every color, their beauty rivaled only by their ingenious utility. For the Dresvadr, the earth was not just a home but a lifeblood, its molten heart driving their craft and shaping their connection to the world.

Their dark, craggy skin and light hair speak to centuries spent near magma flows, while their dense, stout frames seem carved from stone itself. They are a private people, steadfast and implacable, with a culture as unyielding as the earth they inhabit. The Dresvadr do not haggle, do not compromise, and rarely reveal their secrets. To outsiders, they appear aloof, their interactions brisk and utilitarian. Yet, among their own kind, the Dresvadr are warm and deeply communal, their clans bound by unwavering loyalty. Families span generations, sharing close quarters and rich traditions in underground complexes that serve as both sanctuary and legacy.

Since their arrival on Thaedros, the Dresvadr have sought to recreate what they lost, delving deep into the uncharted underground to find Thaedros' molten heart. In the process, they have uncovered minerals and crystals unlike anything on Encara, though they guard these discoveries closely. While other peoples struggle with Thaedros' wild magic, the Dresvadr have found it less hostile in the depths, where the ancient rhythms of the earth echo faintly but familiarly.

Rarely seen on the surface, the Dresvadr are nonetheless indispensable to the growing nations of Thaedros. Their gems, crystals, and alloys fuel the efforts of artificers and mages alike, and their engineering knowledge is sought after by builders and pioneers. Yet, their true focus remains beneath the surface, where they labor to uncover the secrets of this new world, all while carrying the unspoken hope of building a future as enduring as the stone they hold sacred.

Racial Traits

Special Abilities

Children of the Depths Accustomed to the crushing dark, you have darkvision with a range of 120 feet. You also have advantage on saving throws against being blinded.

Molten Blood Your body is acclimated to extreme heat. You have resistance to fire damage and ignore penalties caused by extreme heat environments.

Unyielding Will Your mind is as unshakable as the earth itself. You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.

Crystal Resonance You have proficiency with artisan's tools of your choice (Glassblower's Tools, Jeweler's Tools, or Smith's Tools). Additionally, you can sense the presence of large mineral or crystalline deposits within 300 feet, though you cannot pinpoint their exact location.

Basic Traits

Languages You can speak, read, and write Common and Dwarvish.

Speed Your base walking speed is 25 feet. Your speed is not reduced by wearing heavy armor.

Size Dresvadr are between 4 and 5 feet tall, with dense, heavy builds. Your size is Medium.

Age Dresvadr dwarves reach adulthood at the same rate as humans but are considered young until they reach 50. They often live for 300 years or more.

Backgrounds

Deepforged Artisan

Raised in the heart of a forge-city, you were trained in the ancient craft of forging weapons, armor, or intricate crystal constructs. Your skill is prized among warriors, artificers, and scholars alike.

• Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Investigation
• Tool Proficiencies: Smith's Tools or Jeweler's Tools, Alchemist's Supplies
• Languages: One of your choice (Draconic or Undercommon recommended)
• Feature: Ember-Forged - When crafting or repairing magical weapons or armor, you halve the time required and can sense residual enchantments on such objects by touch.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Intelligence, +1 Strength

Echo Seeker

The depths hold more than stone—they hold whispers of the past, echoes of what once was. You have spent your life listening, learning, and unearthing hidden knowledge that few would dare to seek.

• Skill Proficiencies: History, Perception
• Tool Proficiencies: Cartographer's Tools, Miner's Tools
• Languages: One of your choice (Primordial or Celestial recommended)
• Feature: Resonance of Ages - You can touch a natural stone surface and make a History check to glean information about the events or creatures that have passed through the area in the last century.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Wisdom, +1 Constitution

Runebound Scholar

Magic flows through the veins of the world, and you have dedicated your life to understanding its patterns. Whether you studied forgotten runes or the properties of enchanted crystals, your knowledge sets you apart.

• Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Insight
• Tool Proficiencies: Calligrapher's Supplies, Tinker's Tools
• Languages: One of your choice (Infernal or Sylvan recommended)
• Feature: Arcane Attunement - Once per long rest, you can touch a magical object and learn one of its properties, as if casting the Identify spell.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Intelligence, +1 Charisma