Dwarven Forge-Guilds

Faction Overview

Ideology	Defensive attrition through superior engineering
Capital	Forge-Hold, the Ironclad Citadel beneath the Ironpeak Mountains
Population	~35,000 Remnants (scattered across mountain strongholds)
Doctrine	The fortress outlasts the siege. Stone endures. Runes protect.
Playstyle	Tank, armor-piercing sustained damage, rune stacking, attrition warfare
Complete Deck	View Full Dwarven Deck (v2.0 Equipment System)

Species Origins

Dwarves are not a separate species from humanity, but rather Homo Subterra - a divergent human evolution adapted to subterranean life over approximately 40,000 years. Their physiology reflects millennia of underground existence.

• Physiology: Stocky build with dense bones adapted to high-pressure underground environments, enhanced low-light vision (tapetum lucidum similar to felines), resistance to toxic gases and radiation - evolutionary necessities for deep mining
• Lifespan: 150-200 years, roughly double that of surface humans
• Magic Resistance: Dwarven nervous systems are naturally less sensitive to ley lines, making them resistant to Taint and magical corruption
• Pre-Sundering Population: Approximately 1.5 million globally, concentrated in vast underground cities like Ironhearth, Stoneroot, and The Deeps

Before the Sundering, dwarves remained hidden from most of humanity. Their cities existed entirely underground beneath mountain ranges, and while they traded with surface humans through intermediaries like The Exchange, most humans assumed they were simply reclusive human mining clans. Dwarven-forged goods were sold under human brand names, concealing their true origin.

When the Sundering struck, the dwarves survived where others perished. Already underground and shielded from the initial Pulse, their cities remained largely intact. Their master craftsmen and engineers retained pre-Cataclysm knowledge and technology that other factions lost. This made them indispensable in the post-apocalyptic world.

Post-Sundering, the Dwarven Forge-Guilds became the industrial powerhouses of the shattered world. Pragmatic and profit-minded, they sell weapons, Caskets, and runecraft to all factions - they'll trade with anyone who can pay. Their isolation and resistance to magical corruption positioned them uniquely as war-profiteers and neutral suppliers in the endless conflicts between other factions.

Lore & Identity

The Dwarven Forge-Guilds retreated underground when the Theslar Engine sundered the world. Their mountain kingdoms became fortresses of survival, where master engineers and runecrafters worked in harmony to create the most durable Caskets in existence.

Dwarven Caskets are walking fortresses...layered stone armor, interlocking plates, and ancient runes carved into every surface. Where other factions use speed or cunning, Dwarves simply outlast. Their philosophy is simple: endure long enough, and your enemy will exhaust themselves against your walls.

Runic Thread Engineering: Precision Control

Dwarven Casket technology exemplifies their philosophy: precision engineering maximizes efficiency. This extends to their neural thread systems, which are the most sophisticated in existence.

The Compact Form Surgery

Dwarven pilots undergo "Compact Form"...surgical removal of all four limbs (arms and legs) at the shoulder and hip joints. This creates the smallest possible pilot profile, allowing for:

• Optimal Space Efficiency: More room for armor plating and rune-etched reinforcement inside the Casket chassis.
• Reduced Vulnerability: No limbs = less pilot mass exposed to shrapnel or Thread Snap trauma.
• Runic Stumps: Amputation sites are capped with geometrically perfect runic plates that reduce phantom pain and stabilize thread connections.
• Post-Surgery: Pilots are permanently dependent on assistants or mechanical lifts. Outside the Casket, they exist as torsos with heads...carried, not wheeled.

Micro-Runed Neural Threads

Dwarven neural threads are not standard bio-conductive fiber...they are runic masterworks:

Feature	Standard Threads (Other Factions)	Dwarven Runic Threads
Material	Bio-conductive synthetic fiber	Runesteel-laced bio-fiber (50% stronger, heat-resistant)
Inscription	None	Micro-runes etched along thread length (magnified to be visible)
Signal Strength	Standard (1× bioelectric conductivity)	Enhanced (1.5× conductivity, faster response time)
Thread Snap Resistance	Snap on 5-6 (d6 roll)	Snap on 6 only (runic reinforcement)
Installation Time	4-6 hours (standard procedure)	6-8 hours (precision laser-guided drilling, runic anchors)

Runic Anchors in Bone

During thread installation, Dwarven engineers implant runic bone anchors into the pilot's finger bones (distal phalanx). These anchors:

• Prevent Thread Slippage: Threads are locked into place with microscopic runic clasps (thread cannot pull free under stress).
• Stabilize Signal Transmission: Runes on anchors amplify bioelectric signals, reducing lag between thought and movement.
• Reduce Phantom Pain: Anchors block erratic nerve feedback, making thread use less agonizing than other factions experience.
• Permanent Integration: Once installed, runic anchors fuse with bone over 2-3 weeks (cannot be removed without shattering the finger).

Geometrically Optimized Routing

Dwarven thread routing inside the Casket is mathematically perfect:

• Shortest Path Algorithms: Threads follow the geometrically shortest route from fingers to actuators (reduces signal delay by 0.3 seconds...critical in combat).
• No Tangling: Threads are color-coded and routed through runic guide-rails that prevent crossing or knotting.
• Modular Replacement: Damaged threads can be swapped in 10 minutes (standard threads require 1 hour field repair).
• Visual Aesthetics: Thread routing forms geometric patterns visible when Casket lid opens...Dwarves consider this "functional art."

The Dwarven Thread Advantage in Combat

Situation	Other Factions	Dwarven Pilots
Thread Snap on 10+ damage	5-6 on d6 (33% chance)	6 only (17% chance, runic reinforcement)
Thread Repair (field)	DC 12, 1 turn, fragile after	DC 10, 1 turn, runic threads hold better
Pilot checks with depleted Core	-2 penalty (standard)	-1 penalty (runic anchors stabilize signal)
Compact Form mobility loss	Legs removed (wheelchairs common)	All limbs removed (carried by assistants or lifts)

Core Mechanic: Rune Counters

Dwarven Caskets generate Rune Counters through combat, which provide stacking damage reduction.

• Rune of Protection: Spend 2 SP to gain 1 Rune Counter. Each counter reduces all damage by 1 (max 2 counters). (Balance Update Oct 19: Reduced from max 3 to max 2 counters)
• Runic Overcharge (Tactic): Spend 3 SP to gain 2 Rune Counters immediately. Gain 2 Heat.
• Stone Endurance (Tactic): Once per mission, when you reshuffle your deck, add 1 Damage card instead of 2 (slower death spiral).
• Armor-Piercing Attacks: Only attacks with 1+ Rune Counters and specific equipment (Crushing Blow, Warhammer, War Pick) ignore Defense. (Balance Update Oct 19: Rune-enhanced attacks required for armor-piercing)
• Base Damage Buff: All Dwarven attacks deal +1 base damage. (Balance Update Oct 19: Compensation for armor-piercing nerf)

The Dwarven playstyle revolves around stacking defensive layers (Rune Counters, shields, plating) while grinding down opponents with armor-piercing attacks. Heat management is critical...many Dwarven weapons generate significant Heat.

10 Faction Cards (Players Choose 6)

Support Units (6 Total)

Starter Units

1. Shield Wall Guard (2 slots)

HP: 12 | Movement: 2 | Defense: 4

Five stocky dwarven warriors with interlocking tower shields engraved with runic circuits. They form impenetrable defensive lines, creating cover and blocking line of sight. Can recover HP through runic reinforcement. Immovable defenders with +3 Defense when in Shield Wall formation.

2. Bombard Battery (3 slots)

HP: 8 | Movement: 2 | Defense: 2

Mobile artillery platform with massive cannon crewed by three dwarven engineers. Deals 8 damage at range 8, ignores 3 Defense, with 3 splash damage to adjacent hexes. Generates significant Heat. Vulnerable at close range but devastating at distance.

3. Rune Sentinel (3 slots)

HP: 15 | Movement: 3 | Defense: 3

Ancient stone golem standing 12 feet tall, animated by glowing blue-white runes. Generates Rune Counters through combat, which can enhance defensive auras, fuel Rune Pulse (AoE damage), or be spent to ignore Control effects. Regenerates HP from battlefield corpses.

Unlockable Units

4. Siege Crawler (4 slots) - Unlock: Complete 3 missions

HP: 18 | Movement: 1 | Defense: 4

Mechanical spider-tank bristling with cannons and ballistae. Can attack up to 3 different enemies per turn. Enters Siege Mode for +4 damage and +2 Defense. Extremely slow but devastating firepower. Generates 2-4 Heat per turn.

5. Ancestor Golem (4 slots) - Unlock: Build Forge-Shrine in settlement

HP: 20 | Movement: 2 | Defense: 5

Masterwork construct of black iron and mithril containing the soul of a legendary dwarf hero. Generates Glory Counters through heroic deeds. Can grant allies massive buffs (+2 damage, +2 Defense, heal 2 HP), taunt enemies, and unleash "Legacy of Stone" (fully heal all allies, deal 12 damage to all enemies within 3 hexes).

6. Dreadnought Titan (5 slots) - Unlock: Defeat Ironlord Thrain

HP: 25 | Movement: 1 | Defense: 6

Colossal walking fortress three stories tall. Massive 4-hex passive aura grants allies +2 Defense, +1 SP regeneration, and 1 HP per turn. Enemies within 3 hexes take 2 damage per turn. Can attack ALL enemies within 8 hexes simultaneously for 6 damage each (ignore 2 Defense). Defines the entire battlefield. Explodes on death for 10 damage to everything within 5 hexes.

Schisms & Renegade Clans

The Dwarven Forge-Guilds maintain strict unity through the Guild Code, but internal rifts have emerged over how to handle the Engine's corruption. These Schisms enable mirror matches...Dwarves vs Dwarves, traditionalist vs pragmatist.

Faction Relations

Faction	Status	Notes
Church of Absolution	COLD	Trade partners but mutual distrust. Forge-Guilds supply weapons.
Elven Verdant Covenant	NEUTRAL	Ancient grudges over territory, but no active conflict.
The Ossuarium	HOSTILE	Necromancy offends dwarven craftsmanship ethics.
The Wyrd Conclave	WAR	Fae trickery has cost many dwarven lives. Blood debt unpaid.
Nomad Collective	FRIENDLY	Trade routes. Nomads guide caravans through badlands.
The Exchange	ALLIED	Primary trading partner. Economic interdependence.
Vestige Bloodlines	HOSTILE	Mutation threatens stability. Must be contained.
Emergent Syndicate	WAR	Hive-mind abominations. Existential threat.

Recommended Builds

Immovable Wall (Forge Walker - Heavy, 4 SP)

• Equipment: Warhammer (6 cards), Tower Shield (4 cards), Forge-Rune Sigil (3), Reinforced Plating (3), Heat Sink Sigil (2)
• Tactics: Stone Endurance (slower death spiral), Runic Overcharge
• Total Deck: 36 cards (maximum tankiness)
• Strategy: Stack 2 Rune Counters (Rune of Protection + Runic Overcharge). Tower Shield + Reinforced Plating = strong damage reduction. 30 HP with -2 damage per hit and slower death spiral = highly durable. Win through attrition warfare. (Balance Update Oct 19: Max Rune Counters 3→2)

Armor-Piercing Assault (Ironclad - Assault, 5 SP)

• Equipment: War Pick (6 cards), Kite Shield (3 cards), Forge-Rune Sigil (3), Targeting Sigil (3)
• Tactics: Forge Mastery (Heat to card draw), Unbreakable Spirit (resurrection)
• Total Deck: 33 cards (balanced aggression)
• Strategy: All attacks ignore armor (Crushing Blow, War Pick, faction bonus). Clan Vengeance converts damage taken into offense (+2 per Component Damage). Fast, consistent armor-piercing damage every turn.

Artillery Platform (Siege Engine - Fortress, 3 SP)

• Equipment: Siege Cannon (7 cards, 2-handed), Forge-Rune Sigil (3), Heat Sink Sigil (2), Stealth Plating (3), Repair Sigil (2)
• Tactics: Forge Mastery, Unbreakable Spirit
• Total Deck: 35 cards (artillery support)
• Strategy: Stay at range 4-7. Siege Shot deals 4 damage, armor-piercing. Explosive Shell hits multiple targets. Stealth Plating reduces ranged counterattack accuracy. Ultra-safe bombardment platform.

Strategy Notes

Strengths: High survivability (30 HP with slower death spiral), +1 base damage on all attacks, Rune-enhanced armor-piercing, component protection (Unbreakable delays destruction), Heat conversion mechanics (Forge Fury turns Heat into damage, Forge Mastery into card draw), attrition warfare mastery. (Balance Update Oct 19: Added +1 base damage, Rune-enhanced AP requirement)

Weaknesses: Low mobility (Heavy/Fortress Caskets move 1-2 hexes), high Heat generation (constant management required), SP-starved (Heavy and Fortress have only 3-4 SP per turn), vulnerable to ranged kiting (slow movement + melee focus), expensive equipment (Dwarven gear costs 5-6 Scrap to craft).

Early Game (Turns 1-3): Stack Rune Counters immediately (Rune of Protection + Runic Overcharge = 3 counters). Position defensively...let enemies come to you. Manage Heat carefully with Heat Sink Sigils and venting.

Mid Game (Turns 4-6): Use Forge Fury when Heat is high (convert 5-6 Heat into 8-9 damage burst). Armor-piercing shuts down defensive opponents completely. Unbreakable prevents Component Damage (save for critical hits).

Late Game (Turns 7+): Clan Vengeance should have +4-6 damage by now (devastating). Forge Mastery for burst card draw if needed. Unbreakable Spirit is your safety net (resurrect once at 5 HP). Attrition advantage: you have more HP and damage reduction than any faction.

Version 3.0 Optional Rules

The Dwarven Forge-Guilds have unique interactions with the three new v3.0 optional mechanics systems:

Dice Pool Advantage System

Dwarven pilots work normally with the Dice Pool system. Positioning and tactical superiority can grant Advantage (roll 3 Attack Dice, take 2 highest). See Dice Pool Advantage Rules.

Taint Exploitation System

Dwarven pilots are highly resistant to Taint due to rune-warding:

• Rune-Warded: Gain Taint at half rate (6 damage = 1 Taint instead of 2 Taint)
• Stone Endurance: Cannot be exploited offensively (enemies can't spend your Taint) until you reach 8+ Taint (doubled threshold)
• Rune-Locked: Cannot spend own Taint for Desperate Power options (no access to Tainted Fury, Ignore Pain, etc.) - runes prevent corruption manipulation
• Philosophical Justification: "Stone does not bend. Runes do not break." Dwarven engineering resists Engine corruption through ancient protective magic

Dwarves treat Taint as a distant threat, not an immediate tactical concern. Their slow playstyle and rune protection make them the most Taint-resistant faction. See Taint Exploitation Rules.

Pilot Grit System

Dwarven pilots gain +1 to Grit Checks vs Severe Injuries only (Stoic Endurance):

• Starting Grit: 0 (normal) - dwarves don't start tougher, they become tougher through survival
• Stoic Endurance Bonus: When resisting a Severe Injury, add +1 to Grit Check roll (not Minor or Trauma)
• Example: Grit 2 dwarf resisting Severe Injury rolls 1d6 + 2 + 1 = 1d6+3 (50% chance to Shrug It Off instead of take injury)
• Philosophical Justification: "Stone does not break. Neither do we." Dwarven physical resilience makes them exceptionally resistant to permanent physical trauma

This bonus makes veteran dwarven pilots nearly immune to permanent physical injuries (Shattered Hand, Spinal Trauma, Ruptured Organ), though they remain vulnerable to mental Trauma (PTSD, Dissociation). See Pilot Grit Rules.