For thousands of years, the "Bronzebeard" dwarves have dwelt within the enormous city of Ironforge, carved into the very rock of the mountain. Recently, however, the Ironforge dwarves have begun to venture all over the world in search of archaeological proof of their heritage. They believe themselves to be descendents of the legendary Earthen, a race created by the Titans themselves.

These short, stocky, stoic citizens of Azeroth are known for their firearms, steam engines, beards, and brews. Their current ruler is King Magni Bronzebeard, though they also have a Senate that likes to think it is in charge. The Ironforge Dwarves are staunch supporters of the Alliance, and share close friendships with the humans, who are fellow followers of the Holy Light. More recently, the dwarves have developed a close relationship with their unfortunate cousins the gnomes, who now share their city and work alongside them. Their enemies are many, but of particular note are the evil, sorcerous Dark Iron dwarves, as well as the vicious Frostmane trolls that dwell in the deep frozen caves of the dwarves' homeland.

Character Creation Help

Available Classes: Warrior, Priest, Hunter, Rogue, Paladin

Names: Last names are usually titles earned by an ancestor and passed down, such as Thunderbrew, Firegraze, or Whitebeard. First names tend to have two syllables, sometimes three. Male names often end in consonants such as N, M, or R. Female names tend to end in vowlels such as A, E, and I.

Hair: Blond, brown, black, or red - a similar range to humans. Blond is somewhat less common. Men wear beards, women do not (despite rumors to the contrary).

Eyes: Blue, brown, black, golden - also similar to humans.

Skin: Tends to mimic the colors of rock, from alabaster to ruddy sandstone, and even some grayish shades.

Height/Weight: 4'-5', 140-160 pounds. Size difference between males and females is not excessive.

Age: A new adventurer will be between 43 and 82. 125 is "middle aged." The average dwarf dies around 200 years of age, though heroes can live as long as 450.

Social Status: King Magni is the highest ranking citizen, followed by the members of the Senate, then renowned craftsmen, then lesser merchants. There is little poverty to speak of, and upward mobility is possible. Dwarves value accomplishment more than they do inherited wealth or titles, though they respect those who are descended from a great hero.

Family: Dwarves have a fairly standard family structure, and often show great loyalty to those of their blood (including extended family), even if they don't get along. On a larger scale, all Ironforge dwarves are considered part of the Bronzebeard "clan," so on one level, any Ironforge dwarf is family, especially out in the wider world. Within Ironforge, though, the dwarves do divide up into smaller family groups.

Hometown: At the time of your character's birth, dwarves were not nearly as spread out as they are now, so you likely grew up in Ironforge or in a small camp near it in the snowy wilds of Dun Morogh.

Sample concepts: Gun-toting maniac, stoic defender, sullen missionary, introverted inventor, charming con artist, loudmouthed belligerent, fearless adventurer.

Good Diamond Words: CURIOUS, DETERMINED, GRUFF, INVENTIVE, KIND, PROUD, STERN, STOIC, STURDY.

Generic Backstory: You are 50 years old, a young man or woman just starting out in his/her calling. You grew up in Ironforge, and come from a long line of (whatever it is you do). Some of your family died in the past three wars. You remember all three wars, though you were just a child (early 20s) during the first two, which were fought against orcs. During the third war (6 years ago), you were just barely of age and decided to join the army. They put you on defense of Ironforge, which never got attacked. You got to sit around a lot and do endless drills while your older family members fought demons in foreign lands alongside the very orcs they'd once considered enemies. Many dwarves you cared about died, including Muradin Bronzebeard, the brother of your beloved king Magni. You've heard rumors that it was a human Paladin, Arthas, who went mad and got him killed...

Proceed to Step 2: Choose A Class