by Tim Peters

Created on: January 04, 2010

The Dwarf race is the least-played Alliance race in World of Warcraft, according to the World of Warcraft Census.  This is rather ironic, especially when considering that dwarves are some of the most unforgettable characters in all of Azeroth.  They make a strong first impression with their short, stocky frames, the elaborate beards on the men, and booming voices greeting everyone with a hearty "Well met!"  They're adventurers who seem perfectly comfortable even in the most hostile terrain imaginable.  And their racial bonuses offer good incentives to play this underrated race.

BACKGROUND

The dwarves were the creation of a mythic race called the Titans.  Originally called Earthens and made of living stone, they lost their immortality and became dwarves in the thousands of years after the Titans disappeared.  A civil war decimated the dwarven population shortly before the First War, though they have fought valiantly with the Alliance since the Second War.  The Bronzebeard Dwarves of Ironforge are notorious for their mining prowess and ingenious weapons of war, while the Wildhammer clan is renowned for its ties to gryphons.  With the creation of an Explorer's Guild by King Magni Bronzebeard of Ironforge, dwarves can be seen virtually everywhere in Azeroth, usually involved in some archaeological excavation.

STARTING AREA

Dwarves begin the game in Coldridge Valley, located in southwestern Dun Morogh of the Eastern Kingdoms.  The only way in or out is through Coldridge Pass, infested with level 3-4 Rockjaw Raiders.

AVAILABLE CLASSES

A dwarf may be a Hunter, Paladin, Priest, Rogue, Warrior, or Death Knight.

RACIAL TRAITS

The most practical skill to dwarves is the Stoneform ability, which grants a 10% armor boost for 8 seconds and removes Bleed, Poison and Disease effects.  This is an excellent counter to many long-term debuffs, which usually last far longer than the 3-minute Stoneform cooldown.  Dwarves gain 2% Frost resistance, which always comes in handy.  Their Mace Specialization is useful for all classes; Gun Specialization less so.  Lastly, dwarves get Find Treasure, a nifty ability which (when activated) causes treasure to appear on the mini-map - including some quest items!

Dwarf racial bonuses aren't versatile as the ones others get in World of Warcraft, but even the ones than don't benefit from the Gun Specialization bonus can put up a good fight.  Not convinced?  Try one out for yourself and see how long it takes before you start asking your friends if they're "interested 'n a pint."

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