Page 76 - Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes Deluxe

marauding humanoid or greedy monster lusts after the
riches that dwarves keep in their strongholds. The big-
gest threats to their security are dragons and giants, but
other humanoids such as ores and the hated duergar are
their most numerous foes.
DRAGONS
Chromatic dragons, by their nature, are often attracted
to the treasures that dwarves gather in their fortresses.
Although such a place might be too stout for a dragon to
assault and take over, an evil dragon that makes its lair
near a dwarven stronghold can be a threat to the occu-
pants in many ways.
Black Dragons. Since black dragons prefer to
prisoned in the dragon's lair, sentenced to a lifetime of
dwell in swampland, one rarely makes a lair close to
crafting new items for the dragon's treasure collection.
a stronghold. When a black dragon does cross paths
Red Dragons. Even though dwarves and red dragons
with dwarves, it might attempt to isolate a settlement by
compete for the same terrain, they don't come into con-
making the roads leading to it impassable. The terrain
flict as often as they once did. Nowadays, red dragon
around the dragon's lair is transformed into a riot of
lairs and dwarven strongholds are far enough apart that
vegetation and patches of mud, slowing travelers and
the dwarves don't have to worry constantly about being
making caravans vulnerable to attack by the dragon's
attacked. But occasionally, a young red dragon sets out
followers. When a stronghold becomes cut off, the
to establish its own legacy- and what better place for a
dragon might start to test its outer defenses in advance
lair than one that comes with its own treasure hoard?
of mounting a larger assault. This strategy can take
To begin its campaign, the dragon sends out followers
years to come to fruition, but from the dragon's perspec-
and minions to lay siege to the stronghold. If this effort
tive it is time well spent.
succeeds and the defenders withdraw deeper inside. the
Blue Dragons. Blue dragons are the least likely of
dragon comes forth to lead the assault into the tunnels.
their kind to tangle with dwarves, since their lairs are
Jn those cramped quarters, only a few dwarves at a time
always far from where dwarves typically settle, and a
can be brought to bear against the dragon's teeth, claws,
blue dragon almost never gives away the location of its
and fiery breath. But the dwarves know that if they allow
lair. One might appear before a band of dwarves travel-
the dragon access to the fortress's innermost chambers,
ing through the area and demand a toll for safe passage
the fight is all but over.
through its territory, expecting payment in the form of
White Dragons. Dwarves who live in cold climates
gems- and particularly sapphires.
don't usually have to cope with as many predators and
Green Dragons. Dwarves and green dragons don't
marauders as do their kin in more hospitable terrain.
often interact, and when they do, the dragon doesn't
But a white dragon patrols its territory relentlessly, nei-
usually threaten them directly. A typical green dragon
ther subtle nor shrewd in its methods, often using nat-
has no burning desire to possess the material goods in
ural camouflage to ambush its prey. A dragon that lairs
a stronghold's hoard, and would much rather snatch up
nearby might be willing to leave a dwarven settlement
living treasure. Using its powers of deception, a green
unmolested if its appetite is sated by creatures it can
dragon might try to entice dwarves it encounters to
catch in the open, including the travelers that enter and
ally with it in return for the promise of great wealth.
exit the place.
Dwarves who have been touched by Abbathor might
On occasion, this state of (relatively) peaceful coex-
succumb to this temptation- only to find themselves im-
istence is shattered when a devious rival dragon with
designs on a white dragon's territory enters the picture.
D WARV ES AND A LE Taking advantage of the dragon's limited mental facul-
Dwarves have a reputation for being able to consume great ties, the rival secretly sends its minions out to harass
quantities of ale. Although drinking plays a significant role the dragon. Convinced that the dwarves must be to
in their culture, it is a mistake to assume that intoxication blame, the dragon engages them in a wider conflict,
has the same effect on them as it does on humans. and the dwarves respond in kind. Even if neither side
Humans drink to forget, while dwarves drink to remem-
ber. A dwarf deep in his cups is overcome by powerful, destroys the other, both will be severely weakened, after
which the rival moves in to finish the job.
vivid memories of his past, especially events tied to lost
kin, great deeds, or monumental failures.
GIANTS
When dwarves drink in a group, this effect spreads
Giants have no special enmity toward dwarves, but they
among them. The clan might joyfully sing of triumph as
do consider them ideal slaves. Even when captured
they reminisce over the defeat of a dragon, or weep as they
and put to work against their will, dwarves are innately
recall the death of a beloved elder.
In contrast to clan gatherings, dwarves who drink alone driven to bring their full effort to a task at hand. Even
invariably become morose and sullen-when separated simple toil brings dwarves some relief from captivity.
from their clan mates, they can't avoid dwelling on un- Fire giants are more likely than other giants to enslave
pleasant memories. It's the wise traveler who leaves alone dwarves expressly for their talents. Many tribes of hill
the sole, drunken dwarf in the corner. giants have discovered the value of dwarves as workers
and now seek to capture them rather than devour them.
CHAPTER 3 I DWA RVES AND DUEROA.R
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