Survivors of age-old wars against the goblinoid races and the mysterious and powerful creatures of the Underdark, the Shield Dwarves are most commonly found in the northern reaches of western and central Faerûn.

Larger than their gold dwarven kin, a shield dwarf averages at four and a half foot tall and weighs around as much as an adult human. Their skin is often fair or lightly tanned, and their eyes are generally a green or silvered blue. Males often bear a finely groomed beard or moustache.

Stubborn at heart, a shield dwarf never goes against their word or their oaths, only ever breaking a bond or agreement should there be no alternative.

Traditionally slow to trust and even slower to forget a slight against them, shield dwarves bear a rather clear-cut outlook on the world and its many inhabitants. Many are adventurers out of proudly held traditions, and many follow this route simply to equal or exceed their predeccessors.