Player Characters Part 2- Dwarves, Halflings, and Gnomes

Continuing the posts on character creation, this one delves into the short folk who share the world of Glorion.

Dwarves are stout folk who dwell in the fortress city of Janderhoff. Dwarves are industrious in nature, often becoming master craftsmen in lands of other races. Dwarves adventure for many reasons, not the least of which is the desire to find ancient riches. Dwarves may have any of the same color eyes, hair, and skin as humans. They braid their hair (in the case of females) or beard (for males) in honor of their clan and ancestors. Dwarves are a slow aging race, often living 200 years.

Dwarves take a beating like no other race in the game. They are very resilient and able to stand their ground. Dwarves may be of any class, but prefer to be fighters, clerics, and paladins.


Halflings are only slightly taller than half the size of a grown human. They are a good natured folk, every bit as inquisitive and prone to wanderlust as the Varasians are. Halfings, like dwarves, can be of any complexion and have eyes and hair of any color.

Halflings are easy going. They are nimble characters who prefer stealthy classes like rogue, ranger, and warlock.

Gnomes of Varisia make their homes in the Sanos forest, few can truthfully say they’ve ever seen
an actual gnome community. Whimsical but secretive—despite their seemingly good natures—the gnomes of Varisia rarely speak of their homes. They share ties to the natural world and the feywild. Gnomes tend to be of swarthy complexion, and their hair and eyes are of unusual color. Earthy brown, autumn red , green, white, and even pink hair is not unusual. Their eyes run the rainbow of colors and often glow when the gnome is excited or agitated.

While gnomes are not a standard player race in the 4th edition player's handbook, there are some rules available in the monster manual for playing a gnome. For a player willing to work with me, a gnome character is definitely an option.