Dwarven Rune Army

List of all playable races in the first SpellForce series

Humans - Elves - Dwarves - Orcs - Trolls - Dark Elves

The dwarves are one of the six playable factions in The Order of Dawn, The Breath of Winter and Shadow of the Phoenix. Their benefits, their disadvantages as well as their units and buildings will be shown here.

Table of Contents
Militia	Watchman	Warrior	Demolisher
Defender	Elite	Battlepriest	Elder
Rocksmith	Stone Ram	Siege Warrior	Buildings

The Monument

The dwarven monument consists of white marble stones and a statue of an old dwarven warrior. The statue is equipped with a heavy battle axe and a grounded battle hammer. All across the monument multiple insignias of the dwarven people are inscribed.

When summoning units the dwarf statue's eyes will glow in a bright blue light before materializing dwarven rune fighters. Like all other Rune Monuments, the dwarven monument is indestructible but the connection to a rune can be separated by inflicting damage to the building.

Units

Now following is a list of the units available from this rune army.

	Militia
As the people of the god of war, no dwarf can go without being trained to fight. And fearsome fighters they are, swinging their axes on the battlefield with the same force and precision as the hammer on their anvil. Always ready to fight for their people and god at any time, any place, the heart of every dwarf is a warrior’s heart. Although the militia do not possess the stunning armour and decorated weapons of the warriors, many a cowardly attack on a dwarf settlement has been beaten back by their courageous ranks. They guard, secure and work in times of peace, and whenever the horns of war sound, they are ready to exchange their tools for weapons.
Unit Category:		Melee Fighter (Basic)
Attack Rating:		7 - 13 at 100% speed
Armor Rating:		100
Abilities:		None
Requirements:		Foundry
Upgrades:		None
Recruitment Costs:		60 Iron
	Watchman
Niethalf’s servants are not the only inhabitants of the depths of the earth. They are also home to the demons of the Red Horde, who incessantly seek flesh and a path to the light. Often, when dwarves dug their mines too deep, they would break through to the fiery caverns of the Red Horde and soon, the mineshaft would be full of demons, flames and death, leaving the workers little chance of escape. Thus Watchmen accompany the miners into the shafts, to protect them from the dark secrets of the depths. They stand firm in the suffocating breath of the demons and secure the shaft until the workers have escaped and can close the tunnel. Many have found their grave in the course of duty under the mountains. However, a Watchman’s weapons and amour are not only suitable for battle underground, these courageous warriors are also a welcome reinforcement on any battlefield or battlement.
Unit Category:		Sturdy Melee Fighter (Basic)
Attack Rating:		5 - 10 at 106% speed
Armor Rating:		170
Abilities:		None
Requirements:		Foundry
Upgrades:		None
Recruitment Costs:		70 Iron
	Warrior
The foundation of all stories and legends of the dwarf race are the warriors, and may of these seemingly tall tales of courage and heroics are indeed true. There has never been a war in Fiara that has gone without the songs and heroic deeds of the dwarf warriors. They are legend, a prime example of courage for all peoples of the light. Uncounted armies that threatened to falter under the stream of the dark races have found hope and order in the steadfast march and battle horns of the dwarf warriors. A warrior dedicates his life to war, constantly striving to forge his own soul in the fires of challenge and purify it for coming generations. They do not fear death, for their god will forge a new life from their soul so long as they please him through courage and honour.
Unit Category:		Melee Fighter (Advanced)
Attack Rating:		10 - 18 at 80% speed
Armor Rating:		140
Abilities:		None
Requirements:		Foundry, Moonsilver Hall
Upgrades:		Whirlaxe - Allows to attack multiple targets close-by at the same time.
Recruitment Costs:		50 Iron, 25 Moonsilver
	Demolisher
As capable the dwarves are of building magnificent structures, they are just as skilled at destroying them. To this end, the dwarf smiths build great rams the demolishers use to tear down their foe’s buildings. They drive the metal heads of these rams into the weak points and broken walls of enemy constructions, causing even proud fortresses and castles to collapse like a house of cards under the attack of dwarf foot soldiers. And though little is known about the demolishers among the races of the light, they have not seldom been the blow that brought about victory. Hardly a commander anticipates these elderly master builders using their extensive knowledge as a weapon, realising the danger only when it is already to late, their walls and fortifications collapsing around them.
Unit Category:		Anti-building Fighter
Attack Rating:		10 - 17 at 70% speed
Armor Rating:		160
Abilities:		Blunt Force (passive) - Increases the damage dealt against buildings
Requirements:		Foundry, Great Armory
Upgrades:		None
Recruitment Costs:		100 Iron
	Defender
The dwarf mines and forges have always been a popular target for conquest. Their treasures and weapons are the key to victory and wealth, to dominance and power over Fiara. So also thought the Fial Darg as again and again they threw their armies against the dwarven fortresses. For days on end, the dark princes rained fire and rock down on the dwarven fortifications, their siege towers advancing relentlessly. Soon, the dwarf kings realised that their warriors’ armour, made for marching and the battlefield, was too open to withstand the constant barrage of projectiles. From this realisation came the heavy armour and great shields of the Defenders, who forewith constitute the impenetrable ranks on the battlements, repelling the waves of darkness.
Unit Category:		Sturdy Melee Fighter (Advanced)
Attack Rating:		8 - 15 at 100% speed
Armor Rating:		200
Abilities:		None
Requirements:		Foundry, Moonsilver Hall, Great Armory
Upgrades:		Throwing Hammer - Enables a short-ranged distance attack.
Recruitment Costs:		60 Iron, 30 Moonsilver
	Elite
Moonsilver is rare and difficult to work, but it is the culmination of any warrior’s career to one day forge his own armour and weapons from this precious metal. It is a long and arduous path that leads this dream’s fulfilment, however, a path lined with many victorious battles and deep devotion to the god of war. When this journey is over and the last hammer blows ring, when the warrior leaves the forge clad in gleaming Moonsilver, a new era in his life begins. What follows is often legend. The Elite are the undefeatable core of the dwarven armies, a glittering mountain in the storm of darkness. Never will their ranks falter, and any slain from their midst will be avenged a thousandfold with whirling axes. And though the armies of the light may tremble at the sight of the dark hordes, hope remains as long as the ranks of silver armour stand, an armour no blood can stain, that shines like a star of hope in the death-bringing darkness.
Unit Category:		Melee Fighter (Elite)
Attack Rating:		7 - 13 at 100% speed (9 - 17 at 100% speed with upgrade)
Armor Rating:		220 (240 with upgrade)
Abilities:		None
Requirements:		Foundry, Moonsilver Hall, Great Armory
Upgrades:		Lightsilver - Increased armor, damage and black magic resistance.
Recruitment Costs:		110 Moonsilver
	Battlepriest
As strict as Niethalf’s judgement over his followers may be, the more powerful his strength and helpfulness when he comes to their aide. Through song and prayer, the battlepriests channel his power to the dwarves, giving them the legendary strength and instilling fear into their enemies’ hearts. From the powerful lungs of the priests the songs sound out across the battlefield, and as long as they can be heard, a dwarven army will not falter. Thus the battlepriests are the core of any dwarven army and the source of their strength, but also their conscience, a constant reminder not to bring shame on the people of the forge. Since many priests were at one time warriors, they hardly differ from their brothers when it comes to prowess on the battlefield. Anyone trying to break an armies courage by attacking the priests may well be in for a grim surprise.
Unit Category:		Support Fighter (Basic)
Attack Rating:		4 - 10 at 100% speed
Armor Rating:		150 (200 with upgrade)
Abilities:		Benefactions
Requirements:		Foundry, Sanctuary
Upgrades:		Willpower - Increases armor and resistance against all magic.
Recruitment Costs:		80 Iron
	Elder
From the ranks of the Elders come the leaders of the dwarves. They are high priests and kings, princes and warlords, who steer the destiny of the realms in great gatherings. In the depths, they convene at great tables of stone to consult and seek their god’s guidance. Should an envoy of another race of the light seek help from the dwarves, he would come before the Elders and ask their assistance. And when the council rings the hammers of war, they lead their armies from the stony halls and mountains to aide their comrades at arms or protect the unity of the light. As priests, the Elders are blessed with the god’s power, and their song empowers their armies as well. As warriors, they are equipped with the best armour, forged of pure Moonsilver, their weapons sanctified by the might of the god of war. Their experience and courage are exemplary, spurring any warriors around them, and as soon as there is a possibility, and elder will fearlessly face the enemy leader in a duel, to bring him down in Niethalf’s name.
Unit Category:		Support Fighter (Elite)
Attack Rating:		6 - 12 at 100% speed (7 - 13 at 100% with upgrade)
Armor Rating:		230 (250 with upgrade)
Abilities:		War Cry
Requirements:		Foundry, Moonsilver Hall, Great Armory, Sanctuary
Upgrades:		Lightsilver - Increased armor, damage and black magic resistance.
Recruitment Costs:		120 Moonsilver
	Rocksmith
When the dark races swarmed over Fiara landing their endless legions from their black galleys, fear grasped the hearts of the people of light and they turned towards the dwarves for help, asking them for weapons and armour to stand against the tides of darkness. The dwarves realized that only united could the people of Fiara hope to weather the invasion and thus Niethalf’s sons rushed to the forges and began their legendary task. Day and night the anvils sang with the ringing of the hammers as the strong arms of the dwarves began to forge the weapons for the armies of light. But even the famed strength and endurance of the dwarves had to run dry before the task was completed. Weary with fatigue the dwarves called on their god to aid them. And Niethalf created the rocksmith, large creature shaped out of stone. But rather than lending them his divine power, he implanted in them the strong will and dedication of the dwarven folk to finish their great task and oppose the hordes of darkness. Thus the Rocksmith stood side by side with the dwarves at their forges and when the legions of darkness broke against their walls, they sallied forth and armed with their hammers of stone spread havoc among the enemy, driven by the strength of will of Niethalf’s sons to vanquish the dark armies from the face of the land once and for all.
Unit Category:		Titan
Attack Rating:		6 - 12 at 100% speed
Armor Rating:		270
Abilities:		Aura of Regeneration
Requirements:		Great Headquarters
Upgrades:		Powerful Titan - Improves the power and allows recruitment after death again.
Recruitment Costs:		500 Iron, 300 Moonsilver
	Stone Ram
The masons of the strong nation create these rams as statues from stone to honor Niethalf and the world forger breathes life into this lifeless stone. They are the guards of the old dwarf treasure in the deep abandoned mines and the protectors of Niethalf's holy places under the mountain. When the horns of war are blown they fight on the side of the dwarves as long as their belief in their master Niethalf is strong enough.
Unit Category:		Swarm Unit (SotP)
Attack Rating:		8 - 10 at 100% speed
Armor Rating:		55
Abilities:		None
Requirements:		Stoneram Mason
Upgrades:		None
Recruitment Costs:		60 Food (for 10 units)
	Siege Warrior
These warriors sit together and drink in the Hall of Valor until the dwarven horns summon them into battle. The awestruck ranks of warriors step aside when the siege warriors march towards the opponents fortifications through the hail of projectiles under the protection of their massive shields. They break down the foundations of the enemies towers with powerful blows of their hammers and collapse entire bulwarks. Not many of them return home but they command the highest respect of the sons of Niethalf.
Unit Category:		Siege Unit (SotP)
Attack Rating:		9 - 23 at 100% speed
Armor Rating:		100
Abilities:		Blunt Force (passive) - Increases the damage dealt against buildings
Requirements:		Hall of Valor
Upgrades:		None
Recruitment Costs:		120 Iron, 120 Moonsilver

Buildings

To create a good army, a good base is required first. See below what buildings the dwarves have to do so.

Headquarters
	Small Headquarters
	Unlocks some advanced buildings and allows size increase of light rune armies to 30 units.
	Medium Headquarters
	Unlocks some elite buildings and allows size increase of light rune armies to 50 units.
	Large Headquarters
	Allows the training of the Rocksmith and allows size increase of light rune armies to 80 units.
Resources
	Quarry
	Gathers stone from nearby stone deposits.
	Iron Mine
	Gathers iron from nearby iron deposits.
	Smelting Works
	Refines iron and doubles the amount of iron gathered.
	Stonemason's Hut
	Refines stone and doubles the amount of stone gathered.
	Moonsilver Mine
	Gathers moonsilver from nearby moonsilver deposits.
	Pigfarm
	Produces food constantly but slowly.
	Food Store
	Refines food and doubles the amount of food gathered and unlocks health and mana regeneration.
Military
	Foundry
	Allows the training of dwarven warriors. Researches Whirlaxe upgrade.
	Moonsilver Hall
	Unlocks Warrior, Defender, Elite and Elder. Researches Lightsilver upgrade.
	Great Armory
	Unlocks Defender, Demolisher, Elite and Elder. Researches Throwing Hammer upgrade.
	Sanctuary
	Unlocks Battlepriest and Elder. Researches Willpower upgrade.
	Hall of Valor (SotP)
	Produces the Siege Warrior.
	Stone Ram House (SotP)
	Quickly creates Stone Ram units to a maximum of 10 units at a time.

Passive

Whenever a dwarven unit deals the killing blow to an enemy unit, he will scale up in level. This effect can be applied up to four times and is shown by yellow dots above each dwarves head.

Stats

The dwarven units do have their base stats such as damage and armor. However their attributes are not static but instead scale with the units level.

See below how the attributes are changed for dwarves when leveling up:

• Strength: 30 + 1 X lvl
• Stamina: 35 + 1 X lvl
• Dexterity: 15 + 1 X lvl
• Agility: 15 + 1 X lvl
• Intelligence: 20 + 1 X lvl
• Wisdom: 30 + 1 X lvl
• Charisma: 15 + 1 X lvl
• Fire Resistance: 35 + 1 X lvl
• Ice Resistance: 25 + 1 X lvl
• Black Resistance: 35 + 1 X lvl
• Mind Resistance: 20 + 1 X lvl

Media

Rendered images taken and slightly adapted from the official SpellForce site.

Author's Note

• All entries with (SotP) are only available with the Shadow of the Phoenix installed and while playing in the Shadow of the Phoenix Campaign or the Free Game.

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