Dwarfs

Lore & Background

Once rulers of a vast empire spanning much of the Old World, the Dwarfs suffered a catastrophic decline during the War of Vengeance against the High Elves. In the war's aftermath, Greenskin invasions exploited their weakened state, forcing them to retreat into their mountain strongholds. This period of isolation hardened their culture, turning them inward while they preserved their own ancient traditions—though the knowledge of the Old Ones is a legacy of the Lizardmen, not the Dwarfs. The Dwarfs have never hidden; they have always maintained active holds and leadership, notably under the High King at Karaz-a-Karak, and their current efforts focus on reclaiming lost territories. They maintain a system of Grudges, where every injury is recorded in iron-bound books and must be settled through combat or restitution. This cultural memory drives their military campaigns, ensuring that no enemy escapes retribution for past crimes. Their magic differs from human sorcery; it is channeled through Runesmiths who etch magical sigils into metal and stone. These runes grant protection to warriors and power to siege engines. The Dwarfs' sense of justice is tied to Grudges and the Ancestor Gods collectively, not specifically to Grimnir's justice, though Grimnir is the god of war.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the forge was thick with soot and the scent of molten steel. Thorgrim adjusted his grip on the hammer, watching the glowing metal cool in the trough. Outside, the wind howled through the peaks of Karaz-a-Karak, carrying whispers of orcish drums from the valley below. He touched the Grudge Book resting on the anvil, tracing a name carved in blood and iron. The time for hiding was over; the mountain would roar again.

Reader's Guide

The Dwarfs stand as the steadfast guardians of industry and tradition within the Old World. Their primary objective is the reclamation of ancestral lands stolen by Greenskins and other foes during the War of Vengeance. Every faction operates under a rigid code of honor, where grudges are recorded in iron-bound books and must be settled through combat or payment. Members include elite warriors clad in heavy plate, Runesmiths who channel magic into artifacts, and Lords who lead from the front. They rely on superior technology and defensive fortifications rather than sheer numbers. Their armies move slowly but strike with devastating precision, utilizing siege engines and magical runestones to break enemy lines. In the grand conflict of the world, they serve as a counterbalance to chaotic hordes. While humans struggle for political unity, Dwarfs unite under the banner of their Clans. They offer stability through trade and craftsmanship but demand respect in return. Their resurgence threatens to shift the balance of power back toward the mountain holds.

Did You Know?

• Dwarfs are culturally immune to poison due to their constitution and diet.
• Grudge Books are sacred artifacts that track every debt owed to a Clan.
• Runecasting requires physical runes etched onto items, unlike human spellcasting.
• Karaz-a-Karak is the capital and most ancient hold, but Dwarfs originated from multiple holds and the Ancestor Gods, not solely from Karaz-a-Karak.

Fantasy Faction Origins

Total War: Warhammer marked a historic departure for the franchise in 2016, shifting from historical realism to the high fantasy realm of Games Workshop's universe. Developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega, this tenth entry in the series was the first to ignore real-world history entirely. At launch, players could command four distinct factions, including the stoic Dwarfs, alongside Humans, Greenskins, and Vampire Counts. The game established a trilogy format, eventually expanding into two sequels that further explored this world. While previous titles focused on historical accuracy, this installment introduced magical elements and mythical creatures as core gameplay mechanics. The narrative backdrop involves Emperor Karl Franz attempting to unite the Empire amidst civil unrest, while other factions like the Dwarfs pursue ancient grudges against Greenskins or face threats from Chaos hordes in the north.

Dual-Layer Tactical Gameplay

The game seamlessly blends two distinct modes of play: a turn-based campaign map and real-time tactical battles. On the grand strategic scale, players manage kingdoms, develop cities, and maneuver armies across a diverse world stretching from the Chaos wastes to the Dwarven realms in the World's Edge Mountains. This campaign layer features unique faction mechanics, such as the Greenskins' warpath-focused system. When conflict erupts, the perspective shifts to real-time skirmishes where commanders control individual units and heroes. A significant innovation is the ability for agents to join battles directly, providing tactical advantages. Furthermore, Generals are now reclassified as Lords who fight independently rather than within bodyguard units, allowing them to be upgraded through skill trees that enhance both their personal prowess and overall army strength.

Magic Systems and Unit Diversity

A defining feature of this title is the introduction of a robust magic system, which varies significantly by faction. While some races wield powerful spells capable of turning the tide of battle, others like the Dwarfs possess no access to magic whatsoever, forcing them to rely on sheer martial might. The game also boasts unprecedented visual variety, featuring thirty different skeleton and body types compared to just five or six in earlier entries. This expansion allows for complex animations, including flying units such as dragons that utilize the new graphical capacity. Corruption mechanics have been overhauled; instead of internal decay, corruption now spreads based on the presence of Vampire Counts or Chaos armies. Additionally, a quest mode tasks players with completing specific missions to unlock unique items and abilities, adding depth beyond standard city building and diplomacy.

Development History and Platform Expansion

The journey to release began in December 2012 when Sega partnered with Games Workshop, tasking Creative Assembly with developing multiple titles. Although initially teased during the studio's fifteenth anniversary and leaked via an artbook in early 2015, the official announcement came in April of that year with a cinematic trailer. Originally slated for an April 2016 launch, the game was delayed to May 24, 2016, to ensure quality. It achieved immediate commercial success, selling over half a million copies within days and receiving widespread critical acclaim. Following its Windows debut, Feral Interactive ported the title to Linux in late 2016 and macOS in April 2017. The game also introduced a new model for downloadable content, with the Chaos Warriors faction initially available as free pre-order bonus before becoming paid DLC, setting the stage for future expansions.