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Dwarven Defender (Fighter Kit)

The Dwarven Defender is a formidable warrior reputed to be worth two soldiers of any other race. Trained extensively in the art of dwarven warfare, a handful of these stout fighters can render a defensive line all but unbreakable.

Advantages

  • May use Defensive Stance once per day. Gains one use at level 1, one use at level 4, and +1 use every 4 levels thereafter.
    • Defensive Stance: For one turn, the Dwarven Defender gains +50% resistance to all physical damage, a +2 bonus to Saving Throws, and a 50% movement-rate penalty.
  • Gains 5% resistance to crushing, slashing, piercing, and missile damage every 5 levels — to a maximum of 20% at level 20.
  • Hit Die: d12.

Disadvantages

  • Race restricted to dwarf.
  • May not exceed High Mastery (four slots) in axes and war hammers.
  • May not exceed Specialization (two slots) in any other weapon class.

When to pick it

  • The combined d12 HD and scaling physical resistances make Dwarven Defenders the single most durable melee class in the game.
  • Defensive Stance is a real damage soak — use it before a chokepoint, then let the rest of the party plink from behind.

Source: iwdee/original_manuals/IWDEE - Mastering Melee & Magic.pdf — "Dwarven Defender (Fighter Kit)".