The Dwarfs are an ancient and proud race, masters of stone, metal, and engineering. Their great underground holds — carved into the World's Edge Mountains over millennia — were once the mightiest civilization in the known world. Though diminished by the catastrophic War of Vengeance against the Elves and the subsequent Goblin Wars, the Dwarfs endure, their culture defined by honour, craftsmanship, and an unbreakable memory for grievances.

The Dwarfs built their empire in the age before men, forging alliances with the Elves and trading with the world above. The War of Vengeance — sparked by Elven treachery — shattered this alliance and weakened both races. Then came the Goblin Wars, as Skaven and Greenskins flooded the undermountain holds, driving the Dwarfs from many of their greatest strongholds. The fall of Karak Eight Peaks remains the greatest unresolved grudge in the Book of Grudges.

Dwarf armies are slow but inexorable — heavily armoured warriors who hold their ground with iron discipline. Ironbreakers and Hammerers form the elite core, while Thunderers and Quarrellers provide ranged fire. The Engineers' Guild fields devastating war machines: Organ Guns, Flame Cannons, and the legendary Gyrocopters. Slayers — Dwarfs who have sworn an oath of death to atone for some dishonour — seek glorious ends in battle.

Dwarf culture revolves around honour, craftsmanship, and the sacred Book of Grudges — a tome recording every slight, insult, and injury done to the Dwarf people, to be repaid in full. Rune magic, practiced by the Runesmiths, is the Dwarfs' unique magical tradition, inscribing power into weapons and armour. Ale, gold, and the memory of lost holds define the Dwarf soul.

• ✦Karaz-a-Karak — the Everpeak, capital of the Dwarf realm
• ✦Karak Eight Peaks — the lost hold, contested by Skaven and Greenskins
• ✦Zhufbar — hold of engineers and the Engineers' Guild
• ✦Barak Varr — the sea hold, gateway to Dwarf maritime trade