| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| jordanz |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 21:16:48
I was just reading up on the chronology of the Forgotten Realms. It states that during the "Dawn Ages/Time of Dragons" the Dwarves and Elves overthrew the Giants and Dragons, respectively.
Has it ever been explained exactly how these races managed this? I wouldassume that for the elves, some powerful magics and had to be involved.
Of course at this time both the Giants and Dragons were warring against each other...so perhaps they were vulnerable.
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| 7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Ayrik |
Posted - 28 Feb 2011 : 06:29:37
Old edition dwarves do get 4 point AC bonus and +1 to-hit bonus vs giants, giantkin, and giantlike large humanoids. Apparently as a result of extensive anti-giant training.
Dwarven underground mines, shafts, tunnels, rooms, camps, and cities/fortresses are probably meant to accomodate dwarven height and stature; why would they excavate needlessly massive areas without purpose? An human or orc might easily fit in such places, but a giant certainly would not be able to get too far. So dwarven strongholds and passageways are essentially unassailable by giants ... no doubt the dwarves pragmatically employ this little detail for great strategic advantage. |
| Bladewind |
Posted - 26 Feb 2011 : 12:27:41
I think the developement of the Bane and Slaying magic weapon enchantment might have played a role. It seems that most of the gear that was used by both dwarves and elves at that time had been enchanted with wicked magics to help bring low the bigger monsters. I'm also thinking of the Oathbow (PHB) and Oath Hammer (Champions of Valor) magic weapons. |
| Daviot |
Posted - 26 Feb 2011 : 06:48:49
quote:
Originally posted by Chosen of Asmodeus
How the dwarves beat the giants...I'd assume they did it the same way dwarves do everything; with hammers.
Another possible theory: the combination of tactics and (although it may sound weird for dwarves) fecundity.
The average giant, while individually powerful, is a bit underpowered in the long game. Dwarves build army units that number in the dozens at the very minimum; a large warband for giants is maybe eight to ten members. Dwarves (even pre-Thunder Blessing dwarves) can replenish their numbers far faster than giants. Add in the development of specific anti-giant tactics and their focus on teamwork, and in the long run, the dwarves pull ahead. |
| Lady Fellshot |
Posted - 26 Feb 2011 : 03:17:52
Bah, I just like the idea of dwarves in mecha suits.  |
| Hoondatha |
Posted - 26 Feb 2011 : 00:56:38
It should also be noted that the dragons and giants did a good job of bashing each other even before the elves and dwarves got involved. It was the dragons that shattered Ostoria, after all. The dwarves had to contend with smaller, less powerful (though only by comparison) successor empires. |
| Lady Fellshot |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 21:58:28
I would suppose that those would've some great big mallets that those dwarves were using on giant toes. I would also expect some really interesting looking siege engines to further level the playing field. If the elves have lost a lot of magical lore over the eons, why wouldn't the dwarves have lost some of their engineering feats to time? |
| Chosen of Asmodeus |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 21:44:45
As I understand it the elves used the rage of dragons high magic spell that would occasionally cause most/all the dragons to lose their minds.
How the dwarves beat the giants...I'd assume they did it the same way dwarves do everything; with hammers. |
