"By hammer, by oath, by stone."
The words echo through the mountain halls of the Dwarves, a people bound by honour, shaped by toil, and hardened by centuries of war and craft.
As we continue to explore the fantasy world of Warhost and extend the Battle for the Bylands campaign, it's time to shine a light on one of its most enduring races, the proud and unyielding Dwarves.
The Dwarves of the Northlands
The Bylands Campaign Book tells us that even the wisest lore-keepers cannot say when or where the Dwarves first emerged. Some claim they came from the east, drawn to spread wherever stone and metal called to them. When the Elves first marched north, they found Dwarven holds already carved deep into the roots of the mountains and quickly learned that these were not allies to be taken lightly.
In Dwarven society, every act is governed by the Contract, an unbreakable bond that defines their way of life. Pride and self-reliance are sacred; a Dwarf would rather die in battle than break a promise sealed in stone. To fail one's oath is to lose everything, home, clan, even name.
Their mountain halls are as much fortresses as they are works of art, resonating with the clang of hammers, the glow of forges, and the steady heartbeat of a people who live and breathe craftsmanship. This deep respect for their craft is palpable in every aspect of their society.
Forged for War
When war comes, the Dwarves rise as one. Every guild, from smiths and miners to merchants, has sworn a duty of defence, each contract recorded in the Guild Halls.
Their armies embody this unity: lines of shield-bearing warriors braced for impact, spearmen ready to repel charging foes, and archers loosing arrows with unnerving precision. Every Dwarf fights with the same patience and precision that guides their hammer at the forge, a sight that inspires profound respect.
Armour is layered and masterfully wrought, designed to endure centuries. Weapons are heirlooms, reforged again and again, their blades etched with runes of lineage and oath.
In battle, Dwarves are steadfast and unshakable even in the face of magic and monsters. Their warhosts advance not in chaos, but with the rhythmic discipline of a thousand marching boots.
The Guilds
Every aspect of Dwarven life is built upon the guilds.
The Warriors' Guild provides the disciplined heart of their armies. The Hunters' Guild ranges far afield, patrolling mountain passes and trade roads. The Merchants' Guild sustains their civilisation through vast caravans, their wagons laden with gold, food, and ale.
And then there are the Earth Mages, rare and revered masters who draw power from the bedrock itself. Their craft fuses magic and metallurgy, often guarded by towering Ironclad Mageguard, rune-bound constructs animated by molten cores and Dwarven will.
Heroes of the Holds
The Bylands lore names King Valthor of Starayafjell, the "Guardian of the Ancient Oaths," as the living embodiment of Dwarven law. His weapon, the Blazing Axe, burns with an eternal glow said to be drawn from the heart of the world.
Beside him stands Guildmaster Kadrin Thundershield of the Stormstone Forge, warrior, smith, and craftsman of the storm-forged weapons that have become legend across the northern kingdoms.
Sculpting the Dwarves
All miniatures in our upcoming Dwarven Range will be sculpted by the incredibly talented Paul Hicks, whose work continues to set the benchmark for traditional miniature design.
Paul has a unique gift for bringing personality into every sculpt, from the grizzled veteran gripping his axe to the young archer scanning the horizon. His attention to detail ensures that every model tells its own story.
We're thrilled to share that the first two completed sets, Dwarven Archers and Dwarven Spearmen, are ready to show in this very post! These will give you a glimpse of the style and character you can expect across the full range.
Each model has been sculpted based on Marco Capparoni's concept designs, following extensive discussions to create a cohesive look and feel for our dwarves.
What's Coming Next
The new Dwarf range, inspired directly by the army list and lore from the Battle for the Bylands Campaign Book, will feature around 60 miniatures in total, from warriors and hunters to characters, mounted troops, and even the mighty Guild Wagon. These miniatures will not only enhance your gaming experience but also contribute to the expansion and evolution of the Warhost universe.
If all goes to plan, we hope to have everything ready before the end of the year. Our current idea is to launch the range via a Warhost website pre-order, allowing the community to bring these Dwarves to life through your support. The pre-order will be available at a special discounted price and may come with exclusive bonuses for early supporters.
A successful pre-order will determine whether these proud sons and daughters of the mountains march forth. So if you want to see them become a reality, keep an eye on both warhost.online and in our Warhost Facebook Group for many more updates and pre-order details.
Final Words
The Dwarves of the Bylands are our living legacy of craftsmanship, courage, and iron-bound honour. With Paul Hicks at the sculpting table and the forges of Warhost burning bright, we're creating something we are very excited about. Each miniature in this range is a masterpiece, intricately designed to reflect the rich Dwarven lore and bring the spirit of the Bylands to your tabletop.
So ready your anvils, steady your shields, and raise your tankards, the Dwarves are coming.
