Dwarves, for many people, are synonymous with sturdiness, merriment, and subterranean living. A short, stocky race, they are known for their endurance and ability to produce smiths of renown. It might seem odd that such a race would turn down the path of a blood hunter, given their dark nature, however, it’s one of the few class options that appeals both to the martial nature one expects of a dwarf and the magic that’s usually associated with it. Hill dwarves and mountain dwarves are both excellent choices as well, playing into the strengths of a blood hunter.

The Blood Hunter class is found in the Dungeon Master’s Guild. Click here to pick up your own copy of the Blood Hunter Class!

The Dwarf Race can be found in the Player’s Handbook. Click here to pick up your own copy of The Player’s Handbook!

How to Make a Dwarf Blood Hunter

Strength or dexterity should be the priority of a blood hunter, but let’s address how your racial bonuses tie in. All dwarves get a bonus to their constitution, which you’ll need (as health is a usable resource for you). Hill dwarves however gain an additional hp bonus on top of this, though their wisdom bonus is not needed. Mountain dwarves on the other hand get a big bonus to strength, but their armor training is wasted as you’ll get this from being a blood hunter anyways. 

Your best option would likely be a hill dwarf, using Tasha’s Cauldron rules to move that wisdom boost to either strength or your next most important stat – Intelligence, which will be used for spellcasting and class features. After that, the remaining stats are up to you but consider your background.

Blood hunter Orders (subclasses) are a mixed board, but as a dwarf you’re more likely to focus on the martial aspects of the blood hunter, turning to magical aid where it boosts that ability. To this end, the Order of the Ghostslayer would likely be most fitting, followed by the Order of the Lycan. The former would be best in a damaging role, and the second would serve rather well as a party tank, especially if you chose hill dwarf.

How to Play a Dwarf Blood Hunter

Dwarves suffer from one mechanic which isn’t addressed enough, and it’s a problem they share with halflings and gnomes – their 25ft move speed. Typically this isn’t always a big issue, but if you wish to move around a lot in combat, consider taking the dwarf racial feat – squat nimbleness, which will give you a stat boost, bring your move speed up to 30ft, and grant you a couple of small benefits. Mobility is important because whether you’re trying to tank damage for the party or dealing damage yourself, you’re still spending hp to do so and you need to be able to get out of trouble quickly if things turn sour.

While you’re still in combat, however, don’t be afraid to wade into unfavorable odds, as your Crimson Rites will allow you to deal above-average damage, quickly tipping a battle to your favor.

How to Roleplay as a Dwarf Blood Hunter

Dwarves are typically a fun race to roleplay, given the various depictions we have of them in fiction. A blood hunter makes for a particularly interesting dwarf, playing more to their intelligent side on account of the magic that accompanies their nature. Think of how your dwarf became a blood hunter, were they trained by an order within their clan or did they learn it in the course of mercenary work? Perhaps it was a tactic they developed alongside others.

Whatever your background, a confident personality is the most fitting for any blood hunter, whether that comes across as someone silent and cunning or forward and charismatic is entirely up to you. Equally important would be how you imagine your appearance, after all, looking good is feeling good.