General Question

[Uther3867]

which race is better at making Weapons and Armor I've always been conflicted between Elves and Dwarves?

i open the floor to both sides just please keep it civil

[grymhild]

Which kinds of weapons?

[Uther3867]

like Swords, Axes, Daggers, hammers, Bows. Weapons in General

[Hawke]

Humans?

Good at everything?

[Maecius]

which race is better at making Weapons and Armor I've always been conflicted between Elves and Dwarves?

I think the answer depends on whether you're asking an elf or a dwarf. They're both famous for their craftsmanship.

[thids]

Speaking just by looking at the stereotypes of both races? I'd say dwarves, but an accomplished and highly experienced sun elven weaponsmith could come close to true dwarven quality.

If we want to take some mechanics into consideration, then dwarves win again.

http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp? ... 07a&page=6

[Lazarus]

I'd imagine dwarven metal weapons and armor are superior. Elves make better wooden weapons (and armor?) such as bows.

[grymhild]

I think Elves win (or lose)... they make nukes...

Mormhaor'Sykerylor — The Killing Storm

[thids]

I think Elves win (or lose)... they make nukes...

Mormhaor'Sykerylor — The Killing Storm

Elves make everything about magic. But I think the OP meant "mundane" weapons and armor. Like who is more skillful at actual armorcrafting and weaponcrafting.

[AlwaysSummer Day]

Too tired to post full explanation and sources right now but in FR lore Dwarves are the only ones who know several techniques including preventative forge techniques that prevent rust, dulling of the blade, and luster from fading. (Elves only know a couple of these) Dwarves are also the only beings that could create darksteel however as of the current IG year this has been lost to even them. A dwarven master Smith spends up to 14 hours a day on his craft, 7 days a weak, 300 + years straight. There are no vacations or sick days aside from the occasional battle or clan dispute. Dwarves have been known to die while forging a "Masterpiece" which is not a simple +4 weapon of doom everything on hit but rather an item, can be anything, that functions so flawlessly youd let a dragon chew on it and still bet your childs life it still works and is so beautiful it would make sune cry.

There is a room of these items in the great rift that dwarven master smiths make a pilgrimage to carrying there submitions. In the largest nation in Faerun every year one -MIGHT- be selected. Or maybe all are considered "meh" and rejected. Not all master smiths even create something of this skill level even once in their lifetime.

Pumps of pyridan
Chasm leap bridge
Wailing dwarf

Some examples of craftsmanship beyond the scope of all but gond and the Dwarves who built them.



Elves make elegant things. Often times they are beautiful but not terribly useful. An elven blade may be embalanced over a decoration. A bow may lose draw power so it "sings" when arrows are loosed. A dwarven Smith targets perfection than molds the path taken there into art. An elf creates art and just so happens to end up with perfection. For what it is worth Tolkeins elves were better smiths then Dwarves. However in my opinion the forgotten realms lore is clear on the subject and clearly favors Dwarves.

[Tsidkenu]

Elves make elegant things. Often times they are beautiful but not terribly useful. An elven blade may be embalanced over a decoration. A bow may lose draw power so it "sings" when arrows are loosed. A dwarven Smith targets perfection than molds the path taken there into art. An elf creates art and just so happens to end up with perfection. For what it is worth Tolkeins elves were better smiths then Dwarves. However in my opinion the forgotten realms lore is clear on the subject and clearly favors Dwarves.

Tell that to the elvish maker of Tahlshara

[DM Narshe]

In Icewind Dale, the tragedy of the Severed Hand featured weapons forged of an alliance between Elves and Dwarves. From what I can remember, Dwarves provided superior crafting techniques while Elves provided superior enchantment. The weapons and armors that were created were some of the finest of the age.

It was actually a horde of orcs that brought down the Severed Hand, using either stolen or brought weapons from this Dwarf-Elf alliance. The Elves blamed the Dwarves, saying they sold weapons to orcs. The Dwarves packed up and went home. Thus sparking (or just a continuation of?) the Dwarf-Elf grudge.

I don't think the game ever actually shows you what really happened though.

[kTravio]

I don't think the game ever actually shows you what really happened though.

It was a drow named Nym; he stole equipment from the alliance out of Dorn's Deep and was selling it to the local monstrous races because profit. In the end, there was a peace between the elves and dwarves of the fortress but too late as the dwarves were attacked in Dorn's Deep and wiped out, leaving the elves without any allies to repel the orcs.

Just recently finished IWD (like, two days ago).

[AlwaysSummer Day]

It was a drow named Nym

So typical of elves to blame Dwarves for something an elf did. . .