A dwarf near Ptolus is likely one of the Stonelost overclan. These are the children of Dwarvenhearth, said to be the greatest of dwarven cities, which now lies, lost, somewhere beneath the city of Ptolus. Dwarvenhearth was sealed by your ancestors centuries ago, for reasons unknown, at the end of a great war against an evil being known as 'Ghul' and his minions.

Given that history, you likely grew up in a small human village within a days travel of Ptolus, your family working as smiths or metalworkers there. You have never belonged to a larger dwarven clan, nor experienced the vast riches and wealth described in the stories of old.

As a dwarf adventurer, you can search for the glory that comes only from wealth, you could hone your skills and become the greatest smith in Ptolus, you could help discover the secrets of Dwarvenhearth and re-open it, or strive to keep the place sealed as your ancestors wished. Or, you could continue the fight against the greater forces of evil as has always been the dwarven way.

[Dwarves may use either the Hill Dwarf or Mountain Dwarf templates in the Player's Handbook]