Chapter 7: Role Playing and Personalities

Farondil, an Elf, Speaks of Dwarves

Let's get one thing straight, I have nothing against dwarves personally. It's just that they're so different from regular folk. They really are a bit freakish. Just look at them. Four foot six at best, often just as wide. The proportions are all wrong. And that hair! It grows all over the place. Most of them look like they've rugs stuck to their faces. And the smell! The less said about that, the better.

I'm really not prejudiced, but I do believe in calling a squat a squat. And that's just what they are, squat and ugly things, the victims of a mean joke of the gods. No wonder they live below ground. No one takes them seriously, except themselves. And they do take themselves seriously. A few have even had the nerve to call me flighty, if you can believe that.

Besides, they are so obsessed with work they never laugh, never have any fun. Work, work, work, that's all they do besides sleep, drink vast quantities of alcohol, and smell. Mind you, it's hardly surprising given their repressive society. Those guilds are nothing short of legalized slavery.

Underground is the best place for them. Down there, they can't go 'round depressing other folk. You can tell how bad it is down there by the number of them who escape every year. You know the type, either greedy merchants or homicidal killers. Have you ever tried discussing philosophy with a dwarf? They're not at all interested in life, stars, flowers, or freedom. One rude little beast had the effrontery to tell me to shut up with my "mindless pansy drivel," or he'd hack my legs off. Ha! The stumpy little runt couldn't reach any higher, my legs were all he could hit!

Oh, they're all right from a distance, I suppose. Just keep them in their holes, away from decent folk, and everything will be fine. I'm not prejudiced, but I still don't want any living in my woods!

Other races tend to stereotype dwarves, lumping them all together as suspicious, avaricious, taciturn, obstinate, grumpy, grim, and humorless creatures. They see them as rigid and unyielding as stone, while grudgingly admitting that dwarves are hardy and tenacious fighters.

While all that is true, it is a gross generalization. Many dwarves will not fit neatly into another race's conception of them. No two are exactly alike. They may have the same character kit, but each has his own goals, interests, quirks, and flaws setting him apart from his fellows. There are, however, certain discernible qualities shared by the entire race.

The Dwarven Personality

"Humph! Get lost!"

--Dwarven Maxim

Dwarves are not humans with short legs, broad torsos, and long beards. They are another race entirely, with distinctive personality traits and beliefs that set them apart from humans. Playing a dwarf is more challenging than playing a human warrior, cleric, or thief. As humans, we know our basic traits, and portray them easily in a game. It is more difficult to make dwarves believable and fun, but the potential reward is worth the effort.

Basic Personality

Dwarven personality is molded by many factors. They see themselves as a proud and noble race, maintaining their own ways. This is not because they are stubborn, but because experience has taught them that their ways are best. They do not understand why other races consider them dour and taciturn. Believing that there is a time and place for everything, dwarves approach work seriously, with an attitude of commitment. Dealing with other races is always seen as work and dwarves always work solemnly. While this has led to false portrayals, dwarves don't care. They know they are superior to all other races. If others fail to recognize this, it is not the dwarves' loss. They are content to leave others alone, unless they are in direct conflict or competition for living space or resources. When attacked, the entire stronghold will fight.

Knowing how the race generally feels about most things helps to define individual player characters. Even if the character's personality is entirely different from the norm, it can be defined by noting the differences.

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