Fantasy Racial Stereotypes

[dreaded_beast]

One thing I noticed is that certain races are often played in the same way. I realize that this is mainly from the description of said race in the PHB, MM, etc.

However, this being a fantasy setting, with (I assume) no real world knowledge to actually base the "racial stereotype" from, how did such a race get type-cast or why do players play them in such a way?

2 quick examples:

The dwarf that speaks with a scottish accent, always boozing, and looking for a bar fight.

The elf who is haughty, taciturn, and looks down upon "lesser" mortals.

 

[Tinker Gnome]

Gnomes that are mad scientists whose inventions never work right.

I actually like this stereotype.

 

[RangerWickett]

In my game, the stereotype of Elves is that they're horny racists who can only become un-racist if they sleep with a non-Elf.

Gnomes never actually do anything (especially not slay vampires).

Dwarves have no point.

 

[Gez]

Stereotypes in D&D are born, usually, of outside litterature (especially when badly understood, for example, see all the people who want magical über elves because "it's Tolkienian"); or sometimes, of caricatural campaign setting (see tinker gnomes and the kleptomaniacal kender halflings, both from DragonLance).

Usually, stereotypes achieve posterity when they're annoying, shallow, mono-dimensional, and turning said race into either a munchkin's wet dream, or a stupid comedic relief. In both case, the stereotype makes any sort of "serious" roleplay impossible.

 

[SSquirrel]

Stereotypes in D&D are born, usually, of outside litterature (especially when badly understood, for example, see all the people who want magical über elves because "it's Tolkienian"); or sometimes, of caricatural campaign setting (see tinker gnomes and the kleptomaniacal kender halflings, both from DragonLance).

Usually, stereotypes achieve posterity when they're annoying, shallow, mono-dimensional, and turning said race into either a munchkin's wet dream, or a stupid comedic relief. In both case, the stereotype makes any sort of "serious" roleplay impossible.

Hmm funny....one of the better roleplaying sessions an old DL group I played in had was one where we had Steve playing a tinker gnome and me as a kender. I kept "finding" his hammer, he kept hitting me with it, we all ran from Draconians and had some actual serious RPing come up along the way. Yes we were funny, but we were all in character, things were accomplished taht needed doing and everyone had fun. COmic relief to teh detriment of the game is what is bad really.

Hagen

 

[dreaded_beast]

When I think of the "stereotypical dwarf" I keep thinking:

Groundskeeper Willy from the Simpsons, just make him half his size and give him a potbelly. And a big axe.

 

[KenM]

My dwarf fighter has a "thing" for female elves. Breaking sterotype.

 

[Djeta Thernadier]

I rather enjoy playing my spazzy , excitable gnome illusionist.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

I use them heavily as a DM.

I leave it to the players if they want to break the mold or not. They usually do.

edit: although my stereotypical half-orc barbarian/cleric is a BLAST to play!

 

[Gnarlo]

My dwarf fighter has a "thing" for female elves. Breaking sterotype.

Nahh, Gimli did it first

Brings up an interesting theory that orcs are maybe the result of cross-breeding elves and dwarves. Helps to explain the pointed ears, the theory of "corrupted elves", the beards, the kilts, and the predilection for axes. Also helps explain why they hate and are hated by both races.