Why is there no dwarf-hate?

[Jürgen Hubert]

The traditional way dwarves are presented (bearded folk with good-natured gruff attitude and a love for meat and beer) strike most as someone you'd like to hang out with (or someone you are, for quite a few of us gamers). That's awfully relatable, specially for a race with -2 Cha.

Well, let's not forget their insularity and general distrust towards many other races.

Picture this scene: You are in front of a bar full of dwarves. You hear dwarven conversation and laughter coming from the inside. All in all, it sounds like they are having a good time.

Then you step inside. Suddenly, all conversation stops, and all the dwarves stare at you, as if to say: "What are you doing here?" or "This is the wrong bar for you!" You take the hint and go outside again. Behind you, you can hear how the conversations start again.

This kind of attitude is likely common among dwarves, and likely to explain the -2 Cha modifier.

 

[Desdichado]

I don't much like them at all, but I guess they're about a 'neutral' as humans as far as taste wars go. They're not perceived as over-powered (elves still get that a lot from the 2E Bladesinger debacle), too divergent from their original literary roots, or anything else that really ticks people off.

Ditto. I don't think I've ever played a dwarf in 3e or 3.5.

I'm not sure I've ever played a dwarf period, come to think of it. I still don't hate them, but I'm profoundly disinterested in them.

 

[mcrow]

Why do dwarves stir so few passions?

maybe because I look like I should be a dwarf?

Seriously, if I had a beard and put on some armor I doubt you'd find a more authentic looking dwarf.

But really, one reason: Who could hate Gimli?

 

[Clavis]

Well, I for one always disliked Dwarves. They tend to barely figure in my campaigns. When they do they're presented more like Wagner's Alberich than Tolkien's Gimli (who I was never fond of either). I've never understood the apparent popularity of Dwarves, because I've never experienced it. In 23 years, I've never even had a a player want to be Dwarf!

I could offer a few reasons why Dwarves might be popular with gamers. Mechanically, their abilities are tailor made for fighting in dungeons. Flavor-wise, they are the most asexual race. Unlike the sexually ambivalent Elves, Dwarves appear to be definitely heterosexual, but also don't associate much with females. Elves are interested in feminine things like art and love, but Dwarves work at manly tasks and craft manly things. They're a comfortable fit for the way some male gamers like to think of themselves. (Of course, in reality, an overwhelmingly male race like the Dwarves would probably have a shockingly high rate of male homosexuality, but we're talking about fantasy, after all.)

Personally, I find little commendable in a clannish, greedy, violent race without a sense of humor. If I could help the goblins and Orcs to exterminate them, I would! Collapse all their grubby mines right on them!

Then the Gnomes would get their chance to save the world!

 

[Darklone]

Don't you all have this certain player in your group since 20 years who thinks dwarves are the only real race to play? Might be because he's 5ft 4 and weighs more like me. All muscles, ya know.

 

[Eosin the Red]

Simple. It's the accent. A brogue makes everything cooler. It could also be the ZZ Topp connection. I'm just sayin'

 

[Asmor]

Wait... I don't think I've ever seen any hate for Halflings.

Does anyone actually hate them? Even I like halflings, and I usually hate the small demihumans.

 

[Drowbane]

'cause Dwarves rock.

 

[Ry]

Hey, I admit I freaking hate dwarves 100% across-the-board.

Stupid dwarves. Messing up my name.... grumble...

 

[Gentlegamer]

Don't mess with dwarfs!