Why is there no dwarf-hate?

[Hairfoot]

Fresh from arguing the merits of hobbits vs kenderlings, it occured to me that the only traditional demihuman race which isn't the subject of personal taste wars is dwarves.

Elves cop it for just for being elves, before you even start on Drizzt, drow, and the multiple subraces.

Gnomes get it for being too much like dwarves, except for tinkers, which a lot of people hat on their own merit.

Half orcs/elves? Silly and/or irrelevant, depending on who you ask.

Why do dwarves stir so few passions?

 

[Nifft]

Huh? Did you miss all the huge DWARVES ARE BROKEN debates since 3.5e came out? (Other names: "Dwarves: LA +1?!", etc.)

Folks tend to hate dwarves on a mechanical basis, though, rather than as a concept.

Cheers, -- N

 

[jdrakeh]

Because dwarves aren't the one-trick ponies that many of the other races are. They don't have a single gimmick that defines them and, as such, they have a bit more depth than other races. Or, at least, that's my perception.

 

[Philotomy Jurament]

I hate Gully-Dwarves. Does that count?

 

[Elf Witch]

Because dwarves aren't the one-trick ponies that many of the other races are. They don't have a single gimmick that defines them and, as such, they have a bit more depth than other races. Or, at least, that's my perception.

See now I have always thought of dwarves as one trick ponies. Every dwarf I have ever seen played is usually a fighter with a surly attidue. Leading me to really dislike them.

 

[Darklone]

It's easy. We're all machos at heart and the dwarves are the most machorace in gaming. Hard not to like that.

I do prefer elves though

 

[jdrakeh]

See now I have always thought of dwarves as one trick ponies. Every dwarf I have ever seen played is usually a fighter with a surly attidue. Leading me to really dislike them.

That's more about how people you know play them than how they're written, though. Out of the book, they've always been a military race, yes, though they also have a plethora of other native abilities (specifically when it comes to identifying and/or working stone, smithing metal, and resisting magics). For the better part of forever Elves and Halflings were almost solely defined by their Dex bonuses, while Gnomes, Half-Elves, and Half-Orcs had no truly notable native abilities to speak of. I think that this changed a bit in 3x, though the old perception seems to have remained intact.

 

[pawsplay]

In addition to being surly fighters, dwarves also have a rich past of being haughty fighters, workmanlike trapsmiths, brutal brigands, and greedy prospectors. Since 3e, they are are also daring cavers, resolute clerics, practical wizards, terrifying battle-ragers, and stoic paladins.

My wife is playing a dwarf scout (UAdv). He's not surly, just quiet.

 

[Hussar]

'cos Dwarves rock?

 

[Hammerhead]

Because of Wulf Ratbane.