Why is there no dwarf-hate?

[Psion]

Because dwarves are cranky and belligerent, which naturally endears them to the sorts of folks that start such arguments in the first place.

 

[The_Gneech]

Notice that even this thread, which is not "why do people hate elves" but "why DON'T people hate dwarves," is still getting people explaining why they hate elves!

As for why people don't hate dwarves, I think it's just that dwarves seem sorta like the working joes of the adventuring world. There's nothing to hate about them, particularly ... some people like them, and many people are indifferent to them.

Mechanically, I still think they have a bag full of goodies that is completely out of whack. Perhaps not quite enough to make them LA +1 as I once thought, but still a few more than would be optimal. They are certainly LA +1 compared to half-orcs -- it's just that half-orcs should be LA -1/2.

-The Gneech

 

[Gothmog]

Because dwarves are 100% pure, undiluted awesome.

More seriously, they have many traits seen as very positive to many people: loyal, close with family (clan), strong sense of responsibility, good work ethic, are meticulous with details (both in crafts and planning), they are masters of their craft or field, tremendous mental and physical fortitude, work for the good of their family, community, and race, and they have a strong sense of honor and will stand up for what they believe in, even at potential personal loss.

On the negative side, they tend to be insular, greedy, and distrustful of strangers. Of course a lot of people nowdays share these same three traits to some degree, and being insular and distrustful of strangers CAN be good things as well. There is also a certain appeal to playing a character you can reason that "I'd be like this on a really bad day, and didn't give a damn what anyone thought about it."

Plus, I think there is a certain amount of truth that many gamers can identify with dwarves to some degree- I know of all the non-human races, I can identify with them most strongly. Dwarves in most settings are depicted as the underdogs, fighting against tremendous odds for survival, but they still never give up- and thats a strong theme in a lot of fiction and movies that most people relate to and admire. If I were going to hang out with any group of non-humans, it would definitely be dwarves.

I think other races (such as elves and drow) tend to draw so much hate because they display many characteristics associated with slackers and/or rich/snobby/spoiled celebrities in today's society (think Paris Hilton meets Joe Dirt), and because they were held up as uber-awesome and super cool in previous editions, and were supposed to be held in awe by everyone. The elven attitude of "I'm just superior so get used to it and do what I say because I'm obiviously better" is also extremely annoyong. Finally, many of the elf fanboys are extreme enough to make most people loathe the idea of elves. I know my hatred for elves stems from a combination of these factors.

But on the plus side, I don't see much halfling or gnome hatin' around here (unless we're talking about kender).

 

[Aeric]

I honestly haven't seen enough dwarves played to develop an opinion about them. In the many gaming groups I've played in, nobody ever seems to want to play a dwarf. I've seen more gnomes played than I have dwarves, and that's including the dwarves that I've played. I think it might be because dwarves have an (undeserved, IMO) reputation for being wild and crazy alcoholic Scotsmen. Gnomes may be irritating, but at least they have range.

I personally love dwarves, but I've never played one for more than a couple of sessions. The movement rate just kills me. I don't want to play a fighter who can't even get to the fight before it's over! That's also why the few halflings I've played over the years didn't last very long either. When you need a magic item to simply keep up with the other characters, suddenly the novelty of the race wears off.

If dwarves have a normal movement rate in 4e, no matter what their other powers are (those were never a factor in my decision, I just think dwarves are cool), I will play a dwarf. Assuming someone is willing to run a game, of course.

 

[ivocaliban]

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.

If I'm not mistaken an event very much like this takes place in one of Prachett's Discworld novels. Perhaps The Fifth Element, but I cannot be certain. Regardless, one of the things I like most about Prachett's dwarves is their dual nature, depending on their environment:

"There is a tendency among dwarfs, who in their native mines are often soft-spoken, filial and respectful, to suddenly transform into beer-swilling, brawling, axe-waving clichés when they go abroad." (Wikipedia)

 

[Balgus]

"... to suddenly transform into beer-swilling, brawling, axe-waving clichés when they go abroad." (Wikipedia)

WAIT - they arent like that ALL the time?

 

[Nifft]

"There is a tendency among dwarfs, who in their native mines are often soft-spoken, filial and respectful, to suddenly transform into beer-swilling, brawling, axe-waving clichés when they go abroad."

Dwarves are German?!

Och, -- N

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

Because I've never encountered a player who ran a Dwarf in such a way as to be completely annoying and disruptive to the party. I cannot say that about some players of Elves, Gnomes or (although not a race) Paladins. Players of dwarves come to get things done and get some loot.

 

[VirgilCaine]

Plus, I think there is a certain amount of truth that many gamers can identify with dwarves to some degree- I know of all the non-human races, I can identify with them most strongly. Dwarves in most settings are depicted as the underdogs, fighting against tremendous odds for survival, but they still never give up- and thats a strong theme in a lot of fiction and movies that most people relate to and admire. If I were going to hang out with any group of non-humans, it would definitely be dwarves.

Don't forget they have darkvision and actually have racial abilities, unlike the poor Half-Orc. If you don't want to muck about with light sources or be an excellent Rogue, go Dwarf.

Besides, we have beards, and AXES, and BEARDS.

 

[Aeric]

Besides, we have beards, and AXES, and BEARDS.

I love the PHB PSAs! My friend and I are constructing a fansite for them!