So Dwarves...

[Leeking208]

Why is it that dwarves are always portrayed as being Scottish? I mean the Scots don't even have a dwarf analog (underground living small bearded craftsmen) as far as I know.  So why don't we see more dwarves like this fellow?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B6bnUVbUWw&feature=related

[Krensky]

I think this is Warhammer's fault, but I'm not sure.

[Crafty_Alex]

The Swedish Chef does wield those sausages with AP 2, you know.

[Gentry]

I'd argue more that it's Tolkien's fault, the state of the dwarf today.

For Wyrmstone, we headed in an Arabian direction with dwarves, since we pretty much all hate the stereotype.  And by hate I mean it's pretty much played out. 

[VisualStatic]

I think this is Warhammer's fault, but I'm not sure.

I've been playing Warhammer Online... other then the stupid accent(scottish) they have more of a Norse feel with the rune priest, Architecture and what not...

But as far as were it started.. I agree.. blame Tolkien.

[TheAuldGrump]

I have always gone with a Norse/Germanic tone for the dwarfs - for that matter, both Tolkien's and Warhammer's choice in names lean that way. I have also used Russian/Slavic cultures to good effect.

The Auld Grump

[Black Cheese]

For Wyrmstone, we headed in an Arabian direction with dwarves, since we pretty much all hate the stereotype.  And by hate I mean it's pretty much played out.

This… changes things. It turns dwarves from craftsmen and warriors into philosophers and scientists. It also conveniently locks away their women (which makes sense as no one I know ever plays a female dwarf anyway). That's a pretty serious stereotype upending.

[Bill Whitmore]

You sure about that?  Maybe you have fought alongside a female dwarf and never even knew.

[Gentry]

For Wyrmstone, we headed in an Arabian direction with dwarves

This… changes things. It turns dwarves from craftsmen and warriors into philosophers and scientists. It also conveniently locks away their women (which makes sense as no one I know ever plays a female dwarf anyway). That's a pretty serious stereotype upending.

You are correct, sir.    Axe-wielding viking/scots are so 1970s.  It's time for some serious stereotype upending.  You aren't going to find barefooted pastoral Pech in Wyrmstone, either (they're voodoo Maoris, though that's a topic for another thread, I reckon).

And for our money, going all Sheherezade with dwarves actually allows dwarf women to finally be hawt all by themselves.  The Wyrmstone.org homepage actually has a pair of our snazzy dwarves, drawn by Ben McSweeny himself.  We all squeed when we got the art--hope you do too.  You may need to re-cache the page a few times to find the dwarves, as it's got rotating art.

[MugMug]

Culturally, that whole beard thing makes quite a bit of sense.

Nice art, btw. Are there any other images than the dwarven pair and the airship? I refreshed 20-30 times but only got the two pictures.

Walter

[Gentry]

I believe there's one in the works regarding an elf wuxia swordswoman.  They're the art pieces that would otherwise have appeared in the FC book, which Crafty was kind enough to commission on our behalf.  More art will percolate along as we find artists (and the dough with which to pay them). 

[Mister Andersen]

Personally I'd rather see Dwarves go Japanese than Arabian

[Agent 333]

Personally I'd rather see Dwarves go Japanese than Arabian

::tries to find pictures of dwarven yakuza from shadowrun, fails::
Japanese dwarves are cool, I'll agree there...

[Gentry]

Japanese-esque dwarves aren't beyond the pale in Wyrmstone, either.  There are pockets of dwarves who've assimilated into other cultures, which allows those who can't get away from nordics to sate that urge. 

[Psion]

Why is it that dwarves are always portrayed as being Scottish?