Now I know we got the three major clans but the cultural differences between them aren’t much.
They all love beer, they’re all gruff, they’re all boastful, and they’re the big guy in the gang that swings around his greataxe. Basically, they’re all Gimli. This characterization is fine on its own but I think we should explore ways to fundamentally provide more flexibility to the race as other races have.
Section 1: Edit Fighters
The first problem with Dwarves is that the Dwarven (Gimli) warrior trope is narrow and done to death. The best way to subvert this, I see, is to edit the weapons used.
I recommend Dwarves avoid axes, swords, and maces and embrace the mighty polearm. Not only do these fit into transmog nowadays, but they make up for the weakness of Dwarves: their height. By choosing polearms. not only will your fighting style be unique comparably but will provide you the extra reach your short stature needs.
Secondly, I recommend bows over guns. This may seem anathema, but the stocky frame of the Dwarf makes for a more efficient archer than they do gunman. You’ll stand out from the Dwarf stereotype this way and have a good reason for doing so.
Especially for hunters, embracing an animal companion could be a part of the Dwarven culture as it’s not so often embraced by other roleplayers. Plus: polearms!
Section 2: Elevate Spellcasters
Simply being a Dwarf spell-flinger is a subversion in itself and should be considered the next time you want to make an archtype mage, warlock, or priest. Shamans, in my experience, already do an excellent job as the Horde lore has already provided a bevy of Shamanism to draw upon for characterization.
The Paladin and Priest, I believe, have the most potential to be subverted. Integrating something radical to Dwarven culture into a Holy archtype like abstinence from alcohol is an excellent way to set yourself apart from the Dwarven arch-type. Undertaking vows like these has room to play with (such as turning it into a zeal against alcohol pervading your society) and could logically fit your model. It’s more than being the beer-guzzling Warrior. Plus, we need more Scarlet Dwarves.
Section 3: Redirect your Rivalries
If you think about it, what’s the point of hating Elves? This fantasy trope has leaked into WoW but doesn’t seem to have much of a basis. Dwarves have established cultural traits in WoW that connect them to the Earth and elements. If anything, your relationship to the Elements and your Earthen connections might make you more a tree-hugger than anything in Tolkeinism. Redirecting hostile/not-super-serious attitudes would fit more against the Arcane and Fel. Being suspicious of the Arcane would make you somewhat more unique (as mostly the Night Elves seem to share this overt suspicion) and still allow you to make fun of the High Elves.
Section 4: Khaz Modan as an idea
This is more personal speculation on my end but I get the vibe that Khaz Modan is more sparsely populated when compared to other racial homelands. I remember reading somewhere that even Ironforge has a smaller population than the Dwarven District of Stormwind. Playing up regional identities that weave into the established Clans I think is great for looking for more variety within Dwarven culture that Humans have the privilege of with their many nations and Orcs/Trolls/Tauren with their many tribes.
Section 5: Classism
A seriously underplayed trope in Dwarven culture is the under-developed Clan/Semi-Feudal setup of Dwarven society. We don’t know much about the Senate but we know they are prominent in Dark Iron and Bronzebeard varieties. Within these cultures we know also that a clean Dynastic line bonds them which should also create a Class distinction of upper and lower class Dwarves rather than the egalitarian system seemingly assumed. Embracing Class division allows for noble-TYPE characters (perhaps as far as the Clan system goes) as well definitely patrician-types from the Senatorial class.
Go high class: trade the beer for wine, the Scots for proper English, and the heavy weapons for a dignified rapier.
I totally agree. Gnomes suffer from a similar dilemma but for different reasons. We’re the comical insert for most situations. There’s nothing wrong with gnomes being plucky and happy, but when it becomes all they’re ever used for/seen as, it becomes stale.
There has been some good representation recently, like Kinndy Sparkshine, Kelsey Steelspark, and even Gelbin (every cinematic he’s in is cringey though), but more is always good. I want to see a gnome who reacts to a situation differently than obnoxious enthusiasm and hilarity.
I think the return of Moira has given dwarves far more depth and highlights some of their cultural fractures. Spicy stuff there.
I objext to the “no using weapons” side honestly. More polearns yes, but Bertha here, to give an example, crafts her own. And in time instead of a typical fighter, is going to go full fury Warrior and go for what I like to call a Volcano Queen… a Dark Iron version of a Mountain King
Aye! What’s wrong wit’ Dwarf RP? Ye be askin’ fer all these things when ye got a lot o’ them already.
Nae, Lad we got three different tribes and that is not countin’ them frost Dwarves in northrend or our stoney cousins the Earthen. Lots o’ diversity.
Can ye be so sure on that one? Care ta wager ye beard on it lad?
Hey! What be wrong wit’ having a wee pint now and again… hic. Excuse me. Meh clan crest is a Hammer lad, with a pair of Gryphon heads. Not an axe. Mind ye that my family crest does have a double headed battle axe; But I digress. Ever heard of a Wildhammer’s Storm Hammer? It is a sacred weapon of my clan and is used most effectively from the back of our Gryphons. Also we are dwarves. By definition we cannae be the big guy unless a hobbit 'r a gnome be in the group. Better get ye shaving razer ready cause ye gona be balder than a grinding stone after years of service.
Ye treading on dangerous ground lad but I’ll listen a bit longer.
So first ye say we boast too much as the big guy and now ye be making fun of our height. I promise ye there be nothing a lad or lass can do wit’ a pole arm that I can nae do wit me bow ‘r me axe. Aye, I use an axe (( being a hunter maces/hammers are a no go )) in battle when I got ta get nasty. Ye do know that a pole arm be just a sword, axe, or hammer wit’ but a longer handle right? Just thought I’d ask.
Aye so ye may have a brain in that head of yours. I’ve used a Bow since day one learned how ta be a ranger from my Kaldorei family whom took me in when I became marooned on their beach. Only time I’ve picked up a gun was ta either throw it away 'r when playing that game at the Dark Moon Faire. Ye also don’t have the muzzle flash or the crack of the powder ta alert ye target.
Have ye nae seen the opening cinematic? There be a dwarf wit’ a big ol’ teddy bear. Kind o’ hard ta miss. I have many an animal companion. My clan go into battle with out Gryphons by our side and under our butts. As a Kaldorei trained Wildhammer I do the same wit’ Owls, Storm crows, and even Hippogryphs. Though I also have a disobedient Warpstalker and a Garn from Draenor.
What kind o’ Dwarf are ye? What makes ye think the Horde have a monopoly on Shaman Lore? We Wildhammer have been doin’ it for Centuries. Even Before the War of Three Hammers our kind practiced and had an affinity for Nature and the open sky. Mind ye we only befriended the mighty Gryphon after the War and founding of Aerie Peak.
What’s this about the other spell casting classes? Ye seem ta be under the mistaken perception that Dwarves are only Warriors. We have scholars as well don’t ye know. Whom do ye take the book ta for Winter Veil but a Dwarf in Ironforge. Who founded the Explorers League but Dwarves. Who has a famous Hunter / Author but Dwarves.
Dems is Fighting Words lad. What ye have against the all mighty drink? Really what kind of dwarf are ye? Must be a Goblin ‘r something tryin’ ta break ranks.
Now who says we dwarves hate elves? We Wildhammer have a close bond with the High Elves. If ye go ta Aerie Peak ye will see a cabin by the lake where both hang out peacefully. Now if it be ‘em Sin’dorei aligned wit’ the Horde Trolls that be another story. We can’t stand no Trolls ‘r Troggs. Orc’s be pretty bad too if ye be Dark Iron. They be fighting over that Mountain o’ ash fer decades now.
Arcane is the lifeblood of our planet and also the moon wells the Kaldorei use on the regular. They are formed from waters of the Well of Eternity which was pure arcane.
Again it seems ye’ve missed the mark; but ye are nae wrong. The War of Three Hammers and subsequent calamities have done a number on the dwarven population over the years. When the Fire Lord was summoned a great many Dark Irons lost their life. Not ta mention those killed by my ancestors and those of the Bronzebeard clan.
Then ye have the Twilight cult that has done its share of harm ta my clan in the Highlands. Many families have been wiped out entirely. With nae an heir ta continue the name.
The Bonzebeards may actually have the highest population of living dwarves but due ta them being on the forefront of battle since the first War ye can bet the last 30 'r so years have taken their toll there as well.
The Orc, Troll, and Tauren Tribes for what they are be no different than the Three Main clan of Dwarves ye got. Sure there once be some 7+ different Orc clans that populated Draenor but since then they have either been killed off ‘r integrated into a single Orcish Horde wit’ but a few outliers.
This be equally true of the Tauren whom once had many individual tribes but consolidated into what is now the Bloodhoof tribe now run by Baine Bloodhoof after his father was killed in battle. Though I guess ye could be talkin’ about the Grimtotem tribe that has yet ta fully integrate. Then ye also have the Taunka and now Highmountain Along wit’ that clan from Pandaria.
I think the Trolls may be the one wit’ the most still outstanding differences between separate tribes. While a few have joined up wit’ the Horde, they have nae cut ties wit’ their own clan’s culture and become one wit’ the Darkspear.
Aye, now ye be confusing me. Ye be wantin’ ta get away from all these Dwarven tropes and now ye last argument be we need ta further embrace one? Well I am sure ye know that Dwarves do have a class system even if ye nae see in in play outside the Council of Three Hammers 'r the Nobility within Dark Iron ranks.
We have Mountain Kings 'r better known as Thanes. Each family likely has one. The head and likely oldest child will inherit the title upon their parents death. I am the oldest of my father’s children but I gave the leadership role ta meh Brother. He be much better suited to be a leader. He also has an heir. Then there are the High Thanes whom are leaders over the entire clan.
Greetin’s I be Drakkuin Coreforge, protector of the dark iron people and close friend to the Embermane clan…
First I gotta say I agree with that slimy wildhammer dwarf there. Just because you only see one kinda dwarf concept doesn’t mean that’s all we are! I be a dark iron forge guard, we are the elite of the armies in Shadowforge, with my utter devotion to me Queen I will cut her enemies and those against the alliance. Why would we as dwarves choose polearms? It pays to rush up close, be in their space, kinda hard to be swinging that ace when the dwarf is tugging on your horns… We choose heavy armor because despite our size we are built tougher than some of the taller races like those dainty elves…
As for bows? Are ye blind to your own people’s inventions?! Guns are a Dwarven made invention! Sure the other races are making guns now to but the pure craftsmanship put into a Dwarven rifle will always rival a gnomes high tech junk! If ye be getting your guns from goblins then I might be telling you of the nearest doctor for when your gun becomes a bomb!
Pets? Each clan has loads of different animals they use for their purposes! The odd wildhammer dwarves befriend gryphons, that be their favorite pet! Dark irons got a affinity for the burning corehounds! Bronzebeard? They do enjoy their rams!
Some clans have! The dark irons have had many a famous magic dwarf! We had both Thaurissan’s calling down fire! Thane Shadowforge The first Dwarven Shaman. The seven, a group of dwarves who helped summon Ragnaros!!
It’s a great way to rp a elf who thinks it’s a dwarf. Alcohol is at art of the Dwarven trope, but that does not make us alcoholics.
That is a blatant mistake as none of the clans openly and with hostility despise the elves. Are we happy those good for nothing blood elves joined the horde? Nay! I’ll punch one right in the face for that blatant disrespect on me clan.
Each clan has different races that they hate! The dark iron clan used to despise their sister clans the stuck up Bronzebeards and the savage simple wildhammers! But we have since put that behind us as we basically found out all the clans hate orcs and trolls!
For dark irons that old deal with the horde went bad and the little green idiots decided they were gonna take our whole mountain?! The sheer audacity!! We dark irons nearly wiped the buggers out until those black lizards came! If your a dark iron your hate is usually gonna come out for orcs(mostly of the Blackrock variety), trolls(like our wildhammer cousins we don’t like forest trolls, two forest troll clans came to join the dark horde and we hate em!), black dragons! I think it’s a good thing they going extinct! The most recent race to earn our ire?! Good for nothing goblins, breaking into our sacred halls stealing our sacred hammer?!?! It makes me blood boil!!
For Bronzebeard, they hate orcs too! During that second war the bleeding hollow clan came and pushed them right up into their capital it was funny and embarrassing. The winteraxe tribe of trolls be poking Bronzebeard dwarves for ages, earning their ire! But don’t worry bronzies, we dark irons took care of it! Lastly the Bronzebeard been closer to the Troggs than the rest o us and it makes me feel dumb.
Wildhammer, now me knowledge of them is rather lacking but I sure this wild thrower will tell ye more. They hate those orcs who came tranpling into their land during the second war and attacking their cities! The wildhammer been dealing with forest trolls attacking for years too!
It is your personal speculation. In lore Ironforge be downright massive! Before the war o three hammers all three clans lived within the mighty city! In fact the earlier versions of Ironforge had five layers of dwarf city! Ironforge May be a Bronzebeard thing now but it is a true triple clan masterpiece created by every Dwarven clan before the split! In no way is Ironforge under populated either, in these modern times the dwarves have one of the most populous races! The only most recent tragedy be for those wildhammers, the twilight cultists wiping out villages! The dark irons latest tradegy of the same proportions was near 250 years ago! When Ragnaros was reborn shattering Thaurissan city, my people had 250 years to build a new city and “repopulate!” The Bronzebeard never had such a tragedy, sure we all lost some people in some wars but our stone cities never let us down!
Every clan has a version of classism, the dark irons however are the best known for it having their own dark iron senate. Ironforge gots itself a wee senate, the only ones without so much classism is those wildhammers but that’s cause they savage.
And you!!
That happened over 250 years ago around the same time you lost Grim Batol! We had plenty of time to “make” more dark iron lads!
Ya might have a point on tha last part lad, but remember that unlike tha Bronzebeards and Wildhammers, we’ve been fightin’ constantly and workin’ fer tha damned elementals durin’ tha time. It makes us stronger, but it makes us not SO numerous.
A common misconception lass, we weren’t actively fighting except for a few skirmishes with the others clans. We were in a full blown war with the dark horde however! Right before then we were instructed to make a army, and dig as deep as we could to release more fire elementals! Until the war with the Blackrock for near 250 years we were gearing up to attack the world, but it never came to be.
I agree that this is the crux of the problem. Dwarves have been reduced down to their most boring sterotypes. I believe there is a feedback loop here where Blizzard has done this to a large degree which then drives off roleplayers of a more serious nature and so on.
I am a bit tired right now, but I would like to comeback and give the OP a more thoughtful reply because I essentially agree that dwarves have a lot of wasted potential and both can and should be more than drunks with funny accents.
They really do. Usually dwarves are kinda forgettable and I’ve only garnered some success with two.
The first was a Dark Iron lady that I had a lot of rumors about (started and listed by me in my TRP. Some good, some… less than savory. And it was the less than savory ones that people were interested in.)
The second was an Ironforge male that had a head injury from a firearm, so he couldn’t drink for risk of causing further damage. – And people found the fact that there was a sober dwarf baffling. I kinda miss him. He was a pretty fun character to RP… It also became mildly unsettling that people KEPT trying to get him to drink after he explained it was for medical reasons. The most he’d ever take in would be like… a light spruce beer, which is only 2% and was (thought to be) medicinal. (That’s an actual thing, btw. American settlers brewed it because Native Americans made a drink with spruce that cured scurvy.)
Pretty much all of the Warcraft races are Flanderised to a level that would give the Simpsons pause. Every generic NPC of either race if they’re not out to kill you will rotate through a fairly small set of stock trope phrases whose tone is pretty much reinforced by beginning quests.