Our Dwarves Are All the Same: Difference between revisions

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* [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[Lord of the Rings]]'' is the origin of the trope. Interestingly, in an attempt to make them sound fundamentally different from other races, Tolkien's Dwarvish language is constructed along the lines of the [[wikipedia:Semitic languages|Semitic languages]]; none of them ever speak with a Scottish or Welsh accent at all. When you combine the quasi-Semitic language with their lost homeland and usual status as a minority in lands ruled by other races, many writers have compared them to [[Fantasy Counterpart Culture|analogues to the Jews]] (an allusion that also comes up in the [[Discworld]] series). Tolkien himself alluded to the idea in response to allegations that it was a negative depiction; he was particularly sympathetic [[World War Two|given the time he was alive]]. His dwarves are different from dwarfs of folklore and fairy tales primarily in that [[Proud Warrior Race|a lot of them are warriors]] in addition to being miners and craftsmen. They of course, pay tribute to their roots, being quite Nordic in culture (Rohirrim are primarily Saxon-land-Vikings, an Gondor has a Nordic vibe too), and having names stolen from the Poetic Edda. A thing that Tolkien long regretted as it forced him to come up with an explanation why a Real-world language such as Old Norse would exist in a Fantasy world.

** [[The Silmarillion|Tolkein's background notes]] reveal the reason Dwarves are so different from the other races: that they were made by Aule, one of the [[Powers That Be|Valar]] - not [[The Omnipotent|Eru Illuvatar]] himself, although after the fact Eru gave them the spark of free will that Aule couldn't provide. Since he knew that [[The Devil|Morgoth]] was loose in the world, Aule designed the Dwarves to be able to resist suffering and evil - a fact that came in handy millenia later, when Sauron offered them [[Don't Touch It, You Idiot!|seven golden Rings of Power.]]

* ''[[The Chronicles of Narnia]]'' features dwarfs, but depicts them as a race that is almost [[~~Always Chaotic~~ Evil]]. While there are good dwarves (the [[Color Coded for Your Convenience|"red dwarfs"]]), who are grumpy but good-natured, the majority of them (the [[Colour-Coded for Your Convenience|"black" ones]]) are ruthless, greedy, traitorous bastards. The black dwarfs eventually [[Flat Earth Atheist|renounce Aslan's existence]], and are duly punished with being blind/insane and abandoned to grovel away at each other (they are, of course, Lewis's allegory for atheists).

* ''[[The Chronicles of Narnia]]'' features dwarfs, but depicts them as a race that is almost [[Exclusively Evil]]. While there are good dwarves (the [[Color Coded for Your Convenience|"red dwarfs"]]), who are grumpy but good-natured, the majority of them (the [[Colour-Coded for Your Convenience|"black" ones]]) are ruthless, greedy, traitorous bastards. The black dwarfs eventually [[Flat Earth Atheist|renounce Aslan's existence]], and are duly punished with being blind/insane and abandoned to grovel away at each other (they are, of course, Lewis's allegory for atheists).

** Interestingly, many black dwarves resemble mongol raiders in the movie adaptation.

* A brief mention in ''Gnomes'' by Wil Huygen and Rein Poortvliet. Quote: "An almost extinct species of the male sex." (Could there be a connection there?) "Height 1 metre 20 cm, often smaller. Can still be found in the middle of inhospitable forests and in the mountains. They dig for gold and silver in extensive mines; they are masters of metalwork. They are good-natured except for a solitary few who are capable of ugly deeds. If a dwarf falls into human hands, he buys his freedom with gold. They do not have beards."

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* In ''[[The Death Gate Cycle]]'', on the world of Pryan, Dwarves are played straight. On Chelestra, they're less xenophobic and more friendly, especially in regards to other races. And on Arianus, they live in devotion to something called the Kicksey-Winsey Machine, which their entire lives revolve around. They're dead on Abarrach.

* Dwarves in the ''[[Harry Potter (novel)|Harry Potter]]'' books at least follow the blunt-speaking and stolid parts, which caused [[Hilarity Ensues|Hilarity To Ensue]] when Gilderoy Lockhart hired a bunch of surly dwarves for Valentine's Day. Lockhart dressed them up like cupids and set them up working as letter-carriers, which they did not seem to enjoy and nor did anyone else, least of all the other teachers. However, that's the only major appearance of dwarves in the entire series.

* [[Tad Williams]]' ''[[Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn]]'' trilogy features two races that could qualify as Dwarves, both of whom (intentionally) avert the typical stereotypes. The Qanuc are actually referred to as [[Our Trolls Are Different|Trolls]] and [[Fantasy Counterpart Culture|borrow many aspects]] of Inuit culture while living in snowy mountains and taming sheep for mounts. They do brew a mean liquor, though. On the other hand, the branch of the Tinukeda'ya that went underground became known as ~~Dwarrows -- superb~~ stonemasons and crafters, they were once the artisans of the [[The Fair Folk|Sithi]] and helped build many of their great cities, but had a falling out over their treatment as little more than slaves. They are most definitely ''not'' warlike, shrinking from any sort of combat and trying their best to [[Hidden Elf Village|stay out of]] the grand conflict with the Storm King. However, when provoked, they are fearsome fighters due to their strength and endurance from millennia of delving in the earth.

* [[Tad Williams]]' ''[[Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn]]'' trilogy features two races that could qualify as Dwarves, both of whom (intentionally) avert the typical stereotypes. The Qanuc are actually referred to as [[Our Trolls Are Different|Trolls]] and [[Fantasy Counterpart Culture|borrow many aspects]] of Inuit culture while living in snowy mountains and taming sheep for mounts. They do brew a mean liquor, though. On the other hand, the branch of the Tinukeda'ya that went underground became known as Dwarrows—superb stonemasons and crafters, they were once the artisans of the [[The Fair Folk|Sithi]] and helped build many of their great cities, but had a falling out over their treatment as little more than slaves. They are most definitely ''not'' warlike, shrinking from any sort of combat and trying their best to [[Hidden Elf Village|stay out of]] the grand conflict with the Storm King. However, when provoked, they are fearsome fighters due to their strength and endurance from millennia of delving in the earth.

* Markus Heitz's ''[[Dwarves]]'' manages to play this trope perfectly straight, yet gives each character enough [[Character Development]] to be an effective character, rather than just the trope. Not surprising, since all main characters are dwarves.

* [[Invoked]] in the [[Council Wars]] series. Dwarfs are humans who have used advanced technology to deliberately change themselves into the standard representation of Fantasy Dwarves.

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=== Mythology ===

* [[Norse Mythology]] ~~-- here~~'s where it all started. Though they were somewhat varied, the basics of common lore goes back to mythology. The long beards, skilled at metallurgy, lived in caves, etc. They also turned to stone (sometimes temporarily, sometimes not) when exposed to sunlight. There was also discrepency amongst how long they lived, some myths had them be an adult at three years old and an old man by nine, some myths had them always looking old but being immortal. They had coal-black hair, extremely pale skin, actually were a type of elf and were human-sized at first, but [[Memetic Mutation]] changed them a lot even during the Viking era. By the late [[Middle Ages]], they were much closer to the Dwarves we'd recognize today. In [[Norse Mythology]], dwarves were originally endoparasites. Like ''tapeworms'', living in the intestines of some of the first giants.

* [[Norse Mythology]]—here's where it all started. Though they were somewhat varied, the basics of common lore goes back to mythology. The long beards, skilled at metallurgy, lived in caves, etc. They also turned to stone (sometimes temporarily, sometimes not) when exposed to sunlight. There was also discrepency amongst how long they lived, some myths had them be an adult at three years old and an old man by nine, some myths had them always looking old but being immortal. They had coal-black hair, extremely pale skin, actually were a type of elf and were human-sized at first, but [[Memetic Mutation]] changed them a lot even during the Viking era. By the late [[Middle Ages]], they were much closer to the Dwarves we'd recognize today. In [[Norse Mythology]], dwarves were originally endoparasites. Like ''tapeworms'', living in the intestines of some of the first giants.

** In one version, they first appeared as maggots in the corpse of Ymir, whose body was then made to form the earth itself. In this light, the stated origin for the dwarves seems an appropriate metaphor, what with their penchant for tunneling and living beneath the surface of the earth.

** [[Marvel Comics]]' use of the Norse Mythos (via the super-hero [[The Mighty Thor]]) have Dwarves that look like the modern model but otherwise are more like their ancient inspiration. In effect, they are cave-dwelling magical gadgeteers.

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=== Tabletop Games ===

* ''[[Dungeons and Dragons]]'' ~~-- not~~ surprising, given how much it was originally based on Tolkien.

* ''[[Dungeons and Dragons]]''—not surprising, given how much it was originally based on Tolkien.

** One widely used D&D addition is the idea that Dwarves are inherently more resistant to [[Functional Magic|magic]], being that they're all stolid and stony like the earth and all. Yet in the original myths, dwarves produced all manner of magical artifacts for the Aesir. Even Tolkien's dwarves managed to make mithril, the local [[Unobtainium]]. That said, they were resistant to [[The Corruption]].

*** Seemingly because they love gold and cunning more than they love power.

*** D&D has shown an interesting evolution in the question of Dwarven females. In the oldest editions, the race was essentially monogendered. Later on their women [[Cute Monster Girl|became more feminine]] ~~-- but~~ [[Subverted Trope|still had luxurious beards]]. In the latest edition they just look like very muscular [[Hobbits|Halfling]] ~~lasses -- albeit~~ generally [[Badass]] ones.

*** D&D has shown an interesting evolution in the question of Dwarven females. In the oldest editions, the race was essentially monogendered. Later on their women [[Cute Monster Girl|became more feminine]]—but [[Subverted Trope|still had luxurious beards]]. In the latest edition they just look like very muscular [[Hobbits|Halfling]] lasses—albeit generally [[Badass]] ones.

*** There's other differences as well. Dwarves are noted as being good with [[Religion Is Magic|Divine magic]], and they're one of the go-to races for Clerics. (see: [[Order of the Stick|Durkon]]). And players and [[Game Master~~|Game Masters~~]], of course, can play with or [[My Species Doth Protest Too Much|subvert the definition all they wish]].

*** There's other differences as well. Dwarves are noted as being good with [[Religion Is Magic|Divine magic]], and they're one of the go-to races for Clerics. (see: [[Order of the Stick|Durkon]]). And players and [[Game Master]]s, of course, can play with or [[My Species Doth Protest Too Much|subvert the definition all they wish]].

*** Interestingly, the ''Races of Stone'' Supplement for 3.5 provides a special [[Prestige Class]] that allows the casting of spells in armor, providing a description that's best summed up as "Nobody thinks there's any Dwarven Wizards because they wear Armor like the rest of the Dwarves". Of course, [[Playing with a Trope|this is still entirely fitting with this trope]].

** Even [[Eberron]] - the setting that brought you good undead, necromancer elves, intelligent giants (granted that's ancient history), removed alignment restrictions, among other things - cannot escape this. Its dwarves are pretty much the same, except that they are also bankers, and tend to be more corrupt more often.

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**** They distill their ''helicopter fuel'' from it!

*** Mmmmm, [[wikipedia:Bock|beerfood]].

** Interestingly, while the individual Dwarf in [[Warhammer Fantasy Battle]] is fairly slow (it's the little legs), Dwarf infantry is effectively among the fastest in the game. This is because the game mechanics say that you can't march (read: move at double your normal speed) when there are enemies within 8". Dwarfs, by virtue of being [[Determinator~~|Determinators~~]], can ignore that rule, and effectively always march. Apart from when they charge. The result is that army of short bearded guys is going to tactically outmanoeuvre you by landing their gyrocopters 7" behind your lines and so suddenly everyone but your cavalry is being ourpaced.

** Interestingly, while the individual Dwarf in [[Warhammer Fantasy Battle]] is fairly slow (it's the little legs), Dwarf infantry is effectively among the fastest in the game. This is because the game mechanics say that you can't march (read: move at double your normal speed) when there are enemies within 8". Dwarfs, by virtue of being [[Determinator]]s, can ignore that rule, and effectively always march. Apart from when they charge. The result is that army of short bearded guys is going to tactically outmanoeuvre you by landing their gyrocopters 7" behind your lines and so suddenly everyone but your cavalry is being ourpaced.

** ''[[Warhammer 40000]]'' once had the Squats, which, naturally, were Dwarfs [[Recycled in Space|IN SPACE]], but the designers couldn't quite decide on their overall theme. Some models were straight Dwarfs, while others were more like really short [[All Bikers Are Hells Angels|Biker Dudes]] <small>IN SPACE</small>, so they got removed from future ~~editions -- i~~.e., they [[Dropped a Bridge on Him|Dropped A]] [[Bug War|Hive Fleet]] [[Dropped a Bridge on Him|On Them]]. However, the "space Dwarfs" ''concept'', if not the models, seem to be returning in the form of the Demiurg ([[Meaningful Name|Greek for "craftsman"]]), a mercenary alien race that has worked for both the Imperium and the Tau in the past.

** ''[[Warhammer 40000]]'' once had the Squats, which, naturally, were Dwarfs [[Recycled in Space|IN SPACE]], but the designers couldn't quite decide on their overall theme. Some models were straight Dwarfs, while others were more like really short [[All Bikers Are Hells Angels|Biker Dudes]] <small>IN SPACE</small>, so they got removed from future editions—i.e., they [[Dropped a Bridge on Him|Dropped A]] [[Bug War|Hive Fleet]] [[Dropped a Bridge on Him|On Them]]. However, the "space Dwarfs" ''concept'', if not the models, seem to be returning in the form of the Demiurg ([[Meaningful Name|Greek for "craftsman"]]), a mercenary alien race that has worked for both the Imperium and the Tau in the past.

** The Tau themselves seem to fulfill some of the functions of dwarves in the 40,000 Verse. They are shorter and stouter than humans, they have a weak presence in the Warp (meaning they're not very magical), they have a highly ordered and stratified society, and a strong warrior culture.

*** ''A strong warrior culture''? Really? They're perhaps the least war-like race in Warhammer. And it shows, heavily. Even by other standards, they'd be rather peace loving.

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* Averted in ''[[Kingdom of Loathing]]'', where dwarves are 7-foot tall miners. They are all the same, but not like dwarves in other fantasy fiction.

** The joke is more apparent when they are referred to by their proper names, [[Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs (novel)|The Seven-Foot Dwarves]].

* ''[[Golden Sun]]'''s dwarves, in the Loho mining camp from ''The Lost Age'', probably don't have Scottish accents, since [[Funetik Aksent]] is used for the two humans with Scottish accents but not the dwarves. Additionally, some are historians, which is why the dwarves are in Loho, excavating the ruins there. However, they all have awesome facial hair and a love for digging-- "If you live in Loho and don't dig, you just don't belong"~~-- and~~ the only visible female in town is the human innkeeper, so they otherwise fit this trope perfectly.

* ''[[Golden Sun]]'''s dwarves, in the Loho mining camp from ''The Lost Age'', probably don't have Scottish accents, since [[Funetik Aksent]] is used for the two humans with Scottish accents but not the dwarves. Additionally, some are historians, which is why the dwarves are in Loho, excavating the ruins there. However, they all have awesome facial hair and a love for digging-- "If you live in Loho and don't dig, you just don't belong"—and the only visible female in town is the human innkeeper, so they otherwise fit this trope perfectly.

* Played mostly straight in Bungie's [[Myth]] series of fantasy games. Dwarves there are short, construct underground cities, are good with gadgets, greedy, and have chemistry far beyond that of the other races leading to them becoming explosive and demolition experts. However, instead of sounding Scottish, they are voiced to sound more like crabby old men.

* Two "Dwarven Swordsmiths" appear in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]]''. They are the only dwarves to appear in the entire ''[[The Legend of Zelda|Zelda]]'' series, and nothing is made of their presence in a village otherwise made up entirely of Hylians.

** However, the Gorons of later games have pretty much all of the traits of dwarves, except instead of having full beards, they have goatees.

* [[Lampshade Hanging|Lampshaded]] in ''[[Lusternia]]''. The dwarven race were originally called the Clangoru (having descended from the Elder God Clangorum); when the humans arrived in Lusternia from a different dimension, they puzzled everyone by [[Insistent Terminology|calling the Clangoru dwarves]]. They did this because the Clangoru - alone of every other mortal race - were recognisable to the humans, being ''indistinguishable'' from the dwarves of their native dimension.

* Dwarves are a recurring race in the ''[[Shining Force]]'' series, at least in the older games. They follow the Tolkien/D&D model fairly ~~closely--most~~ dwarves are axe-wielding warriors. A notable exception, though, is that the first dwarf you meet, [[Spell My Name with an "S"|Luke/Lugh]], is young, cheerful, and beardless (but still an axe-wielding warrior). They are not slowed down by hill terrain, which makes them surprisingly mobile.

* Dwarves are a recurring race in the ''[[Shining Force]]'' series, at least in the older games. They follow the Tolkien/D&D model fairly closely—most dwarves are axe-wielding warriors. A notable exception, though, is that the first dwarf you meet, [[Spell My Name with an "S"|Luke/Lugh]], is young, cheerful, and beardless (but still an axe-wielding warrior). They are not slowed down by hill terrain, which makes them surprisingly mobile.

** It's because Luke from Shining Force is a hobbit, Gort is a Dwarven Warrior, but Luke is a hobbit. Jaha in Shinning Force II is also a Hobbit, but Gyan and Randolph are Dwarves, funny because Randolph is beardless.

* In both ''[[Neverwinter Nights]]'' games, this is both played straight and averted. When it's played straight, it's hilarious. When it's averted, it's averted '''hard'''.

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=== Real Life ===

* Yes, they're short humans rather than a Tolkienesque race, but it's worth a mention: the Mississippi state legislature has considered giving dwarfs a special dispensation to use ~~crossbows -- a~~ stock fantasy-world dwarf's favorite projectile ~~weapon -- to~~ hunt deer in archery season, as short limbs really do impede the use of conventional bows.

* Yes, they're short humans rather than a Tolkienesque race, but it's worth a mention: the Mississippi state legislature has considered giving dwarfs a special dispensation to use crossbows—a stock fantasy-world dwarf's favorite projectile weapon—to hunt deer in archery season, as short limbs really do impede the use of conventional bows.

* Gold-smithing in [[Ancient Egypt]] was often carried out by dwarf artisans, who were favored vassals of the royal household.

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* The ''[[Shannara]]'' series has dwarves mutated from human stock (like most of [[Five Races|the races]] of the books) but with the added caveat that, [[Lamarck Was Right|due to their ancestors' millennia of hiding in shelters]], they are claustrophobic and dislike going underground. They actually appropriate the typical elven skill in that they are skilled woodsmen, and their crafts are mostly carved from wood rather than stone.

* Flint Fireforge, from the ''[[Dragonlance]] Chronicles'' trilogy, was originally going to be a well-dressed fop. Eventually, though, they decided against this, and just made him the standard dwarf. The well-dressed fop concept later became the preferred mortal guide of Reorx, god of the forge.

* The Valerians of the ''[[Lensman]]'' series are a race of strong, tough, [[An Axe to Grind|axe-wielding]] [[Proud Warrior Race Guy|proud warriors]], but they're really human [[Heavyworlder~~|Heavyworlders~~]], not fantasy dwarves. Also, the shortest Valerian described stands at above ~~7ft~~ tall in his stockinged feet.

* The Valerians of the ''[[Lensman]]'' series are a race of strong, tough, [[An Axe to Grind|axe-wielding]] [[Proud Warrior Race Guy|proud warriors]], but they're really human [[Heavyworlder]]s, not fantasy dwarves. Also, the shortest Valerian described stands at above 7 ft tall in his stockinged feet.

* Dwarfs in [[Narnia]] are expert archers, a trait more commonly associated with elves. Just so happens that there aren't any elves in Narnia, or at least not the Tolkien sort, so dwarfs got to appropriate one of their talents. The dwarfs as a rule are cynical and ~~suspicious--even~~ the good ~~ones--and~~ seem to be a stand-in for skeptics, agnostics, and/or atheists.

* Dwarfs in [[Narnia]] are expert archers, a trait more commonly associated with elves. Just so happens that there aren't any elves in Narnia, or at least not the Tolkien sort, so dwarfs got to appropriate one of their talents. The dwarfs as a rule are cynical and suspicious—even the good ones—and seem to be a stand-in for skeptics, agnostics, and/or atheists.

** They also come in red-haired and black-haired models. And it's explicitly mentioned that Trumpkin (red) smokes and Nikabrik (black) doesn't, which kind of sticks out as a way of acknowledging personal preference, since pipe-smoking is usually right up there with drinking as the substance abuse of choice for dwarfs.

* Possible example: Gregory Maguire's ''[[Mirror Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]],'' in which the eight (yep) dwarves are, at least initially, shapeshifters. They're also far more, well, ''mineral'' than your typical humanoid character.

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=== Tabletop Games ===

* The Mountain Folk of ''[[Exalted]]'' draw heavily on the Norse Dwarves for inspiration, but two of their castes (Artisans and Warriors) are actually human-sized; the Artisans are tall, beautiful super-geniuses, and their warriors look like ''neanderthal [[Space Marine|space marines]] in [[Powered Armor|power armor]].''

* Mike Pondsmith's ''[[Castle Falkenstein]]'' roleplaying game (from R. Talsorian Games) had dwarves based more on the ancient Germanic myth ~~model -- supernaturally~~ strong and resistant to fire, with chicken feet (which they hide by wearing big boots), and ''no females at all.'' When they marry, they marry Faerie women -- [[Gender Equals Breed|the male children are more Dwarves, the girls are Faeries like Mom]]. They do have the whole mining and beer obsession, but are more likely to fight with big wrenches than axes as they are the master technologists of their world.

* Mike Pondsmith's ''[[Castle Falkenstein]]'' roleplaying game (from R. Talsorian Games) had dwarves based more on the ancient Germanic myth model—supernaturally strong and resistant to fire, with chicken feet (which they hide by wearing big boots), and ''no females at all.'' When they marry, they marry Faerie women -- [[Gender Equals Breed|the male children are more Dwarves, the girls are Faeries like Mom]]. They do have the whole mining and beer obsession, but are more likely to fight with big wrenches than axes as they are the master technologists of their world.

** Falkenstein's Dwarves started out as more typical Faerie, but gave up most of the classic traits thereof in exchange for the ability to handle iron with impunity.

** Young Falkensten dwarves are also raised and named by their mothers. Their main drive toward industrialism and workmanship is so they can make or discover something impressive enough to make a name for themselves with, so they don't have to introduce themselves as "Buttercup" or "Morningblossom".

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* ''[[Age of Mythology]]'' goes back to the roots of Norse myths, making Dwarves simply good craftsmen and gold-diggers. They don't use axes, except for gathering wood or when transformed into Heroes of Ragnarok by the Ragnarok godpower.

** Eitri uses an axe to fight in the campaign, though he can use it to cut wood. His brother Brokk has a hammer instead.

* ''[[Warcraft]]'' is an interesting case. For most of the RTS games, this was played straight, but right before ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' hit, dwarven miners unearthed (no pun intended) evidence that linked them to the ~~titans--specifically~~, being ''created'' by the titans. This caused a surge in the interest of science and knowledge in dwarven society; King Magni Bronzebeard even ordered that the main dwarven industry switch from mining to archeology. Now you'll find just as many explorers, scientists, archeologists and scholars among the dwarves as you will miners and blacksmiths.

* ''[[Warcraft]]'' is an interesting case. For most of the RTS games, this was played straight, but right before ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' hit, dwarven miners unearthed (no pun intended) evidence that linked them to the titans—specifically, being ''created'' by the titans. This caused a surge in the interest of science and knowledge in dwarven society; King Magni Bronzebeard even ordered that the main dwarven industry switch from mining to archeology. Now you'll find just as many explorers, scientists, archeologists and scholars among the dwarves as you will miners and blacksmiths.

** Female Dwarves are quite common in dwarf settlements and for the most part look like short, stout women of average attractiveness. However, among the player base they are quite rare (perhaps in part due to the fact they are just plain looking compared to other races). Lore mentions bearded women and are considered quite beautiful among dwarves, however, none are shown in game.

** Warcraft also features a few subraces for dwarves:

*** The main playble race is called Ironforge dwarves, who live in the city of Ironforge and follow the above information. Most Ironforge dwarves belong to the Bronzebeard clan.

*** The next is the Wildhammer dwarves who live above ground, live at peace with nature, fly gryphons as a major part of their culture, and are slightly [[Ax Crazy]]. Until they actually joined the Alliance they were fairly neutral and had good relations with the Horde-allied Tauren.

*** On the other end of the spectrum are the Dark Iron dwarves, who were until recently enslaved by a massive fire elemental (that they summoned in a failed attempt to destroy the other two clans). They're pyromaniacs and were [[~~Always Chaotic~~ Evil]], live deeper underground than their Ironforge cousins, are much more educated in magic, and are slightly better suited for stealth, but otherwise largely resmble what the Ironforge dwarves would be if they were evil. There is one group of rebel Dark Irons that can help playable characters, but even they are listed as being always lawful evil, and are motivated purely by greed. Dark Iron dwarves have black skin and red eyes. The fact that the queen-mother of Ironforge was married to the Dark Iron emperor, and that her son, the future king, is half-and-half, has caused much consternation.

*** On the other end of the spectrum are the Dark Iron dwarves, who were until recently enslaved by a massive fire elemental (that they summoned in a failed attempt to destroy the other two clans). They're pyromaniacs and were [[Exclusively Evil]], live deeper underground than their Ironforge cousins, are much more educated in magic, and are slightly better suited for stealth, but otherwise largely resmble what the Ironforge dwarves would be if they were evil. There is one group of rebel Dark Irons that can help playable characters, but even they are listed as being always lawful evil, and are motivated purely by greed. Dark Iron dwarves have black skin and red eyes. The fact that the queen-mother of Ironforge was married to the Dark Iron emperor, and that her son, the future king, is half-and-half, has caused much consternation.

*** Beyond this you have earthen, which are stone-flesh creations of the titans that the dwarves evolved from, but besides being made of stone pretty much fit this trope to a tee, and...

*** The frost dwarves, who are the frozen counterparts to the Wildhammers. They are descended more directly from the Earthen as indicated by their proximity to the Titan Architecture found around their homeland.

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* ''[[Delve Deeper]]''. It's played mostly for laughs, but they're about as generic as it gets.

* In ''[[Battle Fantasia]]'', Donvalve is the [[Mighty Glacier|biggest character in the game]] and he's dressed in a very [[Steampunk]]-ish armor.

* ''[[Rune Factory 3]]'' introduces two dwarves. One is a craftsman and ~~blacksmith -- downright~~ obsessive and extremely ~~talented -- but~~ is incredibly friendly and laid-back, to the point that he considers his job as a blacksmith to simply be a hobby. The other is your typical belligerent warrior dwarf. Both are human-sized and beardless, with pointed ~~ears -- the~~ warrior complains that the whole "short, bearded man" thing is simply a racist stereotype.

* ''[[Rune Factory 3]]'' introduces two dwarves. One is a craftsman and blacksmith—downright obsessive and extremely talented—but is incredibly friendly and laid-back, to the point that he considers his job as a blacksmith to simply be a hobby. The other is your typical belligerent warrior dwarf. Both are human-sized and beardless, with pointed ears—the warrior complains that the whole "short, bearded man" thing is simply a racist stereotype.

* ''[[Rift]]'''s dwarves seem to be rather more inclined towards magic use than the usual, and don't always have beards. Also, the women are [[Cutesy Dwarf|ridiculously cute]].

* The dwarves in [[Diggles]] are a bit skinny and less grumpy, but borrow heavily from the dwarf stereotype.

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* Aside from alcoholism and beards, ''[[Dwarf Fortress]]'' lets you play them however you want.

* The Ura of ''[[Bastion]]'' are an odd combination of dwarves and [[Wutai]].

* ''[[Shadow Hearts|Shadow Hearts: Covenant]]'' features a monster called [http://shadowhearts.wikia.com/wiki/Duergar Duergar] <ref> Duergar is the Norse name for dwarves</ref> that was once a stereotypical Dwarf but his hatred of humankind warped him into a creature resembling a bug-eyed alien of some sorts.

* ''[[Shadow Hearts|Shadow Hearts: Covenant]]'' features a monster called [http://shadowhearts.wikia.com/wiki/Duergar Duergar] <ref>Duergar is the Norse name for dwarves</ref> that was once a stereotypical Dwarf but his hatred of humankind warped him into a creature resembling a bug-eyed alien of some sorts.

* '' [[Valhalla Knights]]'' Have Dwarves who are tall and have somewhat dark skin, they also have alot of Markings/Tattoos and the males don't sseem to have anything more then a goatee if even that. According to the manual, although the Males are still stereotypical Bruisers, Females have increased intelligence and resistance, which is lead to believe they can be farily good spell casters, although they are still great front liners (which when you think about it, means they'd probably be the least 'Squishy' Spellcaster.). They also don't appear to have any issues with Elves.