The Union of Clans

[Secutor]

The original blueprint for dwarves is Tolkien's. FR doesn't deviate terribly much from his near-xenophobic loot-hoarding race of proud warriors, craftsmen, and once-kings who fight dragons, giants, and orcs on a regular basis. Even the near-humorous begrudging manners and affinity for alcohol keeps in line with characters such as Gimli. However, the psuedo-scottish accent is Salvatore's abominable addition, and I would happily see it stricken from the minds of our players.
Just keep in mind that though the four major non-human races (elves, gnomes, dwarves, and halfling) have their own racial tendencies and traits, they are individuals just like humans, and players should try just as hard to branch out creatively with their non-human PCs. Those who manage to branch out but also keep true to the race's traditions are pretty much roleplaying heroes.

[Listen in Silence]

Openly evil dwarves in general would be hard pressed to be accepted into the Union, as this would be seen as deviating from dwarven virtue and tradition. However, much like Abbathor is being tolerated by the rest of the Morndinsamman, largely, so are his followers tolerated. This is described to be, mostly, because there is no evidence of his wickedness.

We've one of those dwarves already though, so do something else kkthx.

[artfuldodger99]

Anyway, since people is talking of breaking concepts, this might be an interesting one: a dwarf who is openly evil and / or who openly worships the evil dwarven god Abbathor. Would he be accepted by the rest of the dwarves?

That wouldn't really be "breaking" a concept. And as LiS says the Union has one, though obviously feel free to play one if you think you will enjoy it, you would be welcome i am sure OOC and IG.
 
Abbathor represents a facet of dwarven racial culture, namely greed. It is a facet that many if not most dwarves do not wish to be reminded of, but it most certainly exists. I think of it this way, chav's, trailer-trash and bogan's are part of UK, US and Aussie culture. Most people dislike what they stand for and how they behave and often seek to exclude, ignore and otherwise avoid them.
 
However they are still British, American or Austrailian. And when an external threat comes along, lets say for the UK the German football team (think Russia at Ice Hockey for the US and South Africa at Rugby for the Aussies), you will find Chav's/Trailer-trash/bogan's cheering, mixing, drinking and singing with every fan of every race, class and creed from their own country.
 
Abbathor is the embarrassing relation that no one likes to talk about (and often wish didn't exist), but if someone died you will still hug him at the funeral.
 
And of course like any family, some members like them more than others, Vergadain quite likes Abbathor due to their common love of making money, Moradin acknowledges him as his son though distrusts him, and Berronar trully hates him and all he stands for.
 
But when push comes to shove Abbathor (and all his followers) would side with their dwarven brothers and sisters over any other.

[Behemoth]

I think the main aspects of dwarves for me are:

1. Greed (some dwarves are able to steady themselves, some lose themselves)

2. Honor. A dwarf keeps his word and swears upon his beard. If a dwarf's beard is cut off, it is a sign of shame and dishonor.

3. Discrimination. Some dwarves think that only their kin are those to trust. As I said: SOME. Some dwarves are open to aiding others not of their race.

Remember that this is -my- opinion of a dwarf.

[Equinox]

This concept is very fluid. and as long at you aren't being totally out of the way in your ideas. Most stuff will fit in.

We have all types of classes, alignments. (though mostly Lawful and Neutal) and faiths.

If you haven't got a pc, or are looking to create a new one. Seriously consider joining us, some of our longterm and short term plotlines areabsolutely fantastic and i guarantee you wont be dissapointed.

[Wern8]

I support this thread, Dwarves are sweet when played right and Clangeddin Silverbeard is awesome. =)

[DeltaBravoRomeo]

A great concept lead by great folks, if your still searching for something to play, take the opportunity to create a unique and original spin on the classic tolkienesque dwarf, tons of player support if you do!

(BTW-best race to survive the trials of Ymph, hands down!)

[Garem]

Bumpity bump.

Definately still rocking and rolling, if you're planning a new PC with awesome cool goals and such, consider making a dwarf. Nifty faction loot, faction HQ being built, lots of reasons to get involved with pretty much EVERY other faction out there... dwarves do it all, and do it right.

[artfuldodger99]

A bump and a mention of the wide variety of styles and classes of dwarves we have playing atm.
 
You will certainly not just be interacting with those in the faction, many many plots are evolving...

[Quickpinkie]

Nice infomercial, but I'll keep my elf.  Cheers big ears !

[Egon the Monkey]

What ArtfulDodger said. We'd really like to see a few more dwarf concepts outside "Axe-swinging badass", we've got some good ones of those already, and a faction like this is a great way to play an unusual dwarf for all it's worth.

Stuff that would be cool, if you want ideas:
A Cleric of Dumathoin. We're mostly Shield Dwarf PCs, and Dumathoin is their patron.

A Cleric of Marthammor Duin.

Marthammor's clergy are known as the volamtar ("blazers of fresh trails"). They represent one of the most widely recognised dwarven churches of the surface wide, particularly in the North. Volamtar mark wilderness trails near dwarven strongholds to make the path of those that might follow from the clanholds easier. They patrol trade routes and game trails between human and dwarven enclaves, healing the injured and clearing these areas of dangerous predators.
In urban areas they set up temples with the aim of strengthening dwarven populations through healing, religious ceremonies and exchange of information. Sometimes they attempt to gain minor political positions to influence the government of nondwarven cities.

So much of that dogma is *exactly* what the Union has been doing lately, that you'd really have a chance for your cleric to live what he preaches.

A Sorcerer! Gold Dwarves make great sorcs. Overall they have -2 DEX +2 CON so no Charisma penalty. Dwarf saves make up for low saves of sorcs, and more CON's always good for a caster. Sorc might not be th easiest class to play generally, but you'll have a faction helping you out. It's also the only class I've never seen a Dwarf as up here.

We can always use more caster PCs, since we do a lot of exploring and patrolling. If you want to see the island, this is definitely a faction for you, I was kidding a while back we're practically the new Wilderness Faction.