Getting Started With WoW Roleplay - Dwarves
Fleshing Out Your RP Character In World of Warcraft
Sep 15, 2009
Through various works of fiction, dwarves are portayed as beer-loving cave-dweller, and that stereotype does carry through to World of Warcraft's dwarves. But there is much more to the vertically-challenged race than alcohol and mining.
Speech And Language : Dwarven versus Dwarvish
Dwarven, which is also referred to as Dwarvish, is the language spoken by dwarves in World of Warcraft. The language itself appears to take influences from the Welsh language, as well as having some Germanic influences. Examples of the Welsh influence include the use of phrases like 'Draig'cyfail' (Dragonheart) and 'Gwyarbrawden', which, while not a strict Welsh translation, uses the same sounds and letters.
When dwarf characters speak on English language realms it is usually with a Scottish accent, and some of the words used by dwarves reflect this, for example loch and haggis.
Dwarf Clans
Players have several options to choose from when deciding on their character's background. Dwarves live in clans, many of which have links to the Ironforge clan which once ruled over the other clans.
Some notable clans include:
- Bronzebeard – the leaders of Ironforge, sometimes referred to as Ironforge dwarves
- Stonefist – a small clan belonging to the Ironforge dwarves
- Frostborn – based in Northrend
- Wildhammer – a friendly clan which was once united with Ironforge but has now gone its own way. Also referred to as Wild Dwarves
- Dark Iron Dwarves – generally a hostile clan with grey or blue skin
- Stormpike – a clan based in the Alterac Mountains with links to Ironforge and Wildhammer clans
Mountain dwarves and hill dwarves are terms used to refer to where the dwarf lives rather than his or her clan.
Choosing A Name for a Dwarf
Family names are often tied to clan names or places, for example Anvilmar or Stormpike; to physical traits, such as Bronzebeard or Flamebeard; or to achievements or acts of bravery, like Thunderforge or Pikesplitter. The names chosen can be used as family names or each dwarf can choose his or her own name.
First names are chosen by parents, as a human child would receive its name. Male names include Madoran, Baelgun, Dagran, Aradun, Thorin, Garrim and Wendel. Female names include Modgud, Moira, Helge, Ferya, Krona and Imli.
Appearance & Role Playing Dwarves
It appears to be rare but not unheard of for female dwarves to have beards. Those who do are regarded as being especially beautiful by other dwarves, although it is possible that other females may choose to shave off their beards because of the stigma a bearded female would attract from other races.
Another aspect of Dwarven culture and appearance is their skill in metalwork, which may lead to a player deciding that their character wears a certain necklace, or bracers with a unique design, or may carry a sword or axe of a particular style.
No matter how well prepared a role player is, the very nature of the game means a player is likely to come across a situation that throws them and creates an unusual challenge for their character. However, situations like these can be the start of an interesting and fun game play experience by simply staying in-character and working with other players.
 |
 |
 |
