Alex
Troubadour
We've all seen Elves and Dwarves in movies and books before but what is everyone's opinion on Dwarves. Also, what role does everyone think that they fit the best within a story
Also, what role does everyone think that they fit the best within a story
I don't have dwarves in my setting. They don't really fill a need story-wise: my elves live forever (or until dismantled , ) my humans live the usual amount, and my half-elves live 200-400 years depending on heritage. Dwarves just introduce a sexually incompatible species that isn't sexy and doesn't add anything except the Standard Fantasy Expectation that they sound scottish and... mine in the earth, a lot.
What do you want dwarves to do? If it is to "fill a role," I (as many other posters have said here) don't think you should worry about it. It's hard for readers to take dwarves seriously because they can neither relate nor want to be them. I think most readers envy a semi-immortal elf; a stubby dude who grimes around underground, not so much. Never forget that you're writing for humans, who by and large want to feel cool.
With all due respect I disagree, I find dwarves far more interesting to read and write about than elves. But I do believe this depends on how they are written, my dwarves are honourable, battle hardened and abrupt. I think readers can relate to dwarves, they are hard working, like a good drink and have family values. I think people aspire to be elves but not relate to them, I personally find elves too aloof.
Evi
Gotta agree here. I love dwarves, but I generally couldn't care less about elves.