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I hope that this is in the correct thread, but I was wondering why accent people use for dwarves?
Recently, myself and my friends have stayed away from Scottish accents because we're not so good at them.
One of my friends uses a Rastafarian accent for his (it's an island dwarf, mon) and I tend to use Newfoundlander accents for mine.
Has anyone else found any other accent that works best?
How did Scottish get tagged as the dwarven accent? I've heard this a lot, and I'm just curious.
I blame the LotR movies - I still can't work out how it is that both Gimli and Pippin have Scots accents. Particularly as John Rhys-Davies is Welsh, which is the ideal Dwarven accent, in my opinion - to answer the OP's question! But the most important thing, of course, is the deep voice.
On the other hand, perhaps it's something to do with films/TV. Eg. why are all spaceship engineers Scottish?
Actually, a disproportionate number of naval engineers are scottish, so there you go.
I no does use accents. They is stupid, yes yes yes!
How did Scottish get tagged as the dwarven accent? I've heard this a lot, and I'm just curious.
I blame the LotR movies - I still can't work out how it is that both Gimli and Pippin have Scots accents. Particularly as John Rhys-Davies is Welsh, which is the ideal Dwarven accent, in my opinion - to answer the OP's question! But the most important thing, of course, is the deep voice.
I actually have a lot to offer on this topic. I have done an informal study of motifs in film, particularly the use of accents, so I do have a few insights. I reference films because they make an excellent allegory for RPGs (I think the best RPGs are cinematic in their imagery and composition).
One might also ask why a British accent is used in American films to denote the bad guy (i.e. Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Grand Moff Tarkin) or the venerable sage (i.e. Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Alfred Pennyworth, etc.) German is also commonly used for villains in America (i.e. Hans Gruber). Why does Yoda look and sound vaguely like an old Kung-Fu master from a martial arts film? Why does a Southern US accent automatically deduct 40 IQ points? These are all examples of conventions (and sometimes stereotypes) that convey an image that is readily recognizable to most viewers. The use of urban slang, a Cockney accent, etc.
The idea of dwarves having a Scottish accent arises, I believe, from their similarities in culture to midlevel Scottish highlanders. The clans, the large bladed weapons, beards, and ale consumption.
However, while I do use a Scottish accent for some dwarves, I more often use a Scandinavian accent. All the elements that I point to that resemble the Scottish highlander, coupled with horned helmets, also sounds a lot like the Vikings. In one campaign, I even named seven dwarven siblings by translating their famous English names into (I think it was) Swedish. (Doc = Hyler, Bashful = Veshmät).
Incidentally, it took a great while before any of the players caught on. I think I was a bit blatant by calling the human princess “Nieve Blanca.”
Next time you voice a dwarf, give it Forest Gump's slow, deliberate drawl or Bobcat Goldthwait's larynx-busting gargle. Anything to keep them from staying the stalely immutable archetype they are.
Dourness? Feh. Give me a dwarf with Truman Capote's voice who likes to be tickled and tells you so at innappropriate times. Let him have deep seeded mommy issues that he works out on his enemies as he, teary eyed, takes them far past -10 hps in hammer swinging rage blackouts. Have him, repentent, lay down next to and spoon with these organ-deflated victims as he gently strokes what's left of their cheeks, begging forgiveness.
"I didn't mean it... I didn't mean it. You're alright... I'm so sorry. I had no right to take it that far. I'm so out of control sometimes... I hate myself."
... coupled with horned helmets, also sounds a lot like the Vikings.
Of course, the historical Vikings didn't wear horns on their helmets, but since we're talking Hollywood imagery, I guess that's right on. And since Tolkien's dwarves and elves were lifted from Scandinavian mythology anyway...
Give me a dwarf with Truman Capote's voice who likes to be tickled and tells you so at innappropriate times. Let him have deep seeded mommy issues that he works out on his enemies as he, teary eyed, takes them far past -10 hps in hammer swinging rage blackouts. Have him, repentent, lay down next to and spoon with these organ-deflated victims as he gently strokes what's left of their cheeks, begging forgiveness.
"I didn't mean it... I didn't mean it. You're alright... I'm so sorry. I had no right to take it that far. I'm so out of control sometimes... I hate myself."
Oh, my. Now this is some very distubing imagry. (I'm kind of impressed)
... coupled with horned helmets, also sounds a lot like the Vikings.Of course, the historical Vikings didn't wear horns on their helmets, but since we're talking Hollywood imagery, I guess that's right on. And since Tolkien's dwarves and elves were lifted from Scandinavian mythology anyway...
Thank you very much for pointing this out. Yes, I am a huge history buff, so it is never my intention to misrepresent it. However, you are correct that my INTENT was “Hollywood” Vikings. I should have been clear about that point, so thank you for mentioning it.
Dourness? Feh. Give me a dwarf with Truman Capote's voice who likes to be tickled and tells you so at innappropriate times. Let him have deep seeded mommy issues that he works out on his enemies as he, teary eyed, takes them far past -10 hps in hammer swinging rage blackouts. Have him, repentent, lay down next to and spoon with these organ-deflated victims as he gently strokes what's left of their cheeks, begging forgiveness.
"I didn't mean it... I didn't mean it. You're alright... I'm so sorry. I had no right to take it that far. I'm so out of control sometimes... I hate myself."
Excuse me. I have to go pour acid on my brain to get that image out.
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Excuse me. I have to go pour acid on my brain to get that image out.Dourness? Feh. Give me a dwarf with Truman Capote's voice who likes to be tickled and tells you so at innappropriate times. Let him have deep seeded mommy issues that he works out on his enemies as he, teary eyed, takes them far past -10 hps in hammer swinging rage blackouts. Have him, repentent, lay down next to and spoon with these organ-deflated victims as he gently strokes what's left of their cheeks, begging forgiveness.
"I didn't mean it... I didn't mean it. You're alright... I'm so sorry. I had no right to take it that far. I'm so out of control sometimes... I hate myself."
Amen! I'll never look at Dwarven Battleragers the same way again.
I just played the first adventure in my group's new campaign (Rise of the Runelords). I am playing a dwarven sniper with a 9 charisma. He's gruff but tries to be somewhat humorous, but because of his low charisma his jokes tend to fall a little off color or even cut a little too close for most normal folk's liking. And he can get uncomfortably close to others and has no real discretion when he opens his mouth, much less regard for who is listening.
I based his voice off of two primary sources: George Herst ( for manner of speaking, as played by Gerald McRainey)from Deawood and Daniel Day Lewis' character in There Will Be Blood (for tone), although I am able to manipulate a more gruff, low undertone to the voice way in the back of the throat that I can maintain for an entire session without tiring out too badly. I think it works well, although when I try to speak softly in this accent it sounds almost like Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice. Heh...
Fleece
The point is, when I choose a voice for a character (PC or NPC), I try to base it off of something cinematic, then when I need to conjure it back up again I recall a certain catchphrase from a movie and *poof* I can get right back in...
I don't specifically use a Scots accent for dwarves, but I do tend to blend their words together in a gruff, barely understandable noise (which occassionally makes them sound Scottish).
Overall, the accent varies a bit based on the NPCs personality.
How did Scottish get tagged as the dwarven accent? I've heard this a lot, and I'm just curious.I blame the LotR movies - I still can't work out how it is that both Gimli and Pippin have Scots accents. Particularly as John Rhys-Davies is Welsh, which is the ideal Dwarven accent, in my opinion - to answer the OP's question! But the most important thing, of course, is the deep voice.
I second this. I've heard frequently, and even a few times accidently used, the stereotypical (for an American) bad Scottish accents for dwarves. I don't mind it too much (other than giving dwarves a 90% chance of sounding goofy as hell), but if you stop and think about it at all, it just doesn't seem to mesh with their culture and what most people (or at least I) would expect (and in something like fantasy RPGs, expectations are important; at least for me). The deep voice is definitely the way to go.
Owner - Johnny Scott Comics and Games
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At our table, Dwarves rarely have any accent other than a gruff, deep voice. I think this comes from the notoriously no-nonsense practical personalities that Dwarves are known for in film and literature. Our Dwarves have always been crude, hard-drinking characters who do not put up with foolishness.
Next time you voice a dwarf, give it Forest Gump's slow, deliberate drawl or Bobcat Goldthwait's larynx-busting gargle. Anything to keep them from staying the stalely immutable archetype they are.
Dourness? Feh. Give me a dwarf with Truman Capote's voice who likes to be tickled and tells you so at innappropriate times. Let him have deep seeded mommy issues that he works out on his enemies as he, teary eyed, takes them far past -10 hps in hammer swinging rage blackouts. Have him, repentent, lay down next to and spoon with these organ-deflated victims as he gently strokes what's left of their cheeks, begging forgiveness.
"I didn't mean it... I didn't mean it. You're alright... I'm so sorry. I had no right to take it that far. I'm so out of control sometimes... I hate myself."
I had a player who did that.
I would advise: Don't
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Next time you voice a dwarf, give it Forest Gump's slow, deliberate drawl or Bobcat Goldthwait's larynx-busting gargle. Anything to keep them from staying the stalely immutable archetype they are.
Dourness? Feh. Give me a dwarf with Truman Capote's voice who likes to be tickled and tells you so at innappropriate times. Let him have deep seeded mommy issues that he works out on his enemies as he, teary eyed, takes them far past -10 hps in hammer swinging rage blackouts. Have him, repentent, lay down next to and spoon with these organ-deflated victims as he gently strokes what's left of their cheeks, begging forgiveness.
"I didn't mean it... I didn't mean it. You're alright... I'm so sorry. I had no right to take it that far. I'm so out of control sometimes... I hate myself."
You just made my day.
Truman Capote it is.
I play a dwarven thaumaturge of Graz'zt... Usually he talks somewhat like a pirate, especially when pretending to be a cleric of Moradin. Otherwise, when scheming and plotting he talks like a deep-voiced crazy person.
I based his voice off of two primary sources: George Herst ( for manner of speaking, as played by Gerald McRainey)from Deawood and Daniel Day Lewis' character in There Will Be Blood (for tone), although I am able to manipulate a more gruff, low undertone to the voice way in the back of the throat that I can maintain for an entire session without tiring out too badly. I think it works well, although when I try to speak softly in this accent it sounds almost like Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice. Heh...
Sounds a bit like Mel Blanc's Twiki from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
Being from norse origins in folklore, i imagine a german, russian or generally speaking "viking" accent fits them well.
But with each setting the culture and mannerisms of a race can radically change.
Obviously dwarves from Athas, Al Qadim, Planescape and Eberron would speak with a different accent.
Rather than accents, which are not necessary easy to maintain or identify, i tend to use tones, rythms and expressions, to make a character different.
Examples : A soft, slow whisper for an elven rogue.
A deep, harsh and rocky voice for a dwarven ranger.
A squeeky fast talk for a halfling.
A strange combination of words from different languages for a tiefling bard.
And so on...
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I based his voice off of two primary sources: George Herst ( for manner of speaking, as played by Gerald McRainey)from Deawood and Daniel Day Lewis' character in There Will Be Blood (for tone), although I am able to manipulate a more gruff, low undertone to the voice way in the back of the throat that I can maintain for an entire session without tiring out too badly. I think it works well, although when I try to speak softly in this accent it sounds almost like Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice. Heh...Sounds a bit like Mel Blanc's Twiki from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
The pain. Make it stop.
The pain. Make it stop.I based his voice off of two primary sources: George Herst ( for manner of speaking, as played by Gerald McRainey)from Deawood and Daniel Day Lewis' character in There Will Be Blood (for tone), although I am able to manipulate a more gruff, low undertone to the voice way in the back of the throat that I can maintain for an entire session without tiring out too badly. I think it works well, although when I try to speak softly in this accent it sounds almost like Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice. Heh...Sounds a bit like Mel Blanc's Twiki from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
Yeah, I'm not sure where he got that one, either. I had to youtube a video of Twiki and thought -"is that REALLY what I just described???"
Ugh.
And, Cato -3 out of 5 members of my group are cajun, so I tried to go for something that doesn't sound like us having a normal conversation! Heh.
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Yeah, I'm not sure where he got that one, either. I had to youtube a video of Twiki and thought -"is that REALLY what I just described???"The pain. Make it stop.I based his voice off of two primary sources: George Herst ( for manner of speaking, as played by Gerald McRainey)from Deawood and Daniel Day Lewis' character in There Will Be Blood (for tone), although I am able to manipulate a more gruff, low undertone to the voice way in the back of the throat that I can maintain for an entire session without tiring out too badly. I think it works well, although when I try to speak softly in this accent it sounds almost like Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice. Heh...Sounds a bit like Mel Blanc's Twiki from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
I'm old enough to remember and now sadly relive Twiki; that memory was purged, until now!
Is there any acid left ?
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Next time you voice a dwarf, give it Forest Gump's slow, deliberate drawl or Bobcat Goldthwait's larynx-busting gargle. Anything to keep them from staying the stalely immutable archetype they are.
Dourness? Feh. Give me a dwarf with Truman Capote's voice who likes to be tickled and tells you so at innappropriate times. Let him have deep seeded mommy issues that he works out on his enemies as he, teary eyed, takes them far past -10 hps in hammer swinging rage blackouts. Have him, repentent, lay down next to and spoon with these organ-deflated victims as he gently strokes what's left of their cheeks, begging forgiveness.
"I didn't mean it... I didn't mean it. You're alright... I'm so sorry. I had no right to take it that far. I'm so out of control sometimes... I hate myself."
You just made my day.
Truman Capote it is.
Yes, but does he have 94% recall?
Oh, my. Now this is some very distubing imagery. (I'm kind of impressed)Give me a dwarf with Truman Capote's voice who likes to be tickled and tells you so at innappropriate times. Let him have deep seeded mommy issues that he works out on his enemies as he, teary eyed, takes them far past -10 hps in hammer swinging rage blackouts. Have him, repentent, lay down next to and spoon with these organ-deflated victims as he gently strokes what's left of their cheeks, begging forgiveness.
"I didn't mean it... I didn't mean it. You're alright... I'm so sorry. I had no right to take it that far. I'm so out of control sometimes... I hate myself."
You should see my elves!
Excuse me. I have to go pour acid on my brain to get that image out.
I thought acid on the brain added troubling images? Like drapes that breathe and pillows that become decidely lizard-like.
Amen! I'll never look at Dwarven Battleragers the same way again.
Excuse me. I have to go pour acid on my brain to get that image out.
Actually a few battleragers told me they were a bit uncomfortable with the way you used to look at them. They didn't want to say anything and risk hurting your feelings but it's probably best if it comes out.
I had a player who did that.
I would advise: Don't
Don't... spoon? What the fork, man!
You just made my day.
Truman Capote it is.
"A conversation is a dialogue, not a monologue. That's why there are so few good conversations: due to scarcity, two intelligent talkers seldom meet." -- Truman Capote
"Life is a moderately good play with a badly written third act." -- Truman Capote
"Mick Jagger is about as sexy as a pissing toad." -- Truman Capote
I tend to use psuedo-scandanavian accents for dwarves. I also tend to give them old style psuedo-scandanavian sounding names.
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Heath, I have no idea, but in the UK Imagine Magazine(which ran in the mid 80s) there was a cartoon strip that featured a Scottish-accented dwarf. Maybe that's where it originated.
Aha! You mean Auchter, from 'The Sword of Alabron'!
Welcome, my British compatriot of a certain age!
But, pray tell, what accent would one give to Rubic of Moggedon?
How did Scottish get tagged as the dwarven accent? I've heard this a lot, and I'm just curious.
Cooz it's mah natife toongue ye fugnut!
Yeah, I'm not sure where he got that one, either. I had to youtube a video of Twiki and thought -"is that REALLY what I just described???"The pain. Make it stop.
Sounds a bit like Mel Blanc's Twiki from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
I'm old enough to remember and now sadly relive Twiki; that memory was purged, until now!
Is there any acid left ?
Anyone remember the gold-colored girl Twiki?
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Snorter, it's funny that that was the time when White Dwarf still published articles for other rpgs, including CoC and D&D.
Wasn't it just?
Tell the kids of today that; they wouldn't believe you!As an interesting aside; Imagine magazine, printed by TSR UK, was pulled for no good reason by the US parent company. All the staff went on to become far more famous at Games Workshop, beating the owners of D&D at their own game.
Paul Cockburn produced his own publication, called 'Gamemaster Publications', which consisted of an adventure, a side-trek, a location, and some rules (more than a magazine, more than a module!).
Issue 3 'In Search of New Gods' even included an adventure concerning the PCs homeland being destabilised, by an evil empire who worshipped ancient gods, each reflecting an aspect of human emotion.
Deja vu?
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Anyone remember the gold-colored girl Twiki?Yeah, I'm not sure where he got that one, either. I had to youtube a video of Twiki and thought -"is that REALLY what I just described???"The pain. Make it stop.
Sounds a bit like Mel Blanc's Twiki from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
I'm old enough to remember and now sadly relive Twiki; that memory was purged, until now!
Is there any acid left ?
The PAIN ! MAKE IT STOP !
I actualy started with thinking scotish with my dwarven characters (both as DM and player) until my best friend convinced me to look at "Fiddler on the roof" thinking about dwarvish commoner society (he's an artist so he thinks about stuff like that!). The beards, the voices, TRADITION! It really hits the mark. I prefer the Russian part of the accent to the Yiddish part but both kind of work.
Now it's Russian all the way for dwarven accent.
Anyone remember the gold-colored girl Twiki?Yeah, I'm not sure where he got that one, either. I had to youtube a video of Twiki and thought -"is that REALLY what I just described???"The pain. Make it stop.
Sounds a bit like Mel Blanc's Twiki from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
I'm old enough to remember and now sadly relive Twiki; that memory was purged, until now!
Is there any acid left ?
Didn't she say "Booty-Booty" the way Twiki said "Twiki-Twiki"?
I've always imagined Dwarves as having Cajun accents.
I did that once in a Shadowrun game.