I get it in game, at FanFaire, and in our forums.

Why are all Dwarves Scottish?

Well, for one thing, Scots are descended from Dwarves. So are Klingons, but that's another story.

Dwarves like red meat. Scots eat any meat and things that might not really be meat. Klingons eat... well, you've seen that.

In Lord of the Rings Online last night, we were grouped with a guildmate named Fallinoor. He is a Dwarven Guardian the same level and class as Brasse. A fine chap, who plays a Scotsman in real life, and served to inspire this comic.

By the way, I am pretty sure that Fallinoor is Scots for "Falling Over", and that is a pretty decent name for a Dwarf who spends a lot of time drinking and fighting elite Trolls like we were doing.

The similarities between Dwarves and the Scottish, starting from Tolkien on down, have become stronger with time. It just fits. Before Tolkien, Dwarven characterization ran the gamut from fat gnome-like creatures to withered sages.

The usual image of the Dwarf today is one of a powerful, short, garrulous, loyal and stubborn creature. They have a strong affinity for pitched battle, the deep earth, treasure and strong drink. Intensely proud and steeped in tradition, unyielding and honorable, known for bearing grudges across generations.

Aside from tartans (which are a relatively modern invention anyway), stature, Haggis and other largely inedible foods, Dwarves of modern fantasy have a lot in common with the popular image of the proud Scots.

In fact, I bet Dwarves would love bagpipes, if some modern fantasy writer wants to write them in. They are loud and impossible to ignore, like most Dwarves I know!

Och, it's grand ta be a Dwarf this dae!
If ye don' like hae Oi talk.... GIT STUFFED!!

;-)#
Brasse

ps. Oi kin hardly wait ta be a Dwarf in Warhammer Online as well! Mind, Oi mae have ta choose a male character ta run round in disguise, fer tha WAR ip has alla females wif bald chins... well, nae THIS one, Oi'll tell yer!