Posted by Proud Blade(VIP) on May 15, 2000 at 19:06:55:
In Reply to: What do you think duergars are? posted by Forum Reader on May 15, 2000 at 17:36:41:
First, I agree completely that Avendella is the extremely rare exception, not the norm. But I'm fine with people trying. In my opinion, too much of the playerbase seems to be wondering whether their next character should be a gnome mage, an arial assassin, or a felar staff/HtH spec. I'm all for variety.
Second, duergar aren't just dwarves with a bad attitude. They're a different species nowadays, though they share a common origin. If you poke around Mortorn, Aran'Gird, Akan, and similar areas, you'll notice that the descriptions are significantly different. They have very different body types- note the large difference in stats. Finally, the cultures are Very Different. A dwarf who would study to be an A-P would have to have a very interesting background to explain why. "It looks powerful" and other rubbish won't cut it here. The dwarf in question would likely be an outcast from his people, and part of the required RP hook would be explaining why the dwarf would be willing to sacrifice all he has been taught to study dark magics. I don't think any IMM would let "I'm hungry for power" make it past their shrine gate.
As far as roleplaying a duergar from a dwarf standpoint, that's a separate roleplaying background. It would make for an interesting character, but it is different from what is suggested.
> Avendella's change is going to be the exception
> rather than the norm. It's just something you aren't
> going to see to often. If the person asking is
> an experienced player, they'd have a chance, but
> the fact that he's asking about it makes me think
> otherwise.
>
> Duergars are dwarves. The only real difference is
> the vuln wrath, which will likely change should a
> dwarf seek to change his alignment.
>
> Why not roleplay a duergar from a dwarf standpoint.