Wasn't sure if I wanted to put this in the DF general discussion or the 'general' general discussion, so I just put it here.
Some time ago I was thinking about the differences between DF "Dorfs" and standard Tolkienian Dwarves, and realized there were quite a few... if we're thinking about how they're described on the forums anyway; otherwise there are still many differences, but not necessarily many personality differences.
A few that sprung to mind were: Dorfen cats (the hordes that not only viciously defend the fortress, but also serve as a great source of food and clothing, and a decent source of armor), carrying children into battle, liberal application of magma and cats to all problems (that aren't solved with bridges, traps and/or weapons, both siege and otherwise), suicide by choice, suicide by idiocy, strange/fey moods, and most of all, their legendary warriors - no Tolkienian Dwarf of any strength has been known to shunt enemies dozens of feet through the air with a single swing of a hammer. Into another enemy. Or pierce so many organs with a single bolt.
And viewing it from the other end, Dwarves tend to have easier access to, and refining of, metal, don't usually use wood beds (I think), don't have to put up with nearly so much from their elves, and are... smarter, less imaginative, and have more intact morals.
And what if they existed in the same world? Or, more precisely, what if about 200 Dorfs found their way into a world with the standard fantasy races? Say, the Forgotten Realms? The first thing that comes to my mind is that they will colonize ANYWHERE. Doesn't matter if its a good mountain range, a dense forest, a desert, tundra, glacier or even an enemy fortress, they'll send in their colonists and build a nice fort.
I wish I knew where I was going with this... I guess I'm trying to ask; thoughts/opinions/ideas?