Community

Nekros22 wrote:

Dwarves, though incredible craftsman and engineers, are infamous for heinous poetry readings called "Stone Sonnets". The "Stone Sonnet" is unique to every dwarf but it must entail a particular type of rock or gem that dwarf enjoys. Despite it's name, the Sonnet can be any form of poetry the dwarf wants, as long as it includes things like the composition of the rock, the shininess of the rock, or in some extreme cases the taste of the rock. Eladrin poets have likened Stone Sonnets to "murder of the nth degree..."

This is absolutely hilarious. Was anybody else reminded of the bit from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy about Vogon poetry, the 3rd worst kind of poetry in the universe? I am sorely tempted to rewrite the torture scene, substituting a dwarf for the Vogon and some hapless eladrin for Ford Prefect.

One of the most important lines from the Cleric section of the Player's handbook states that Unaligned individuals may worship (and be accepted by) any god they chose.

This created an interesting idea for me... an nomadic dragonborn tribe who worship Bahamut simply as the natural enemy of Tiamat, whom they fear. I briefly played one before experiencing what can only be described as the worst DM in the entire galaxy.

Here were some of the interesting cultural tidbits about him, things that might be appropriate for other Dragonborn depending on your take on them.

A Dragonborn may have more no more coinage than he cant fit in the palm of his right hand.
A Dragonborn who serves Bahamut faithfully may only have as much wealth as can fit in the palm of his right hand... while he is holding his weapon.
A Dragonborn finds the sight of wealth somehow offensive and does his best to keep it concealed until the price in any deal is arrived upon. All Dragonborn wealth is kept contained inside of something, preferably in multiple layers (i.e. a bag inside a sack inside a chest).
Dragonborn must never give coinage as part of a charitable act towards one person, but may be given to a body (such as a guild or church) to help many.
A Dragonborn must maintain a perfect posture, taught to him by his parents or tribe.
In Dragonborn culture, those who specialize in relaxing muscles or soothing aches are always treated with reverence and asked to spend time with the tribes (Masseuses, acupuncturists, etc.) because of the above clause. It is never beneath a Dragonborn to get a massage and tip well.
Dragonborn greet humanoids with a gentle circular rub against a patch of their bare skin, only for humanoids with skin not covered in fur, scales, or whatever.
Dragonborn always make sure fires are completely out when they are done with them. Completely, not a single ember...
Goblinoids are considered sub-humanoid, like cattle or beasts of burden.
Dragonborn look fondly on Kobolds like a kind of slow country-cousin.
Dragonborn never turn their back to a Tiefling.

I tried to think a lot about the Dragonborn heritage, the being born-of dragons leaves a lot of dragon-y superstitions around regarding money and the war with the Tieflings has translated into some interesting quirks as well...

ChefJackButler wrote:

When dining with a tiefling, never place your utensils on your empty plate when finished so that they are pointing at your tiefling host. Such actions imply that you found the meal barely edible.

Likewise, never cross your utensils on your empty plate, for such is a sign that you feel the size of your portion was beggardly small.

Interesting on that last one. I had heard that crossing your utensils on your empty plate is a way of saying "I never want to eat here again" in some Hebrew circles.

Did you find that out the hard way or the easy way? :D

That is totally cool! I enjoy reading about customs of other cultures. (Which is why I really enjoy this thread!)