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"Dwarf" triggers the same stocky bearded warrior every time. To break the mold, pick an archetype and build your prompt around it.
Archetypes
The Smith
Key terms: "soot-stained skin", "burn scars on forearms", "leather smith's apron", "calloused hands"
The Noble
Key terms: "ornate gold-threaded beard braids", "mithral circlet", "velvet and chainmail", "imperious gaze"
The Berserker
Key terms: "wild unbraided hair", "war paint across face", "bare-chested", "ritual scars", "feral snarl"
The Elder
Key terms: "long white beard reaching belt", "deep wrinkles", "clouded eye from old wound", "heavy fur cloak"
Beyond the Stereotype
- Beard is identity. "Twin braids bound with copper wire" is a different character than "wild unkempt beard with food crumbs." Specify exactly.
- Build varies. A jeweler has delicate fingers. A miner is wiry. Don't default to "stocky barrel-chested" for everyone.
- Skin tells a story. Underground dwarves are pale with ruddy cheeks. Forge dwarves are flushed and soot-marked.
Prompt Structure
[Archetype + race] + [Beard style] + [Build] + [Skin] + [Clothing] + [Expression] + [Setting]
Example: "elderly female dwarf clan elder with long silver braids woven through a jeweled circlet, stout build, deep weathered wrinkles, heavy fur-lined robes over chainmail, patient wise expression, underground throne room, amber torchlight, detailed fantasy portrait"
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Too tall | Lead with "stocky", "compact frame", "broad shouldered dwarf" |
| Generic Gimli clone | Add specific beard style, profession, personality |
| Beard looks pasted on | "thick beard growing from strong jaw" |
| Female dwarves look human | "female dwarf with strong features, broad build" |
