Alternatives to Annoying D&D Stereotypes

[erikun]

• Make a world with more dwarves than humans.

I actually see "No Humans!" games pop up from time to time.

Here are a few ideas that I've either ran or thought of running:
• Dwarven Rogue "locksmith" who uses his skills to tinker with and setup traps, and who fights together with others on the frontlines.
• Paladin of a death deity, who used his divine-authorized judgement on those who attack him.
• Drow who is not evil or Drizzt. I've had one thought of a Drow Druid (because it sounds funny) and another as a Drow Paladin who wants to show his race as something other than spider-worshippers.
• Gnome Paladin focused on acquiring and possessing knowledge.
• Bard with either Perform: Illusion or Perform: Storytelling, with obviously different methods of using their bardic music abilities.
• Epic-level Warmage who has done spell research to add several Wizard-like spells to his spell list.