[quote=RBYDark]
I think from a general standpoint, dwarves aren't played as frequently because there's not an obvious subplot/characterization hook built into the species. They are not conventionally attractive due to their smaller size and the jokes about even the females being bearded - for those hoping to pursue a romantic subplot, it can be difficult to find a partner - nor are they particularly oppressed - an orc character, for instance, can bemoan the slaughter of their race, or an elf mourn for the forest.From a 3.5e D&D standpoint, I just like the charisma-based classes and dwarves get a -2 penalty in that stat, so I don't play dwarves at this point. Otherwise, mechanically speaking, they seem quite good and can't speak for others. I guess maybe classes like orcs seem more intimidating and powerful.That said, you really can't please everyone, unfortunately, so you probably shouldn't worry about it too much. Maybe consider subplot hooks related to the race? I'm just guessing though.
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I just love how you brought up their appearance as a drawback of the race. It's a bit funny to think about how shallow our own fantasies can be. 
You talk about subplot and characterizaion as well, a good point. If I understand you correctly you mean that dwarves are less fun to play because they're not very unique as individuals? 
Not to be the argumentative type about this, but isn't that the players choice? I mean, I haven't encountered any system that I can think of that specifically tells you how to play your character. So by extension that would make the dwarves lacking in individuality because the players want them to be like that. Or am I misunderstanding what you're trying to say?

[quote=Assallya]
My problem with Dwarves and Halflings are their lower movement rates. Not only do I prefer skirmishers but I've often found myself being chased by vastly superior odds. Dwarves simply can't outrun their orcish enemies and then the group has to choose between turning to fight or leaving the dwarf behind as a speed bump.
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So basically you down want to have a drawback to overcome? 

[quote=Ellri]
we tried playing a drunkard dwarf once, but couldn't do it because we could not delve into its personality properly. But then, the same has happened with other races, so...It may be harder for people to see how they can abuse the dwarves' physical traits, perhaps?
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Could you perhaps expand this a bit? How were you not able to delve into its personality? Was it the character itself, the setting, mood, the rest of the group... something else?

By ”abuse”, are you talking about minmaxing (getting the highest score possible in whatever you find useful) or punishing the character itself for its low or high values?

[quote=Corsair]
Because the Dwarven archetype is a dull one, only really well suited to being comic relief, and if you move too far outside that archetype you're not playing a Dwarf, you're playing a dwarf, as in midget.
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This is an excellent example of the point I was trying to get across to RBYDark about customization and individuality, how would you react to that?

[quote=ethanjory]
Dwarves are freaking awesome. Everyone plays elves because elves are overpowered and need nerfed. I blame Tolkien.
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I heartily agree, but I feel that the blame should be placed more on Peter Jacksson, just watch the hobit-movies and the elf-jerking is quite apparent. 
As a contranst, why do you love dwarves so? What about them gets your roleplaying-stiffy on?