The thing about dorfs is that as much people say they tend to be the same, there's actually three models to go on that are roughly analogous to the three models of elves: Mountain Dwarves, Wild Dwarves, and Fallen Dwarves.
Mountain Dwarves are the classic dorfs. Underground dwelling, greedy, axe-loving, heavily armored, slow-moving, conservative, drunken viking/jews. Typically have braided beards decorated with gems and rare metals.
Wild Dwarves have a macho, mountain-man kind of attitude. Unlike the Wood Elves and their peaceful "harmony with nature" attitude, Wild Dwarves view nature more as a challenge to wrestle with, but in a respectful way. Often shirtless or clad in furs. Often heavily tattooed. More likely to have completely loose, undecorated beards, or to use natural materials like leaves, pretty stones, etc. A common backstory is that these Dwarves are descended from the Mountain Dwarves, but were nature lovers who didn't like living underground. Pictured is the "Nikua", from the upcoming Ashes of Creation, a polynesian based Dorf culture that fits this model.
Fallen Dwarves are a dark reflection of the Mountain Dwarves. They're usually defined by leaning heavily on the more negative qualities of dwarves: xenophobia, short tempers, obsession with efficiency, greed, etc. and pairing them with something distinctly NON-dwarven like magic, ruthless ambition, slavery, or-gasp-beardlessness. They're not necessarily an EVIL counterpart though; it could be said in their favor that they are more progressive, forward thinking, and innovative than the stubborn and traditionalist Mountain Dwarves, or the simple-living Wild Dwarves. Most likely to have really strange beards, or very bizarre stylings. Unless you've decided that beards are optional for all your dorfs, these guys are most likely to be the only ones without them.
So really, the central concepts of dwarfiness are pretty flexible and really aren't explored as much as they should.
Cont.