The New Dwarf movement has arisen out of the increased commerce between humans and dwarves, and the changes in dwarven society brought about by increased industrialization. New Dwarves are more cosmopolitan and liberal in their outlook, and prepared to entertain ideas like the dechattelisation of the gnomes.

Typically, New Dwarves live in or close to human urban centres. Initially, most were unmarried males out on their own, but increasingly it is the case that formally constituted Dwarf Holds are being set up by New Dwarves.