Under Dwarves

Under Dwarves (or Undvergar, as they call themselves) are an isolationist, stubborn, tough, and proud people hailing from the icy mountains of the Steinhjalm region, where they have built a grand and expansive subterranean civilization of stone-hewn cities and tunnels. Little else is known about the Under Dwarves, as the rare few of their kind living on the surface are reluctant to divulge knowledge about their race’s secrets to outsiders, even after heavy libations.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Under Dwarves typically stand about 3-1/2 to 4 feet tall, and usually weigh between 150 and 200 pounds. Female Under Dwarves are slightly taller and heavier than males. Under Dwarves have pale greyish skin which appears leathery and stony in texture; wiry black or grey hair; and golden yellow eyes. All male Under Dwarves maintain glorious, well-groomed and braided long beards. Even some female Under Dwarves sport facial hair. It is an egregious violation of tradition for an Under Dwarf to cut their hair, and a crime of the highest order to perpetrate against another Dwarf, even the most notorious criminal.

Genetics and Reproduction

Under Dwarves reproduce sexually, with one male and one female parent. The female carries the offspring, rarely more than two, to term for 22 months in her womb, located in the lower torso.

Growth Rate & Stages

Under Dwarves have long lives, being considered adults at about 40 summers of age, and often living to be nearly 240 summers old.

Ecology and Habitats

Under Dwarves are generally able to thrive in environments where ambient temperatures range from -40C to 15C. Under Dwarves originate from the Steinhjalm region, and nearly all Under Dwarves continue to live there today. A handful of Under Dwarves live on the surface in the other regions of Ademlos, keeping tabs on significant events across the realm for the benefit of their race.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Under Dwarves possess Darkvision, and can see in complete darkness up to 120 feet, though this vision is greyscale only. Under Dwarves are born with an innate ability known as Stonecunning. They receive a +2 racial bonus on Search checks to notice unusual stonework. Under Dwarves can naturally intuit depth, sensing their approximate depth underground as naturally as a Human can sense which way is up. Under Dwarves have light sensitivity, and suffer a -1 penalty on attack rolls, Search checks, and Spot checks when they are in sunlight or are looking into sunlight.

Origin/Ancestry

Steinhjalmir