The Rimenosha are particularly known for their superb adaptation, physically and socially, to their subterranean environment and their phenomenal upper body strength. The actual cause and nature of their remarkable vision has never been explained. While it certainly contributes to the unparalleled spectral range of gnomoii vision, it displays characteristics shared by no other race frequenting the world's surface. Some scholars hypothesize that the race evolved in proximity to large natural deposits of the fabled alchemical 'element' (alloy) handwavium believed to be found in the deepest caverns. The Rimenosha are a very long-lived race, second only to the Fehladurh. While their life-spans have not noticeably diminished since migrating upward, they do claim that in the Mother Delve they lived considerably longer (and the Founding Ancestors are, of course, immortal).
Their abhorrence of taking life, and great dislike of violence in general, is a well know universal trait only slightly ameliorated among the Clans of Sorrow. While not all dwarves experience Post Combat Shakes, many do, even among the Clans of Sorrow. Note that this does not preclude Berserk, or even Battle Rage conditions - the internal conflict between their values and the necessity of mortal combat can be stressful enough to produce such a fugue state. Such dwarves who do not afterwards experience both PCS and extreme remorse (treat as a Guilt Complex) are essentially sociopaths, tolerated by their peers but viewed with great wariness even among their own clan.
Their metabolism is linked to their unusual vegetarian diet. The rare dwarf who does eat animal flesh loses the Sanitized Metabolism Perk and has their immunity to plant toxins is reduced to a +8 resistance. (Vegetarian Gnomes on the other hand gain the full immunity to ingested poisons but not necessarily the Perk.) Dwarves aren't vegan however, they typically raise a species of long haired mountain goat which does well underground. This is the source of both Dwarven woolens and their 'unholy relationship with dairy products.' (Benaekarsh, 'Hammer of Joy,' is a Rimenoshan delicacy. Imagine a well aged chevre limburgher cultured with a cross between bleu cheese mold and ergot. Amazingly, it is one of the rare dwarven intoxicants which isn't poisonous to other races, though very few individuals are capable of choking it down. Addicts invariably lose all sense of taste and smell but develop an acute sense of touch and superior night vision.)
The truism, 'You can't bribe a rainbarrel, but flattery will get you everywhere,' sums up their inherent traits of openness and honesty as well as their cluelessness and desire for the regard of others. Among each other the Rimenosha share a mutual Claim to Hospitality. This normally extends to alcohol (at the very least) and dwarven beds tend to be communal. Dwarves are frequently willing to extend their hospitality to other races as well but most are leery of accepting it. (Visiting a dwarven enclave is often referred to as 'hammer time' for a variety of reasons - see notes elsewhere regarding sex, drugs and rock-smashers. . .)
Rimenoshan Template [25]
Attributes [10]
ST +1 [10]
SM -1 (typicaly 4 - 4 1/2 feet tall, 150 - 200 lbs)
Advantages [96]
Extended Lifespan x 4 [4]
Lifting Strength +2 [6]
Arm Strength (both) +2 [10]
Striking Strength +1 [5]
Dark Vision (+ Color) [30]
Penetrating Vision 1 (6', Specific: Stone, Blockable: Metal) [3]
Protected Vision 1 [5]
Nictating Membrane 2 [2]
Acute Taste/Smell 1 [2]
Acute Touch 1 [2]
Absolute Direction [5]
Absolute Timing [2]
Resistant (Ingested Poisons) [10]
Claim to Hospitality (other dwarves) [10]
Perks [1]
Sanitized Metabolism
Disadvantages [80]
Chummy [-5]
Pacifism (Self Defense Only) [-15]
Eschew Taking (any animal) Life [-5]
Restricted Diet (vegetarian) [-10]
Honest [-10]
Truthful [-5]
Easy to Read [-10]
Clueless [-10]
Oblivious [-5]
Incurious [-5]
Quirks [-2]
Dull
Proud
Hippie dwarves? interesting take :)
Do they physically resemble classical dwarves?
Also, is this campaign meant to be slightly frivolous or is handwavium just a temporary name?
They resemble classical dwarves in many ways - when I first wrote the flavor write-up (which is in the Panisadore wiki here) I was building the setting for DnD 3.5; everything in the write-up was consistent w/the flavor text in the PHB - yet different. Pacifism, vegetarianism, communism, drug-fueled orgies, it all makes sense when viewed together as a response to their environment and perception of the universe (as made of endless solid matter). I wasn't actually going for any of it - it's all where the line of thought took me as I explored it.
Slight sprinkling of frivolity throughout the world - mostly the fault of Surnest and Benaedrass. Handwavium is the material basis from which the Philosopher's Stone would be made. No one's succeeded in making the alloy, much less the stone. . .