Dream Dwarves

Dream dwarves feel the hills slumber beneath them. They see the world as a resting giant of inestimable power, and they are caught in the dreaming. While other dwarves shape metal and stone, dream dwarves contemplate and meditate. Wise and cautious, they understand nature in a way at once similar to and wholly alien to the understanding of druids and shamans of other races. 

Dream dwarves share a sort of collective subconscious with the world around them, a phenomenom they call the Earth Dream. The Earth Dream shapes many aspects of a Dream DWarf's life, and no discussion of Dream Dwarves can be complete without at least some understanding of the Earth Dream. The Earth Dream is a powerful force, and member of other races can occasionally fell its pull and become Earth Dreamers.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dream Dwarves stand about 4 feel tall and weight about 10 to 15 pounds less than a typical dwarf. Their skin color ranges from dark gray to deep brown, and their hair is dark brown or black. They have pale eyes, usually green or blue in color but with the occasional lavender or pale red. Dream Dwarves usually decorate their clothing with abstract symbols that represent important personal experiences with the Earth Dream.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Dream Dwarves have an extraordinary sense of intuition and can often perceive emotions and intentions of others. They can see glimpses of possible futures in their dreams and have a keen awareness of the unseen energies around them.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Dream Dwarves place great significance on their names, beliving that even the most common version of a name carries power. Their names are likely to change over time, as they incorporate new syllables or words into their names. Dream Dwarves believe that they find these words and syllables within th edepths of the Earth Dream, and they incorporate them into their identities out of reverence and to show that they understand the power of the Earth.

It is quite likely for a dream dwarf's name to change or grow longer after he goes through a particularly harrowing or dangerous experience, such as, it's usually true that an accomplished dream dwarf adventurer has a long, intricate name that recalls his greatest exploirs.
Examples for Male Names:
Bren-Iol, Bollinak, Car-Innul, Derinar, Harar, Malanath
Examples for Female Names:
Allalia, Assanae, Gillin, Kula-Tai, Mala, Shelbath

History

Dream Dwarves, known in their tongue as Drekhaz'barun, originated from one of the five original dwarves created by Moradin. This progenitor chose to explore the realm of dreams, leading his descendants down a unique path that would forever alter their perception of reality and their connection to the world.
The defining characteristic of Dream Dwarves is their deep connection to what they call the Earth Dream - a collective subconscious they share with the world around them. They perceive the world as a slumbering giant of immense power, and they see themselves as caught within its dreaming.
Over generations, Dream Dwarves developed their ability to tap into the Earth Dream, gaining extraordinary intuition and the power to perceive emotions and intentions of others. This ability shaped their society, leading them to value meditation, contemplation, and spiritual growth over the traditional dwarven pursuits of mining and crafting.
Dream Dwarf settlements are often hidden in secluded, mountainous regions where they can focus on their mental and spiritual practices. Their architecture incorporates dream-like elements, serving as conduits between the material world and the realm of dreams.
The Earth Dream profoundly influences Dream Dwarf culture. They believe that even their names carry power, and it's common for a Dream Dwarf's name to change or grow longer over time, especially after significant experiences. These name changes reflect their understanding of the Earth Dream's power and their own personal growth.
Physically, Dream Dwarves are slightly smaller than their kin, standing about 4 feet tall and weighing less than typical dwarves. Their skin ranges from dark gray to deep brown, with dark hair and pale eyes, often green or blue, but sometimes lavender or pale red. They decorate their clothing with abstract symbols representing important personal experiences with the Earth Dream.
Dream Dwarves have developed a unique understanding of nature, at once similar to and wholly alien from that of druids and shamans of other races. Their ability to see glimpses of possible futures in their dreams and their keen awareness of unseen energies make them valuable as seers, advisors, and diplomats.
In the broader world, Dream Dwarves are often misunderstood. Their focus on the dream world and the Earth Dream can make them seem detached or impractical to other dwarves and races. However, their unique abilities and perspective also make them sought after for their wisdom and insight.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Dwarvenkind

Scientific Name

Drekhaz'baruk ( Dreaming Folk )

Average Height

4 to 4.5 feet

Average Weight

135 - 150 pounds