Dwarven anatomy and physiology* headcanons
As I did for the elves (unfortunately shorter due to lack of dwarf content).
*still not sure I’m using that word right.
Like elves, dwarves possess an extra layer of tissue in their eye that catches all light and reflects light through the eye again (tapetum lucidum) allowing them to see in the dark (to a degree) while also giving their eyes a reflective “glow in the dark” look.
Their general eyesight however is not as strong as that of the surface races, as having evolved underground in low-light conditions they do not rely on sight as much. (Possibly the reason why dwarves were the culture that first invented seeing-eye glasses)
Compensating for their vision, dwarves do have better hearing and olfactory senses which serve them better in dark tunnels. Their olfactory senses are particularly strong, a result of both needing to be aware of the presence of toxic minerals and gasses that may be present underground and thousands of years of cut-throat politics where attempting to poison your family and friends is a nigh daily habit.
On the topic of dwarves and poisons, they’re not only sensitive to them but have a higher tolerance and resistance, allowing them to make a living within active volcanoes and giving them a reputation for being hardy drinkers, Much of traditional dwarven food and drink would be toxic to non-dwarves.
Dwarves are the only modern race who possess stone-sense, which they use to navigate, finding resources and getting around pitch black tunnels. With the exception of surface dwarves, all dwarves hear the song of the Stone wherever they are. It’s almost impossible for a dwarf to get lost underground. They also possess knowledge of when a floor or cavern in unstable and dangerous, and have a knack for stone masonry and gem cutting, knowing just where to cut and how deep or hard to carve. Though surface dwarves do not hear the Stone some report a subconscious feeling of “something” when underground, often possessing an uncanny sense of direction.
Dwarves tend to be hairier than other races, their hair grows faster, thicker and almost everywhere on their body, some seeming to be covered in dense fuzz all down their front, back and limbs. Neither gender is an exception to this, and non-dwarves often voice their surprise at finding out that all dwarven women grow noticeable facial hair (to much eye rolling), though some may not experience the same rate of growth as males. Contact with the surface world and surface fashions has led to a rise in popularity for the trend of shaving/thinning ones body hair.
Dwarves also tend to build body fat faster than other races, a dwarf who does not meet the description of “chubby” (at least) is a dangerously malnourished dwarf. This and their propensity for hair indicates that it’s likely a form of natural insulation (natural, unheated caves have no source of light or warmth and may be damp, potentially making them dangerously cold).