" I speculate that the mountain dwarf's +2 Str may be the only exception to this, since it is technically a subrace feature and separate from the base race features," Curious, Im sure he mean

'shield Dwarf' that makes me happy. Still reading.

DRAGON FIRE-AND DOOM Dragons? Splendid things, lad-so long as ye look upon them only in tapestries, or in the masks worn at revels, or from about three realms off...
 Astragarl Hornwood, Mage of Elembar - Year of the Tusk