Deep Gnome - Svirfneblin
Civilization and Culture
History
Deep Gnomes trace their origins to the early days of gnomish diaspora, when the gnome race scattered to escape persecution from larger, more aggressive races. A group of gnomes, seeking ultimate safety, made the daring decision to descend into the Underdark.
The transition to subterranean life was harsh and unforgiving. Many of the first generation perished, unable to adapt to the hostile environment. Those who survived began to change, both physically and culturally, in response to their new home.
Over centuries, Deep Gnomes developed a society built on stealth, resourcefulness, and constant vigilance. They learned to harness the unique minerals and fungi of the Underdark, becoming master miners and craftsmen out of necessity.
The early Deep Gnome settlements were frequently raided by other Underdark denizens, particularly the Drow and Mindflayers. These experiences shaped their paranoid and secretive nature, leading them to develop intricate defenses and illusory magic to protect
their homes.
As their adaptation to the Underdark progressed, Deep Gnomes discovered they could magically blend with stone, a crucial ability that ensured their survival. This talent became central to their culture and tactics.
Despite the constant threats, Deep Gnome society flourished in its own unique way. They established trade relations with some of the less hostile Underdark races, exchanging their finely crafted goods and rare minerals.
In recent centuries, some Deep Gnome communities have cautiously reached out to their surface-dwelling kin, reestablishing long-lost connections. However, the vast majority remain hidden in the depths, preferring the security of isolation to the unknown risks of wider interaction.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Nanus Subterraneous ( Underground Small Ones )
Origin/Ancestry
Descended from the original gnomes created by the Gnomish Edar, adapted specifically to the harsh environment of the Underdark.
Lifespan
200 to 250 years
Average Height
3 to 4 feet
Average Weight
8é to 120 pound