Duergar

Basic Information

Anatomy

Duergar stand about 4 to 4.5 feet tall, with stocky builds similar to other dwarves but often leaner due to their harsh living conditions. Their skin ranges from light gray to charcoal, and their hair is typically gray or white, often thinning or balding. Their eyes are dull and sunken, adapted to the darkness of the Underdark.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Duergar are omnivorous but have adapted to the limited food sources of the Underdark. They cultivate fungi, raise deep-dwelling livestock, and are able to digest substances that would be inedible to surface dwellers.

Behaviour

Duergar are known for their grim, humorless demeanor and relentless work ethic. Centuries of hardship and enslavement have made them bitter and mistrustful. They value strength, resilience, and self-reliance above all else. Their society is highly regimented and militaristic, with a strong emphasis on discipline and order.

Despite their harsh exterior, Duergar have a deep sense of community and loyalty to their clan. They have a complex honor system and take pride in their craftsmanship, particularly in metallurgy and stonework.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Duergar have superior darkvision, able to see in complete darkness . They have an innate sense of their depth underground and can navigate complex tunnel systems with ease. Their hearing is acute, attuned to the subtle sounds of the Underdark.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

• Clan Names. Often relate to their underground dwelling or past hardships.
• Personal Names. Typically short and harsh-sounding, reflecting their environment.
• Titles. Earned through deeds or positions within their society.

Examples:

• Thrazak Mor-Karaz ( Dark-Hearth of the Deep Clan )
• Grimzar Khaz-Dun ( Grim-Axe from the Stone Halls )
• Azkar Thrang-Morek ( Gray-Hand of the Mountain )

History

The Duergar, also known as gray dwarves or Duerakh ("Those-Who-Dig"), trace their origins to one of the five original dwarves created by Moradin. This ancestor, known as "The One Who Dug" (Du-erg-ar in Dwarvish), was tasked with mining and excavation in the great dwarven kingdom established by him and his brother.
Over time, The One Who Dug became paler, losing his father's color and starting to resemble the stones he worked with more than his kin. He forgot the upper world, knowing only how to dig and forge. This transformation set him apart from his brothers, leading him to depart from the dwarven kingdom to establish his own realm in the depths.
The followers of Du-erg-ar, who later became known as Duergar, ventured deep into the Underdark. However, their journey into the depths led them into conflict with the Drow elves, who had already established themselves in the underground realm. The Drow, accustomed to hostility in the Underdark, defeated and enslaved the Duergar.
During their enslavement, the Duergar endured immense hardships. They called their captors "Drow'kazhak" in their language, meaning "Dark/Evil Ones." This period of captivity lasted for many years, during which the Duergar were also subjected to the cruelties of Mind Flayers and other Underdark denizens.
The harsh conditions of slavery and the unforgiving environment of the Underdark shaped Duergar physiology and culture. They developed superior darkvision, the ability to navigate complex tunnel systems, and acute hearing attuned to the subtle sounds of their subterranean home. Their skin became gray, their hair thinned, and their eyes adapted to the perpetual darkness.
Eventually, the Duergar managed to break free from their enslavement. Their experiences had fundamentally changed them, instilling a grim determination, a relentless work ethic, and a deep-seated mistrust of outsiders. They established their own societies in the Underdark, building fortress-cities and developing a militaristic, highly regimented culture.
Du-erg-ar, now known as Laduguer, ascended to godhood and became the primary deity of the Duergar. His teachings emphasized self-reliance, strength, and the mastery of their underground domain. Despite their harsh exterior and bitter outlook, Duergar society developed a complex system of honor and a strong sense of community. They became renowned for their skill in metallurgy and stonework, adapting their dwarven craftsmanship to the unique materials and challenges of the Underdark.
In modern times, Duergar remain a formidable presence in the Underdark. Their cities are bastions of order in the chaotic depths, and their military might is respected and feared by other subterranean races. While most Duergar remain isolated in their underground realms, some have begun to forge connections with the surface world, often as traders of rare Underdark goods or as mercenaries.
The history of the Duergar is one of endurance and adaptation, a testament to their ability to survive and thrive in one of the most inhospitable environments in the world. Their story continues to evolve, shaped by their past hardships and their unwavering determination to forge their own destiny in the depths of the earth.

Noteable Members Borygen Thul

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Dwarvenkind

Scientific Name

Duerakh ( Those-Who-Dig )

Origin/Ancestry

Underdark

Lifespan

350 years

Average Height

4 - 4.5 feet

Average Weight

200 pounds