Svirfneblin

'I'd barely escaped the duergar, running blind through the tunnels, them shouting in that strange tongue behind me, when I saw a little figure. I thought it was another duergar, and I was ready to hit them, but they were smaller, bald, with pointed ears. They gestured for me to follow them, led me through a bunch of narrow tunnels to a little carved-stone town. it was the first time since going down there I'd felt safe. Their leader told me they were svirfneblin, deep gnomes, and they hated the duergar and drow just as much as I did. They fed me, nursed me back to health, and escorted me back to the surface. I hope, one day, I'll find some way to pay them back.' - Grymor Brandymug, escaped Underdark slave

The svirfneblin, or deep gnomes, originated from gnomes trapped in the Underkingdom following the War Below. Like the drow and duergar, they have been changed physically by millennia of isolation, but unlike their compatriots, they have never truly turned to evil - they retain the eagerness, curiosity, and optimism of their surface brethren, though they do tend to have a slightly darker sense of humour, shaped by their harsh environment. With all the dexterity and intelligence of surface gnomes, they are fine craftsmen, though they tend to focus on stonework rather than the myriad pursuits of surface gnomes. On good terms with a number of surface communities, they are still distrusted by many due to the reputation of the Underdark denisens, and cannot spend long on the surface due to their anatomical adaptations.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

Svirfneblin live underground, in the remnants of the dwarven Underkingdom. They are one of few species who actively expand the tunnels there, and care greatly for the craftsmanship and detailing of their masonry. They fare poorly above ground, being highly sensitive to sunlight, and the heat above ground is oppressive to them.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Svirfneblin mostly feed on domesticated fungi and large insects that can be farmed below ground, but they are notable among the races of the Underdark for producing some more artisanal products such as breads and alcohol, with a fungal base.

Biological Cycle

Svirfneblin breed quicker than their surface counterparts, due to the harsh conditions of their environment, and mature more quickly, at a rate similar to humans.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Svirfneblin have largely similar facial features to their surface cousins, though are often bald.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Svirfneblin naming customs are similar to those of surface gnomes, with parents naming their child something that 'sounds nice'. Surnames are usually based around their preferred craft of masonry (e.g. Stonecutter, Gemsmith)

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Svirfneblin speak a unique dialect of Gnomish, as well as most speaking Undercommon. Some have a passable grasp on surface languages, notably Common.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Svirfneblin cannot encourage wanderlust like their surface cousins, due to the danger of the Underdark, but many still aim to wander the surface - thus svirfneblin are the most common Underdark race to be seen on the surface. Below, it is considered a rite of passage for a svirfneblin to carve out their own home from the rock, or improve an abandoned home. Communities are usually very close-knit, likely a mechanism to survive against the harsh conditions.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Svirfneblin are on largely unfriendly terms with the other races of the Underdark due to their opposing natures, but may coexist peacefully with surface races - some surface-dwellers have preconceived notions about the subterranean races which can complicate matters.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Gnomes

Lifespan

100 years, however can live to 250 if not killed

Average Height

3.5ft

Average Weight

Heavier than their surface cousins, due to being slightly stockier

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Svirfneblin have grey-blue skin and, when they do have hair, it is almost always white. They have retained relatively vibrantly-coloured eyes, compared to the other Underdark races.