Children were an extremely important part of deep gnome society, in part due to a low birthrate relative to the mortality rate. The harsh conditions of life in the Underdark shaped gnome society in a number of unusual ways. The small size of deep gnomes could give them a combat advantage when battling larger opponents. Deep gnomes also had a great deal of resistance to magic of any kind, and could go undetected as if they were using the nondetection spell, alongside their natural affinity for avoiding danger or hiding. Conversely, deep gnomes lacked most gnomes' predilection for cantrip-like abilities, but could instead blind other beings, obscure their own presence, or shapeshift. Abilities ĭeep gnome were better adapted for underground living than either rock gnomes or forest gnomes, with darkvision to help them see in total darkness and a dwarf-like affinity for stone, allowing them to innately understand it on a level few other races could appreciate. Others become prospectors, searching the Underdark for new veins of gems and ore to mine. Some of these wandering deep gnomes turned upwards and investigated the surface world from which their ancestors came, particularly deep gnome illusionists who hoped to find advanced instruction in the Art beyond what could be obtained in their isolated homes. It was this trait, more than any other, which led some deep gnomes to abandon their cautious upbringing and explore the world around them. Īlthough far more serious than most gnomes, deep gnomes nonetheless exhibited the same insatiable curiosity and craftiness when put in the right circumstances. Their seriousness and pessimism only faded when admiring the gems which fascinated them so much. Any sounds or raised voices could attract danger to deep gnome homes and fire was used sparingly for cooking and warmth. These attitudes were also justified in part by the harsh environs the deep gnomes inhabited, which required a degree of stoicism and quiet suffering in order to serve the greater good. Although outsiders found deep gnomes' overly serious attitude made for sour company, those qualities made the svirfneblin tireless pursuers of excellence in their metalworking and weapon forging. Sullen and hard-working, deep gnomes were wholly dedicated to any task to which they set themselves, typically mining for males and housekeeping for females. They kept to themselves, were extremely cautious when contacting other races, and eyed all strangers with suspicion. While they treated their own kind with respect and even goodwill, trust was not easily given to anyone from outside their village, or even outside their family. Psychology ĭeep gnomes were a surly and cynical people who fatalistically expected little more from life than what they had. Deep gnome complexions were sometimes described as "gnarled" and, like drow and duergar, were commonly dark in hue, with most deep gnomes demonstrating brown or gray skin with dark gray eyes. Males were completely bald and beardless, while the females sported hair. ĭeep gnomes were wiry and lean with a body as hard as a slab of rock ranging from 3 to 3.5 feet (0.91 to 1.1 meters) in height and weighing between 40 to 45 pounds (18 to 20 kilograms). Trap, on the correct pronunciation of "svirfneblin".
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