Description
Deep gnomes, or svirfneblin, are natives of the Underdark and are suffused
with that subterranean realm’s magic. They can supernaturally camouflage
themselves, and their svirfneblin magic renders them difficult to locate.
These abilities have enabled them to survive for generations among the perils
of the Underdark. The used to live in the surface, in
Lynev and hid underground as all Gnomes did, during the 1st Era during
the War that broke the world, but while the other Gnomes wanted to surface back up when it was safe
again, they decided that this place was their home now, staying underground
and later further down, into the
Unknown.
Origins
Deep Gnomes, same as all Gnomes, were created by Iskar who infused them with the mindset of creators, tinkerers, tradesmen, and researchers.
Genetics
Gnomes have strong instincts driving them to create, alter, tinker, analyze and invent. Their morality is spread on all 3 axis of good, neutral and evil and so is their relation with chaos and order. Their bodies were made as small as possible, but big enough to handle tools. Iskar also gave them disproportionally large heads, to house bigger brains needed for inventions. Despite their genetics, as dwellers of the Underdark for long periods, Svirfneblin believe that survival depends on avoiding entanglements with other creatures and not making enemies, so they favor neutral alignments. They rarely wish others ill, and they are unlikely to take risks on behalf of others.
Lifespan
Deep gnomes are short-lived for gnomes. They mature at the same rate humans do
and are considered full-grown adults by 25. They live 200 to 250 years,
although hard toil and the dangers of the Underdark often claim them before
their time.
Homeland
Underdark
Also found in
Lynev, Unified Caldar, Ironbeard
Reputation
Deep Gnomes know that most races don’t share their sense of humor, but they
enjoy anyone’s company just as they enjoy everything else they set out to do.
Gnomes are known for their bright minds, insatiable thirst for tinkering and
adept wizardry. They rarely involve themselves with politics, conflicts or
drama unless it involves their creations. They are prized captives for
Mindflayers and other manipulative creatures of the
Underdark
Alive/Extinct
Deep Gnomes are still alive until the 4th era.
Deep Gnome Traits
As a deep gnome, you have the following racial traits.
Ability Scores: Increase one score by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. Your available choices are Dexterity, Intelligence, or Wisdom.
Creature Type: You are a Humanoid. You are also considered a gnome for any prerequisite or effect that requires you to be a gnome.
Size: You are Small.
Speed: Your walking speed is 25 feet.
Darkvision: You can see in dim light within 120 feet of you as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light. You discern colors in that darkness only as shades of gray.
Gift of the Svirfneblin Starting at 3rd level, you can cast the disguise self spell with this trait. Starting at 5th level, you can also cast the nondetection spell with it, without requiring a material component. Once you cast either of these spells with this trait, you can’t cast that spell with it again until you finish a long rest. You can also cast these spells using spell slots you have of the appropriate level.
Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells when you cast them with this trait (choose when you select this race).
Gnomish Magic Resistance: You have advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against spells.
Svirfneblin Camouflage: When you make a Dexterity (Stealth) check, you can make the check with advantage. You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Languages: Your character can speak, read and write (writing requires INT score 6 or higher) Common and one other language of your that you and your DM agree is appropriate for your character's backstory. A list of languages and their regions can be found in Languages.