Short, thickset demihumans with long noses and gnarled, hairless, grey skin. Svirfneblins (also known as deep gnomes) are subterranean cousins of the gnomes who live close to the surface. Svirfneblins are skilled tunnellers and makers of mechanical contraptions and cunning secret doors. They love gems above all else and excavate their communities around veins of precious stones. Svirfneblins are typically around 3½’ tall and weigh around 120 pounds.
Svirfneblins have the uncanny ability to go unnoticed when in an environment of natural or carved stone so long as they remain silent and motionless. The chance of success is 4-in-6 in gloomy conditions or 2-in-6 in well-lit conditions.
Armour must be tailored to svirfneblins’ small size. Likewise, svirfneblins can only use weapons appropriate to their stature (as determined by the referee). They cannot use longbows or two-handed swords.
Due to their small size, svirfneblins gain a +2 AC bonus when attacked by large opponents (greater than human-sized).
Svirfneblins have a 2-in-6 chance of detecting new construction, sliding walls, or sloping passages when searching.
Svirfneblins have infravision to 90’
When in bright light (daylight, continual light), svirfneblins suffer –2 to attack rolls and a –1 penalty to Armour Class.
Svirfneblins have a 2-in-6 chance of hearing noises
Svirfneblins gain a +2 bonus to all saving throws against illusions.
Svirfneblins can speak with natives of the plane of elemental earth.