Deep Gnomes

The Deep Gnomes are a cursed offshoot of the Gnomes, dwelling in the caverns of the Deep Rift Valley. Their history begins with the destruction of Jaaltuvesk and the wrath of Wielkopan.

Biology¶

Deep Gnomes are described as having burning purple skin and a fierce hostility toward outsiders. They are often compared to the Drow because both peoples are tied to subterranean life, aggression toward foreigners, and the corrupting influence of Melodias.

History¶

The ancestors of the Deep Gnomes lived in Jaaltuvesk, the Peaceful Valley created by Wielkopan for the gnomes around 20,000 BLC. After a millennium of divine rule, the gnomes demanded a king, and Wielkopan allowed Skaal Skuuva to rule them.

Around 18,000 BLC, King Skol Skuuva, son of Skaal Skuuva, committed the Great Sin by gazing upon Wielkopan's true form. Wielkopan banished the gnomes north and rained fire over Jaaltuvesk. The future Deep Gnomes escaped into the caverns of the Deep Rift Valley.

Around 17,500 BLC, Wielkopan discovered them. He cursed them never to see the sun and left their fate to Melodias. This curse explains both their subterranean isolation and their reputation as one of the more dangerous gnomish branches.

Legacy¶

Deep Gnomes preserve the darkest consequence of gnomish rebellion against divine rule. Where surface gnomes remember exile and lost paradise, Deep Gnomes embody the curse itself: banished from the sun, bound to caverns, and shaped by Melodias's shadow.

See also: Gnome, Wielkopan, Melodias, Drow, Timeline, and Races.