Duerrgar: A Species Review

This is a homebrew creation and is not official Dungeons & Dragons material. D&D Beyond is a registered trademark of Fandom, Inc.

Description

The Duerrgar are a rare and captivating hybrid species, born from the unlikely union of drow (dark elves) and mountain dwarves. This blend of two typically isolationist and rival cultures results in a unique people who often find themselves caught between two worlds. The Duerrgar inherit a striking mix of traits, combining the keen senses and graceful physique of the drow with the sturdy build and innate resilience of the dwarves.

Physically, the Duerrgar possess a muscular, compact frame, similar to that of a dwarf, but with a leaner build and longer limbs. Their skin tones range from deep gray to obsidian black, often with subtle undertones of purple or blue. Their hair, typically white or silver, provides a stark contrast to their appearance. Duerrgar eyes are a captivating feature, often a brilliant mix of elven and dwarven colors, from fiery red or orange to an icy blue or pale silver.

Culturally, Duerrgar often struggle to find their place. They are rarely accepted by either drow or dwarven society, forcing them to forge their own paths. Many find solace among other outcasts and exiles, or they might seek to bridge the gap between their parent cultures. They value ingenuity and craftsmanship, blending the intricate, almost magical artistry of the drow with the practical, sturdy engineering of the dwarves.

Racial Traits

• Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

• Age. Duerrgar mature at the same rate as humans but live far longer. While a mountain dwarf lives up to 350 years and a drow can live for 750 or more, the unique blend of their bloodlines grants a Duerrgar an even greater longevity. They are not considered to have reached adulthood until around age 100, and they can live for a millennium or more, with some rare individuals reaching an age of 1,200 years.

• Size. Duerrgar are slightly taller than dwarves, standing between 4 and 5 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

• Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

• Superior Darkvision. Accustomed to the deep earth and the shadows of the Underdark, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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 can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

• Dwarven Resilience. You have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance to poison damage.

• Fey Ancestry. You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep.

• Drow Weapon Training. You have proficiency with rapiers, shortswords, and hand crossbows.

• Drow Magic. You know the dancing lights cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the faerie fire spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the darkness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

   

   

• Duergar Craftsmanship. You have proficiency with a single artisan tool of your choice.

• Outcast Heritage. You have disadvantage on all Charisma (Persuasion) checks when interacting with a creature that is a pure-blooded dwarf or drow, unless you can prove that you are an ally to their people.

• Conflicting Resonances. The unstable magical energies within you make you susceptible to magical disruptions. When a Duerrgar casts a spell or is targeted by a spell, they take a small amount of psychic damage equal to their level.

• Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common, Elvish, and Dwarvish.