Bilmicans are naturally intelligent and extremely dexterous. They have four arms and two legs and are very sensitive to light. They are relatively small creatures typically standing between 3'6" and 4'6"(size: small). Slender in build, they are deceptively strong and typically weigh between 70-90lbs. Their skin color is usually shades of gray, ranging from jet black to a limestone gray. Eye colors can include a wide range, typically of warm colors, such as red, orange, or yellow, though on rare occasions some might have gray or white. They have little to no body hair and the differences between males and females are difficult to discern to an outsider.

Life in the Darkness

Bilmicans are true natives of the Underdark, they live out their somewhat lengthy lives (between 200 and 400 years) in similar fashion to the dwarves, carving complicated tunnel networks and crafting crude implements from stone. Like other long-lived races they tend to be curious, easily excited by genuinely new things and eager to experience a break in the monotony that inevitably arises from long life. Bilmicans are also typically very social, gathering regularly to hear stories of hunting or to share large meals with friends and family. The standard outlook on life for them is that, because life is long, you may as well spend it in happiness. They are typically quick to forgive though if truly offended, you may not know it before you find yourself in the sleep from which there is no waking.

Time is also a novel idea to them, deep in the depths of the earth, there are no seasons, no night and day, no way to mark an incremental existence. Bilmicans count only the passing of generations. Even that can be inconsistent as the notable persons from some generation might live for wildly differing lengths of time. As a result, Bilmican history is somewhat muddled and is also not typically very important to the race as a whole.

Hanging Cities

The staggeringly large stalactites that hang over the deepest of the subterranean waters are where the Bilmicans have made their home. Where sunlight is non-existent and the majority of predators lack the ability to reach, their homes are carved into the growing stone. They fish, and farm various edible mushrooms, as well as hunting for the occasional bat or darkmantle. Some study crude forms of arcane magic that is generally unique to them and others craft elaborate tales of fancy to entertain their fellows. Their young ones play games in the pools of water and the crafters ply the stones to craft their truly unique weapons. In all, life is quiet, peaceful and safe in the cities above the seas.

Away from the cities, the Bilmicans trade with the other intelligent occupants of the Underdark. They carve networks of tunnels to move about safely, they harvest gems and other valuables from the rich bounty of the deep earth. They tend to herb and mushroom gardens, fish hatcheries and beetle farms. They work the deep, braving the horrifying creatures of the deep sea for the rich soils below. They seek adventure and their curiosity drives them to explore in the search for new secrets.