Homebrew Deep Dweller Species Details

The Deep Dwellers are a strange race of small humanoid creatures who live in the deepest and darkest crevices of the Underdark. Small in stature and almost deformed in appearance, they lie somewhere between an elf and a halfling in their general features. They have large ears compared to the size of their heads, allowing them to pick out the smallest details among the echoes of the deep caverns. They also have keen eyes able to see through even the thickest shroud of darkness. With clawed hands built for burrowing and a knack for clambering over difficult rocky terrain, all without being discovered by the predatory demons of their native regions, these creatures offer a spritely yet stealthy approach to most situations. In general they are calm and level-headed from all their time in the darkness, although some develop a habit for stealing or listening in where they really shouldn't and this can land those of them who venture to the surface in more trouble than they bargained for.

Physical Traits

Deep Dwellers are small, goblin like creatures with clawed hands for climbing and large pointed ears for better hearing in silent caverns. Their purplish skin has a faint glimmer or sheen when exposed to bright light and their eyes, usually green or a deep red color, flit constantly across their surroundings, checking for potential threats. They stand short, usually only between 4 and 5 feet in height, but some can boast impressive physical stature despite this. The time they spend climbing sheer rock walls whilst clinging on with bare hands can lend them a muscular build and plenty of strength. Alternatively, those who spend their time foraging in the fungal forests can find themselves with more slender, agile builds, This is something to consider in your character's background. The eyes and ears of a Deep Dweller are its most prominent features, the rest of its face being shrunk back or appearing small in comparison. The only other noticeable features to speak of are the razor sharp teeth hiding behind the otherwise innocent face of the creature, which can be used in some situations as well maintained tools. Since they spend much of their time climbing or sneaking around, they tend to wear unobtrusive leather garments that stay close to their body.

Inquisitive Wanderers

Deep Dwellers have a knack for hearing what they're not supposed to, but they use this to shape their view of the world. They often struggle to trust new characters in their lives as they are well aware of how true feelings can be hidden or subdued, and may become wary of apparent bonds forming between other people around them. Alternatively, those who they know to have a constant attitude and have never heard speaking their true mind away from others will be well trusted and highly regarded in the Deep Dwellers' eyes.

A Forgotten Race

Many are simply unaware of this race's existence due to their secluded nature, or have simply shunned the stories of the razor-toothed crawlers of the deep caverns as nothing but myth. This can leave the creatures searching for approval at times or constantly feeling the need to prove themselves.

Names

Deep Dweller's share much in common with other dweller's of the Underdark when it comes to languages and names, so feel free to choose names from races such as Deep Gnomes or Derro.

Deep Dweller Traits

Years of scrambling in the dark has given you these features

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.

Age

Deep Dwellers live long and often uneventful lives. They reach maturity at age 20 at which their aging slows and they can live for up to 150 years.

Alignment

Darkness gives way to chaos, and as such Deep Dwellers veer towards the chaotic side of things. Their balanced view of life also pushes them towards neutrality.

Size

Deep Dwellers usually stand between 4 and 5 feet tall. However their weight can vary from anywhere between 90 to 180 pounds depending on their backgrounds and typical lifestyle.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Thanks to your homelands in the dark, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 80 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern colors in darkness, only shades of grey.

Languages

You can speak, read and write Undercommon and speak and read Common. You can also understand the basics of Deep Speech. 

Keen Climber

You gain advantage on Dexterity and Strength ability checks or saving throws when climbing any surface or obstacle.

Skill 1

You gain proficiency in 1 of the following skills: Stealth, Survival, Insight, Deception

Burrowing Speed

You have a base Burrowing Speed of 40 ft.

Creature of Darkness

You have disadvantage and find it difficult to see in bright sunlight.