Deep gnomes, or svirfneblin, are natives of the Underdark and are suffused with that subterranean realm’s magic. They can supernaturally camouflage themselves, and their svirfneblin magic renders them difficult to locate. These abilities have enabled them to survive for generations among the perils of the Underdark. The Underdark is full of danger, meaning that deep gnomes spend much of their time simply staying alive. They endure this life because the Underdark also holds incredible treasures: minerals and gemstones, gold, silver, and platinum. The svirfneblin mine these materials whenever they find a new deposit--especially rubies, which they prize above all other treasure. The svirfnelbin do take pleasure from success in these mining operations. A thin smile emerges from the stone-like features of a deep gnome who finds a truly remarkable gem, and such a discovery lightens the mood in the enclave for a time.
While incredibly uncommon on the surface, deep gnomes can be found mostly gathered towards the northern edges of Exellendra, where they hold uneasy treaties with local duergar clans and trade with surface dwellers.