Deep Dwarves

[Shade]

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this, but I never noticed this subrace until today. Sure enough, they've been around since the 3E Monster Manual.

I tend to be a walking encyclopedia of monsters from past editions, but I can't recall these fellas. Did they exist prior to 3E? Have they been used anywhere outside the Monster Manual (in any notable adventures, for instance)?

 

[Dragonbait]

I know that the Deep Dwarves were in the The Complete Book of Dwarves in the 2nd edition.

 

[cybertalus]

You probably never heard of them because like most philosophy majors Deep Dwarves don't actually use their degree in any form you'd recognize as philosophizing.

Many Deep Dwarves go on to teach Dwarven Literature to uninterested teenagers. A few go on to practice Dwarven Law. A lucky rare few are the hidden lyrical talent behind such well known soloists and musical troupes as Bard Dylan, the Bombadier Beatles, Roger from over the Waters, and the Yellow Jester of the Court of the Crimson King.

Like Deep-templated creatures everywhere, Deep Dwarves are often morose and feel the world doesn't understand them. They're correct. Deep Dwarves are so smart and so wise that no creature with mental stats below 20 could even begin to understand them.

And since we can't understand them, I won't say anything more about them.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Deep Dwarves are a great example of why you don't need to create a subrace for a different cultural group, especially since this cultural group is "dwarves who act even more like dwarves than other dwarves do."

 

[BOZ]

I know that the Deep Dwarves were in the The Complete Book of Dwarves in the 2nd edition.

there was also the Sundered dwarf... never really heard from again, was it?

 

[Ripzerai]

Deep Dwarves are a great example of why you don't need to create a subrace for a different cultural group, especially since this cultural group is "dwarves who act even more like dwarves than other dwarves do."

I agree, but read Thud! by Terry Pratchett for a really excellent characterization of Deep Dwarves.

 

[Arbiter of Wyrms]

IIRC, The Complete Book of Dwarves included
Hill
Mountain
Deep
Gray
Aghar (Gully)
Sundered

But I'd have to check and right now, I'm comfortably seated.

 

[Voadam]

Deep Dwarves are a great example of why you don't need to create a subrace for a different cultural group, especially since this cultural group is "dwarves who act even more like dwarves than other dwarves do."

Actually deep dwarves are physically different with light aversion etc. and I think therefore a valid subrace to call out in the MM.

Deep Dwarf Traits (Ex)

These traits are in addition to the hill dwarf traits, except where noted.

* Racial bonus on saves against spells and spell-like abilities increases to +3.
* Racial bonus on Fortitude saves against poisons increases to +3.
* Darkvision out to 90 feet.
* Light Sensitivity: Deep dwarves are dazzled in bright sunlight or within the radius of a daylight spell.


Hill dwarf vs. Mountain dwarf is the example I think of for pointless subrace differentiation.

Mountain Dwarf

Mountain dwarves live deeper under the mountains than hill dwarves but generally not as far underground as deep dwarves. They average about 4½ feet tall and have lighter skin and hair than hill dwarves, but the same general appearance.

The only difference is lighter skin and hair, 4.5 feet average height, and live a little deeper underground.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Actually deep dwarves are physically different with light aversion etc. and I think therefore a valid subrace to call out in the MM.

Yes, they statted them out differently.

What's interesting enough to merit it, though? As the OP said, he didn't even notice the damn things were in the Monster Manual after all this time.