Hidden in the depths of the Underdark live the svirfneblin, or deep gnomes.  Reclusive, suspicious, and resentful of intrusion into their cavern homes, the deep gnomes share little of the humor or openness of their surface cousins.  WHere a rock gnome community bursts with energy, excitement, and laughter, a svirneblin city is a dull and colorless place of echoing silence and furtive motion in the shadows.  All hands are raised against the svirfneblin - or so the deep gnomes beilieve anyway!

Deep Gnome Racial Traits

• -2 Strength, +2 Dextarity, +2 Wisdom, -4 Charisma
• Small-size (+1 size bonus to armor class, +1 size bonus to attack rolls, +4 size bonus to Hide checks, but they must use smaller weapons than humans and carry loads are limited to three-quarters those of Medium-size characters)
• Base speed 20'
• Darkvision 120'
• +1 racial bonus on attack rolls versus kobolds and goblinoids
• +2 racial bonus on Listen and Alchemy checks
• Spell-like Abilities: 1/day blindness, blur, and change self.  These abilites are cast as if by a wizard equal to the deep gnomes level
• Stonecutting: like dwarves svirfneblin gain a +2 racial bonus to checks to notice unusual stonework.  they also get a check just for passing within teb feet of such stonework
• Nondetection (Su): have a continuous nondetection as if cast by a wizard of equal character level
• Spell resistance 11 + character level
• +4 dodge bonus to armor class
• +2 racial bonus to all saving throws
• +2 racial bonus on Hide checks, which increases to +4 when underground
• Automatic languages - Gnome, Undercommon, home region.  Bonus languages - Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Illuskan, Terran
• Level Adjustment +3: Svirfneblin are more powerful than other raes and therefore advance a little slower than most.
• Favored class: Illusionist