#svirfnebli

[oldschoolfrp]

The Underdark is a unique realm of riches and danger, allies and enemies (Hank Jankus, Dragon 131, TSR, March 1988)

[oldschoolfrp]

Forge of the Kagu-Svirfnebli (Jes / Jeremy Goodwin, AD&D module UK4: When a Star Falls by Graeme Morris, TSR UK, 1984)  These deep gnomes have invented a series of autonomous da Vinci tanks that can shoot darts and steam jets.

[oldschoolfrp]

Random synchronicity of the day -- I posted svirfnebli all morning then saw that Matthew Colville’s latest campaign diary video (#7) introduces them to his game, compares the 5E picture to the Fiend Folio version, and mentions their role in providing a safe resting place where the PCs can level up in the Underdark.  I really want to run the D series and all the other linked modules now.

[oldschoolfrp]

Stats for higher level Svirfnebli / deep gnomes, from the 1980s printings of AD&D module D3: Vault of the Drow by Gary Gygax.  The D&D 5E Monster Manual presents the deep gnomes almost exactly as they appear in the classic D series modules -- same HD, innate spellcasting abilities, resistance to magic, and ability to hide.  But the new rules don’t describe their leaders and only mention in passing the ability to summon earth elementals, so here you go.

[oldschoolfrp]

Svirfnebli have many special abilities, including summoning earth elementals and xorn.  They recently reappeared in the 5th ed Monster Manual as "gnome, deep", with their own plural name changed to match the singular svirfneblin.  (David Sutherland from AD&D module D2: Shrine of the Kuo-Toa by Gary Gygax, TSR, 1978.)

[oldschoolfrp]

Thanks, guys.  The Svirfnebli can be valuable allies in the Underdark where the party may spend extended periods below ground, unable to return to the surface to rest and resupply.  (David Sutherland from AD&D module D2: Shrine of the Kuo-Toa by Gary Gygax, TSR, 1978.)