Svirfneblin

In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, svirfneblin, or deep gnomes, are a sub-race of gnome. They are usually of neutral alignment. They have the ability to listen to earth and stone (but not speak to it, as do the pech). Additionally, the deep gnomes have a very basic form of telepathy with one another, allowing them to exchange general ideas. (Such as alerting others to danger.)

Contrary to many other racial varieties who were forced to retreat to the Underdark due to some violent conflict in the past (like the drow elves), the deep gnomes were led underground peacefully by their patron god, Callarduran Smoothhands. Most svirfneblin venerate the aforementioned deity primarily, and also the patron deity of all gnomes, Garl Glittergold.

The svirfneblin of the Underdark used to have a stronghold in the Northdark area, a city called Blingdenstone, but their worst enemies, the drow (of Menzoberranzan) ransacked the city, with most of the survivors fleeing to Mithral Hall and Silverymoon.

The name Svirfneblin originates in Scandinavian folklore.