The harsh conditions of life in the Underdark shaped gnome society in a number of unusual ways. Children were an extremely important part of deep gnome society, in part due to a low birthrate relative to the mortality rate. Deep gnome couples usually had fewer than four children and rarely more than six. Deep gnome mothers doted on their children obsessively, but not in such a way that inhibited their growth. When they reached adolescence, children were quickly apprenticed to masters in whatever trade they were expected to take on. Adulthood was less defined among deep gnomes than among their kin, with maturity commonly agreed upon to be the time at which a deep gnome started working full-time in a trade. Most males were miners or lapidaries, while females were the masters of the home, raising children, keeping the house tidy, gathering food, and preparing meals.

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Deep gnomes considered male and female gender roles equally important. Males were masters outside of the home and females were masters within. This concept of equal labor for either sex carried all the way to the top of svirfneblin society, with each city governed by a king and queen who ruled as equals. The king was often the head of the community's mining operations and defenses, while the queen was tasked with ensuring that the community had enough food and water to survive, while also handling the day in and day out bureaucracy. Significantly, the king and queen were rarely married to each another, but instead came into their positions independently, elected for life upon the death of their predecessor. Regardless of gender, there was no true conception of retirement among deep gnomes, who worked until they could physically work no more.

Biological Traits

• Build: Deep Gnomes are small in stature. They have lean and wiry builds, suited for navigating the tight tunnels and rocky terrain of the Underdark with agility.
   

• Eye Color: Eye colors among Deep Gnomes vary widely, but common colors include shades of gray, dark brown, and occasionally deep blue or green. Their eyes are large and sensitive to light, adapted for seeing in the dark.
   

• Hair Color: Deep Gnomes typically have hair colors that blend well with their underground environment. Common hair colors include shades of gray, black, dark brown, and occasionally hues with a slight bluish or greenish tint.
   

• Skin Color: Deep Gnomes have pale gray or stone-gray skin tones, helping them to blend into their rocky surroundings in the Underdark. Their skin may have a slightly mottled appearance, resembling the texture and coloration of granite or other types of stone.
   

• Distinguishing Features: Deep gnomes have sharp facial features, including prominent cheekbones and angular jawlines. They often wear simple, practical clothing suited for underground survival, sometimes adorned with minerals or gems.