Derro
Derro
The Derro are a race of dark dwarves native to the Underdark, encountered by Deez Nuts during their exploration beneath Garmok's Mine. Unlike their surface-dwelling cousins, Derro have adapted to the harsh subterranean environment and established trade networks in the deep places of the world.
Description
Derro are dwarf-sized humanoids with pale skin adapted to the darkness of the Underdark. They dress in practical gear suitable for underground travel and commerce. The group encountered by the party wore belts enchanted with slow fall effects, essential equipment for navigating the vertical shafts connecting different levels of the Underdark.
Culture and Society
The Derro maintain underground cities deep in the Underdark, rich in gems and precious metals. They are skilled craftsmen specializing in mechanical goods such as gears, chains, and oil-based equipment. Despite their wealth in traditional resources, they value surface trade routes and unique items that are rare in their subterranean realm.
Derro merchants travel the Underdark tunnels seeking new paths to the surface world. They are pragmatic traders who use magic to verify the authenticity of goods, protecting themselves from deception. The Derro have a cautious relationship with other Underdark denizens, particularly avoiding the territories of Myconids which they consider dangerous.
Relationship with Surface Dwellers
While Derro acknowledge that they "don't understand surface dwellers," they maintain a business-like relationship with surface folk who have gold to trade. They are willing to forgive honest mistakes or being swindled, showing a practical and forgiving nature in their dealings.
Known Derro
- Derro Merchant Leader - Led the group encountered in Session 45
Notable Capabilities
- Identify Spell - Derro merchants can cast Identify to verify magical item properties
- Slow Fall Belts - Enchanted equipment allowing safe descent in deep shafts
- Mechanical Expertise - Skilled in crafting and repairing gears, winches, chains, and oil-based mechanisms
- Underdark Navigation - Expert knowledge of tunnels and paths beneath the surface
Campaign Involvement
During Session 45, the party encountered a group of Derro merchants seeking a new trade route to the surface. The Derro were navigating tunnels near Garmok's Mine, hoping to avoid the dangerous Myconid territory.
When the party attempted to trade a fake magical bracelet claiming it could help find invisible gnomes, the Derro leader cast Identify and discovered the deception. Rather than becoming hostile, the Derro assumed the party had been swindled themselves and forgave the attempted fraud.
The party warned the Derro about the Mind Gobbler lurking deeper in the tunnels, and the merchants wisely chose to seek a different path. The encounter ended peacefully with both groups parting ways.
Locations
- Underdark - Native realm of the Derro
- Garmok's Mine - Where the party encountered Derro merchants
- Derro Cities (unnamed) - Underground settlements rich in gems and gold