Derro

Derro were a species of monstrous humanoids that inhabited the Underdark.

Physical description
Derro appeared to be some degenerate hybrid of dwarves and humans. Their rough skin was white with blue undertones and had sporadic tufts of coarse tan or pale blond hair. The eyes of the derro lacked any visible pupils.

Society
Derro were widespread and were likely to be found in small bands throughout the Underdark. Derro warrens existed in many drow and duergar cities; independent derro strongholds lay in the deepest reaches of the Underdark. Derro scouts and marauders searched the areas around their settlements for victims to enslave and torment.

The derro were a strange and sadistic race. While clever and stealthy they were also murderously insane. It was very common for derro to devote themselves to some strange quest, such as collecting only certain types of gemstones or slaying as many members of a particular race as possible. Some derro were assigned specific missions by powerful derro savants, with the possibility that they might even join a company of comrades to fulfill some irrational goal. It should be noted that derro, despite their insanity, still retain the natural knack for inventiveness shown in dwarves. An example of this is the repeater crossbow, which the derro may have invented.

Religion
Most derro revered the god Diirinka, but very few became actual clerics.

Origins
Legend has it that the derro originally lived on the surface of Faerûn. They opened portals to the Far Realm which offended the World Serpent who cast the derro into the Underdark.

Appearances

 * Venom in Her Veins
 * Sword Coast Legends
 * "The Fires of Narbondel" in Realms of the Underdark (1996)

Connections
Derro