Duerthae are commonly mistaken for humans because they so closely resemble them. They stand about human height and have human bone structure. And, unlike almost all other non-human humanoids, Duerthae do not have ears that become pointed at the top. Their ears remain rounded and human-like. The main physical differences between Duerthae and Humans are that, for one, Durthae are usually a bit more slender than the average Human and most Duerthae cannot grow facial hair. Only Quarter-Duerthae have ever been known to even begin growing a moustache. They have an odd and very inhuman skin complexion as well. Also, the average Duerthox lifespan is between three-hundred twenty and three-hundred fifty years. Another major difference is that, while humans cannot see in low light or darkness without magical aid, Duerthae have innate low-light and infravision.
Duerthae are intelligent and curious beings that like to tinker with things and experiment. In this sense, they are a lot like gnomes. Duerthae are more cautious and careful though. And therefore, less likely to have thier inventions fail or backfire. Most of their tinkerings are in metals and stones since these are very abundant where the majority of them live which is underground. The Duerthox also have a love for nature though and even share an empathic bond with it. Though omnivorous, They tend more towards fruits and vegatables from animals, eating meat only occasionally. And that's usually fish. They are exceptional gardeners and can get even the most harsh climates to bear fruit. They are also excellent climbers.
Racial Modifiers:+2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom
Height/Weight:See Half-Elf
Age:see Gnome
The Duerthoxi race is split up into three major Sub-Races.
These are the Deep Duerthox, Underwood Duerthox and the Surface ((or Common as they are called by the humans)) Duerthox.
Deep Duerthae live in caves, passageways and tunnels deep underground in the underdark, below most of the others. Their complexions tend range from a dull blue-gray ((just a bit darker than the background color)) all the way to the color of slate. Their eyes are usually a sharp purple or green color. They are visibly less slender then other Duerthae and have the farthest reaching low-light/infravision of one-hundred eighty feet. They tend to be stronger too. The Deep Duerthox tend to be miners, archeologists, explorers of the Underdark and builders. Their primary weapon would be the strong Shortbows made of Mithral.
Underwood Duerthae live in underground cities usually near underground rivers. They use the rivers and something they call Solarphase Magic to bring the warmth and light of the Sun down to their underground city where there grows a forest. ((The Duerthae are the only people to have successfully grown a forest underground.)) These are the most magically inclined. ((this is out of necessity.)) These Duerthae tend towards a more golden brown complexion that rangers from bronze to copper to even amber. Their eyes tend towards earth tones such as grayish to brownish. The majority of the Duerthoxi race are Underwood Duerthae.
Surface or Common Duerthae are actually the least common of the 3 major sub-races. They make up only twelve percent of all Duerthae. These are the most commonly seen by surface dwellers though because most others don't dare venture to the world above. These Duerthae's complexions are usually a bit more green-tinted and closer to human shades. Their eyes are usually light and range all the way across the rainbow.
Deep Duerthox
Underwood Duerthox
Surface Duerthox
Iv-Duerthox
There are only approximately ten of these left in the world. They are the original and purest of all the Duerthoxi race. Theirs was what the current sub-races derived from. They have skin that's almost a deep lustery orange color and very dark hair. Of those ten, only the oldest two ((A male and a female)), who are over two-hundred and seventy years old each, know what they are. The rest just believe themselves to be odd-looking Underwood Durthae.