Svirfneblin, or deep gnomes are a reclusive offshoot of the gnome race. They dwell underground in hidden cities, safe from drow and other subterranean races. They have skin the color of gray or brown stone. A svirfneblin's ties to the eerie realm of the fey are much stronger than those of their surface-dwelling gnome kin, and this makes them either strangely detached from their emotions or violently random in their outbursts. Svirfneblin have long fought wars against the duergar, and have a difficult time seeing the difference between duergar and other dwarves.

Svirfneblin appear similar in stature to their surface world cousins, but with rocky gray or brown skin, and pale, oversized eyes. Males are always bald while females have gray, stringy hair.

Svirfneblin have a natural disposition towards the light, though there are many among them that follow the path of twilight.