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Deepfolk

In the shadowy depths of the Earthspire Expanse lies a unique human subculture known as the Deepfolk. Their history is one of exile and zealotry, having been driven underground into this alternate plane following the downfall of the Cult of Ukrol, to which they were fervent adherents. In the Earthspire Expanse, they established their capital, Deepholme, a city reflective of their resilience and the harsh conditions of their subterranean world. The Deepfolk strongly prefer certain paths in their spiritual and mystical practices. Central to their cultural identity are two primary vocations that align closely with their beliefs and abilities: becoming clerics of Ukrol and pursuing the development of their innate psionic gifts to become Psions.

Personality

The Deepfolk are marked by a zealous commitment to their beliefs, which center on human supremacy and the domination of other races. Their personalities are often shaped by their harsh environment and the influence of the psionic miasma, resulting in cunning and resilient individuals. Deepfolk tend to distrust outsiders, with a strong sense of loyalty to their kind.

Physical Description

The Deepfolk are distinguished by their striking physical traits and adaptations to the unique environment of the Earthspire Expanse. Their skin exhibits dark blue to purple hues, directly adapting to the miasma that permeates their underground home. Their eyes are shades of red, piercing in the dim light of the subterranean realm, while their hair is often silky white to silver, contrasting starkly with their dark skin.

Relations

Due to their practices of enslavement and domination, the Deepfolk have few allies. Their most notable adversaries are the Drow, with whom they share the underground domains of the Earthspire Expanse. The two races constantly conflict, vying to control the subterranean corridors and caverns.

Alignment

The Deepfolk are predominantly evil, reflecting their beliefs in domination and human supremacy. Their society is structured around these principles, with little tolerance for dissent or deviation from their strict ideological paths.

Religion

Ukrol, the deity revered by the Deepfolk, embodies the principles of human supremacy and dominance over other races. Many Deepfolk choose to become clerics of Ukrol, serving as spiritual leaders and enforcers of his dogma. These clerics are deeply respected and hold significant power within Deepfolk society. Their role involves leading religious ceremonies and rituals and guiding their people per Ukrol’s teachings.

Language

The Deepfolk speak a dialect of Common mixed with ancient words from their time on the surface. This dialect has evolved over centuries of isolation in the Earthspire Expanse, incorporating unique terms related to their environment and psionic abilities.

Names

Deepfolk names often reflect their harsh environment and their psionic heritage. First names are typically short and harsh-sounding, while surnames frequently denote their psionic abilities or lineage. Examples include first names like Dran, Vek, and Zil, with surnames such as Mindbreaker, Voidseer, or Shadowspeaker.

Adventurers

While most Deepfolk are content to remain in Deepholme, some venture out into the wider world. These adventurers are often driven by a desire for power, knowledge, or revenge against the races that exiled them. They make formidable foes and allies, leveraging their psionic abilities and dark magic in their pursuits.

Regions

Deepholme, the capital of the Deepfolk, stands as a formidable bastion in the Earthspire Expanse. This city, carved into the heart of the underground, symbolizes their enduring spirit and ability to thrive in adverse conditions. It reflects the cultural ethos of the Deepfolk – a society built on the principles of power, control, and the unyielding belief in their supremacy. Other regions within the Earthspire Expanse include the Psionic Sanctums, where Psions train and hone their abilities, and the Dark Mines, which provide resources crucial to their survival and expansion.

Deepfolk Racial Traits

  • +2 Intelligence, -2 Dexterity. Deepfolk are bright and quick to learn arcane lore, but they lack the balance and agility of most other humanoid races.
  • Medium size. Deepfolk have no bonuses or penalties due to their size.
  • A deepfolk's base land speed is 30 ft
  • Darkvision: A deepfolk has darkvision out to 120 ft
  • Light Sensitivity (Ex): Deepfolk are dazzled in sunlight or within the radius of a daylight spell.
  • Naturally Psionic: Deepfolk gain 3 bonus power points at 1st level. This benefit does not grant them the ability to manifest powers unless they gain that ability through another source, such as levels in a psionic class.
  • +4 bonus on Hide checks when underground: A deepfolk's marblelike skin helps her hide in underground terrain.
  • Automatic Languages: Common and Undercommon. Bonus Languages: Dwarven, Elven, and Terran.
  • Favored Class: Psion.