An evil dwarf race: Derro

[rabindranath72]

Here is my C&C version of the Derro (originally in MM2). I have used them extensively in my Dragonlance campaign (therein they are called Theiwar and Daergar), but they are cool in any setting. Enjoy!

Derro

NO. ENCOUNTERED: 3-30

SIZE: Small (4 tall)

HD: 3 or more (d8)

MOVE: 20 ft.

AC: varies

ATTACKS: Weapon

SPECIAL: SR 7, Darkvision 30 ft., Duskvision, Spells (Savants)

SAVES: M, P

INT: High to Genius

ALIGNMENT: Chaotic Evil

TYPE: Humanoid

TREASURE: 7

The derro are a degenerate race of dwarf-like stature, possibly a cross

between evil humans and dwarves. Derroes are very much like humans, only shorter and slightly more

muscular in proportion to their height; they are also quite fast and dexterous.

Their features tend towards grossness. Their hair is pale tan or yellow, their skin is very white with a

bluish undertone, and their eyes are very large.

They inhabit the great subterranean realms common to drow and their ilk (kuo-toans, mind flayers, troglodytes,

etc.). The derroes are said to have a major stronghold somewhere deep

beneath the ground, and there their savants plot and scheme to devastate

the upperworld and enslave all mankind.

Although the derro hate light and suffer from nausea in

sunlight, they venture out upon the surface of the earth at night through

secret shaft openings to steal and kidnap humans for slaves. Rumor

says that some humans are actually eaten as well.

Derroes speak a language of their own, some Common, and know the trade vernacular of

the underground world.

Combat

Most (40-50%) of the derroes wear studded leather armor and use hand crossbows with quarrels coated in poison (2d6 additional damage if save vs. poison fails). These warriors have AC 14.

Studded leather armor, a hook fauchard (a fauchard which is 25%

likely to pull a man-sized or smaller victim off balance), and a dagger will be used 20-30% of the time. These warriors have AC 14.

Scaled leather armor (dragon hide or something similar which is equal to mail in protection), a dagger, a

buckler (spiked, equal to a dagger in attack), and an aklys are used 10-20% of the time. The aklys is spiked and hooked so that there is a 1 in 8 chance of pulling opponents down or off balance. These warriors have AC 16.

Ten to 20% of the time scaled leather armor, a buckler, a spear, and a

leather pick (doing damage as a light pick) will be used. These warriors have AC 16.

For every 3 derroes encountered there will be 1 having 4 hit dice. For

every 6 derroes encountered there will be 1 having 5 hit dice. If 10 or

more are encountered, there will be a 7 hit dice leader and a 6 hit dice

lieutenant. All of these higher level derroes are in addition to the initial

number encountered. All higher level derroes wear scaled leather and

use masterwork weapons (see above). If 20 or more derroes are encountered, there will

be a savant (detailed below) and 2 student savants as well.

A derro lair will always have 30 plus 3-12 additional normal derroes, a

corresponding number of higher level leaders, 1-3 savants, 2-5 student

savants, 15-40 slaves (80% female), and 1-3 gargoyles (70%), or a lamia (30%) as allies.

Savant derroes

Savant derroes are sage-like (possessing the Legend Lore ability of bards at 12th level),

with the ability to use any sort of magic item and weapon.

They cast spells as follows:

light, lightning bolt, charm person, spider climb, detect thoughts, levitate,

blink , ice storm, invisibility, wall of force, cloudkill, hypnotic pattern, minor creation,

ventriloquism, obscuring mist, anti magic shell, repulsion, hold person, shadow evocation.

They have apprentices known as student savants, or merely students.

The latter possess the Legend Lore ability at 4th level, and are only

25% likely to be able to use a non-fighter magic item. Derro savants have

5-8 hit dice; students have 4-7. Scholars will have 2-3 useful (and used)

magic items of offensive and/or defensive nature, while students will

have 1 lesser item. Savants will know 6-9 spells, students 1-3. They also

comprehend languages and read magic.

Performance is at 12th level of spellcasting ability.

Typical magic items possessed are any potion; any scroll; rings of fire

resistance, invisibility. protection, and spell storing; any wand; studded

leather +1 armor and shields; any swords up to +3; bracers of armor,

brooch of shielding, cloak of resistance, etc.; and any miscellaneous

weapons.

[CharlieRock]

Who would win between derro and duergar?
_________________
The Rock says ...

Know your roll!

[serleran]

Duergar. They are tough SoBs.

[Zudrak]

serleran wrote:
Duergar. They are tough SoBs.

Agreed. I am running some players through this module, converted to C&C. We continue this Saturday.
_________________
AD&D, Amish Dungeons & Dragons.

"Galstaff, ye are in a cornfield, when a moustachioed man approaches. What say ye?"

"I shun him."

-----

"Knowledge, logic, reason, and common sense serve better than a dozen rule books."

-- E. Gary Gygax

[CharlieRock]

I like the Derro because they are ker-azy!
_________________
The Rock says ...

Know your roll!

[BLOOD AXE]

Zudrak wrote:
Agreed. I am running some players through this module, converted to C&C. We continue this Saturday.

Let us all know how it is. Goodman has some great adventures. Weren't Derro originally from the old adventure- Lost Caverns of Tzjocanth? (something like that)

[Deogolf]

BLOOD AXE wrote:
Let us all know how it is. Goodman has some great adventures. Weren't Derro originally from the old adventure- Lost Caverns of Tzjocanth? (something like that)

Yep.
_________________
Eulaliaaa!!! Give those rapscallions blood and vinegar, wot?!

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