# Grimlock and Taalif #### <div class=wide> Underdark Species Options by Beskarbonite # ## The Underdark is a dreadful realm full of a multitude of aberrant and subterranean horrors. As such, those that live there are often changed by the unnatural nature of the region. Well-known amongst these people are the Drow, Druegar, and Svirfneblin: Elves, Dwarves, and Gnomes who were once enslaved by Mind Flayers, but are now free and use their unusual powers to help them survive in the Underdark. However, less-known are the Humans and Orcs who fall to the regions corruption. These individuals are known as the Grimlocks and Taalifs. ### Grimlock Grimlocks were once Humans, before the Aberrant nature of the Underdark twisted them. They have bloated, grey skin and hollow sockets where their eyes should be. Because of this, they can easily hide amongst rocky terrain, as well as have supernatural smell and hearing. In the Forgotten Realms, Grimlocks were once cultists who willingly served Mind Flayers and were driven underground after they were overthrown. In the Mythris setting, they were captured by the Illithids and held as slaves within the Aberrant Wasteland. #### Grimlock Traits ## ###### **Creature Type:** Humanoid. You are also considered to be a Human for any effect or prerequisite that requires you to be a Human. ###### **Size:** Medium (about 4–7 feet tall) or Small (about 2–4 feet tall), chosen when you select this species **Speed:** 30 feet ## As a Grimlock, you have these special traits. ***Resourceful.*** You gain Heroic Inspiration whenever you finish a long rest. ***Blind Senses.*** You gain Blindsight with a range of 30 feet. However, you are Blind beyond this radius. ***Keen Hearing and Smell.*** You gain proficiency in either the Investigation, Perception, or Survival skill. In addition, you have Advantage on all Investigation, Perception, and Survival checks that rely on hearing or smell. ***Stone Camouflage:*** You gain proficiency in the Stealth skill, and you have Advantage on any Stealth check you make while within rocky terrain. \columnbreak ### Taalif Taalif are the rarest amongst the Underdark lineages. They were once Orcs, but are now quite different from others of their species. Unlike other Orcs, they are supernaturally lithe and have extremely pale hair. In place of the primal stamina possessed by their kin, they have innate magical talents that allow them to alter the emotions and perceptions of others. In many settings, they were once enslaved by Mind Flayers, much like the Drow and Druegar. However, unlike the Drow and Dreugar, they have little in the way of large settlements, instead forming roving clans. #### Taalif Traits ## **Creature Type:** Humanoid. You are also considered to be an Orc for any effect or prerequisite that requires you to be an Orc. ## **Size:** Medium (about 6-7 feet tall) ## **Speed:** 30 feet ## As a Taalif, you have these special traits. ***Darkvision.*** You have Darkvision with a range of 120 feet. ***Relentless Endurance.*** When you are reduced to 0 Hit Points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 Hit Point instead. Once you use this trait, you can't do so again until you finish a Long Rest. ***Taalif Magic.*** When you reach character level 3, you learn the *Cause Fear* spell (XGtE). When you reach character level 5, you also learn the *Blindness/Deafness* spell. You always have these spells prepared. You can cast each spell once without a spell slot, and you regain the ability to cast these spells in this way when you finish a Long Rest. You can also cast these spells using any spell slots you have of the appropriate level. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for the spells you cast with this trait (choose the ability when you select the species).