Duergar

The gray dwarves, or duergar, live deep in the Underdark. They often have ashen gray skin, a grim disposition, a unique fortitude, and psionic ability. They have the typical dwarven appreciation for order, tradition, and impeccable craftsmanship, but their goods are purely utilitarian, disdaining aesthetic or artistic value.

Duergar descended from the same bloodline as Shield Dwarves. Eons ago, Clan Duergar were driven mad by the influence of a mind flayer colony, who goaded them into delving deep into the bowels of the world, deeper than any dwarf had gone. There they were enslaved for millenia. The Duergar suffered unimaginable torment, psionic and chemical experimentation which changed their physiology. These grim, ashen-skinned dwarves eventually won their freedom, but were too far gone. They were rejected by their former kin and by the god of dwarves, Moradin. The Duergar returned to the Underdark as their own people to forge their own way, one which became as tyrannical as their former masters. Duergar value toil above all else. Showing emotions other than grim determination or wrath is frowned on in their culture, but they can sometimes seem joyful when at work.

§ Interactions
15 Skraggle here. Still alive. I guess that's obvious. Writing on 2nd Nightal. Things are moving. More goblins coming from the hills. More orcs too. Even the duergar—grumpy grumpy duergar, always whispering, always plotting. I see new weapons, new armor. Not scavenged junk or Blackiron Blades—real stuff. Not enough yet. Many goblins still have only sharp sticks or blackiron swords. Invasion is coming. But not yet. Not today. Would bet two fingers that invasion is NOT coming this week. Ain't moving like an army yet. Goblins fight over who will get loot. Orcs fight over leaders. Duergar fight over everything. Ain’t ready to march. No big horn, no one banner—just a lot of little fists, waiting to punch all at once. Duergar waiting for something. Won't say. Skraggle keeps watching. Skraggle keeps listening. Skraggle stays useful. You keep me alive, yes? —Skraggle P.S. If you send smoked trout, Skraggle spies even harder. P.P.S. I have included a crude drawing of a deep gnome female for you.
13 Crew explored and looted remainder of Duergar outpost, including recovery of items stolen from Caer Konig. List below.
13 Crew discovered and defeated Duergar spore servants.
11 The Crew met with Garn the Hammer at Nimsy's House. Suggested they head to Caer Konig to learn more about the Duergar threat. He agreed to make some half-plate armor, a shortsword, and some claws, and offered an additional discount up to 50% on his special stock.
11 The Crew rented some dogs and a sled and hired Jartha Farzassh as a guide to track the Duergar. They followed tracks into a blizzard and found some kobolds taking shelter in an igloo. Hot-headed Bragnar started a fight and the Crew ended up slaughtering the kobolds.
10 When midnight came, an invisible Duergar used the distraction to try to poison Garn the Hammer. Bragnar noticed something amiss and a battle ensued. The Duergar enlarged and threatened that the Crew didn't even know how many invisible Duergar might be out there. Skynor Vokototh threw a plate like a frisbee and landed a critical hit on one of the Duergar. Unfortunately, despite brilliant use of magic and a bat familiar to spot the invisible menace, one Duergar escaped and none were captured.