Dregnir

The dregnir are a fictional humanoid race commonly encountered in fantasy literature, role-playing games, and related media. They are typically depicted as subterranean dwellers with a wary attitude toward daylight and a talent for stealth. The name's origins vary by work; in-world lore sometimes traces it to an ancient underground dialect, while other sources treat it as a constructed term with no single canonical etymology.

Physically the dregnir are often shown as tall and gaunt, with ashen or gray skin, large reflective eyes adapted to dim light, and elongated fingers suited to delicate work. They are generally described as having high endurance, capable of moving quietly through confined spaces. They are typically portrayed as nocturnal and highly aware of their surroundings, with a tendency toward terse, ritual speech.

Habitat and ecology place the dregnir in cave networks, abandoned mines, or ruined urban complexes. They are commonly depicted as opportunistic foragers, feeding on fungi, mineral-rich roots, and small fauna; some populations are said to harbor a symbiotic relationship with cave-dwelling organisms. Their architecture frequently includes subterranean corridors, simple dwellings carved from rock, and bone or stone decorations that reflect a long-standing cultural memory of the underground world.

Society and culture describe a clan- or coven-based social structure, regulated by elder councils or chieftains. Dregnir craft crude tools and basic metalwork, construct subterranean passageways, and practice ritual bone or stone carvings. They are typically portrayed as secretive, cautious, and highly territorial, with strong traditions of ritual restraint and self-preservation.

In fiction, depictions of the dregnir vary. They frequently function as antagonists or obstacles for protagonists, though some narratives present them as ambivalent or cooperative actors within broader political systems.