Masters of the world's hidden heat, Pyrodurans are small, vibrant survivors from the deepest volcanic veins. They possess skin that burns at a touch and a supernatural connection to the cooling crust of the earth. Choosing a Pyroduran means playing a creature that is as slippery as it is dangerous, capable of navigating vertical cavern walls and punishing any enemy foolish enough to strike them in close quarters.

A Pyroduran resembles a bipedal salamander with a sturdy, low-slung frame and four-fingered hands suited for climbing. Their skin is sleek and moist, typically jet-black with undulating patterns of magma-orange, neon-yellow, or deep crimson. Feathery external gills pulse at the sides of their necks, glowing softly with internal heat. They have large, golden eyes with vertical pupils that allow them to see in total darkness, and long, tapering tails that provide balance while moving across treacherous igneous rock.

Pyroduran society is organized into circles called Heaths, which are centered around a specific geothermal source. They are masterful glassblowers and smiths, using the natural heat of the earth to craft delicate yet incredibly strong artifacts. They value conservation of energy and communal warmth, viewing the surface world as a cold, wasteful place. Art and song are important, often involving low-frequency rhythmic thumping that echoes through the stone, acting as a form of long-distance communication.

Most Pyrodurans follow the path of Neutrality, viewing the world as a balance between the volatile fire of the core and the still stone of the crust. They rarely worship gods of the sun, instead venerating primordial spirits of the forge and the deep earth. Some rogue Heaths lean toward Chaos, seeing the unpredictable nature of lava flows as the ultimate expression of freedom.

Their homes are carved directly into the walls of volcanic tubes. Architecture is circular, featuring many-tiered platforms that allow them to utilize their climbing skills. Living spaces are often flooded with a few inches of mineral-rich thermal water to keep their skin moist. Forges are integrated into the living areas, ensuring that no scrap of heat is ever lost.

They are wary of surface dwellers, particularly those who live in snowy or arctic climates, whom they view with a mix of pity and suspicion. They have a long-standing trade relationship with Deep Elves and certain smith-focused mountain folk, exchanging high-quality volcanic glass for metals and textiles they cannot find in the deeps.