Curseborn/Runechild

Runechild, or Curseborn as the dwarves know them, are indistinguishable from their more normal kin up until a certain age. Then, as if overnight, they gain strange features, and an aura that leaves any dwarf unnerved. They may gain any number of physical afflictions, or as few as one, why this happens is not understood. Regardless of how, they start to appear more fishlike, with bulging eyes, slimy skin, sharp teeth, wider mouths, and flatter faces. Some even grow gills, extra appendages, tentacles, or scaly flesh. Unique variants exist, but are rare, with the majority of afflicted gaining only very minor changes such as slimy skin and sharper teeth. These individuals are expunged from any clan, or family, and usually killed though at the bare minimum they are banned from ever starting a family, and any future marriage proposals are prematurely revoked. Though they do sometimes gain strange powers, they also find themselves unable to understand or connect with other dwarves, preferring the company of their own kind in complete darkness. Notable Curseborn is the Great Shark, a gang leader, and rumored shadow lord of the Flintfinger Clan.