Deros
Also known as: Dero, Detrimental Robots, Shaver Mystery Deros, Underground Deros, Dero Beings
Degenerate subterranean beings from the Shaver Mystery, allegedly remnants of an advanced ancient civilization that now torment surface humans using ancient machines.
Overview
The Deros are a central element of the Shaver Mystery, a fringe lore complex popularized by Richard Shaver in the 1940s and 1950s. According to Shaver, they are ‘Detrimental Robots’ (or degenerate humanoids) living in vast cavern systems beneath the Earth’s crust. They are said to be the corrupted descendants of a once-great ancient civilization (often linked to Atlantis or Lemuria) and are sustained by and misuse powerful ‘ancient machines’ left behind. These machines include telepathic projectors (telaug), ray weapons, and life-support technology. The Deros are described as malicious, tormenting surface humans with mental attacks, physical abductions, and psychological manipulation. The lore is widely regarded as highly speculative, blending pulp fiction, paranoid fantasies, and alleged personal experiences. No independent verification exists.
Identity Matrix
- Common Name
- Deros
- Singular Name
- Dero
- Plural Name
- Deros
- Alternative Names
- Dero, Detrimental Robots, Shaver Mystery Deros, Underground Deros, Dero Beings
- Origin Star System
- Earth (Sol system)
- Origin Star
- Unknown (Earth-based origin claimed)
- Homeworld
- Earth (subterranean)
- Constellation
- None (Earth-based)
- Distance from Earth
- 0 (subterranean Earth)
- Civilization Type
- Degenerate remnant of ancient surface civilization
- Average Height
- 4–5 feet (approx. 1.2–1.5 m)
- Density Range
- 3rd density (physical)
- Primary Role
- Antagonistic/negative interaction with surface humans
- Primary Traits
- Malicious, Deceptive, Technologically dependent, Degenerate (physical and mental), Sadistic, Reclusive
- Known Abilities
- Telepathic manipulation, Use of ancient technology (ray guns, mind-control projectors, matter transmutation), Invisibility (via technology), Abduction and psychological torment of surface humans, Ability to travel through underground tunnel systems
- Technology Level
- Extremely advanced in specific areas (ancient 'cavern-tech'), but stagnant and decaying. Their technology is not independently developed but inherited and misused.
- Spiritual Orientation
- None; they are portrayed as materialistic and profane, without any recognizable spiritual belief system.
- Federation Status
- Unknown
- Earth Relationship
- Hostile, covert
- First Contact Period
- 1945 (publication of Richard Shaver's first article 'I Remember Lemuria' in *Amazing Stories*), though Shaver claimed earlier personal experiences.
- Known Representatives
- Richard Shaver (claimed personal contact and author of the Shaver Mystery)
Origins
- Homeworld
- Earth (subterranean)
- Star System
- Unknown (Earth-based origin claimed)
- Coordinates
- N/A
- Distance from Earth
- 0 (subterranean Earth)
The Deros supposedly inhabit a vast network of caverns deep beneath the Earth's surface, sometimes referred to as 'the caves' or 'the underworld.' These caverns are said to be relics of an ancient civilization that once flourished on the surface or in a now-lost continent.
Migration History
No migration; they are considered native to Earth's subterranean realms, having descended from an ancient surface or inner-Earth civilization (e.g., Atlanteans) that retreated underground.
Origin Star Map
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Physiology
- Average Height
- 4–5 feet (approx. 1.2–1.5 m)
- Lifespan
- Unknown, though speculated to be hundreds of years due to the life-sustaining ancient machines.
- Density
- 3rd density (physical)
Described as humanoid but with a degenerate, grotesque appearance: large, oversized heads, protruding eyes, thin limbs, pale or grayish skin, and a generally unhealthy or deformed physique. Some accounts mention a hunched posture and an overall unsettling, 'cave-dweller' look.
Energetic Traits
No documented energetic or metaphysical traits beyond the claimed telepathic and technological abilities attributed to them.
Hybridization Notes
No known hybridization programs; Shaver's narratives occasionally mention cross-breeding with surface humans under duress, but this is purely speculative and without credible sources.
Relationship Graph
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- Species
- Origin Systems & Homeworlds
- Councils & Factions
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Culture
Known Abilities
Dero society is depicted as a brutal, hierarchical dystopia where the strongest and most cruel dominate. They are said to lack any spiritual or moral code, instead reveling in the suffering of surface dwellers. Their culture is entirely parasitic on the ancient technological infrastructure left by the 'Teros' (a related beneficial faction).
Spiritual Orientation
None; they are portrayed as materialistic and profane, without any recognizable spiritual belief system.
Communication Style
Telepathic (via 'telaug' devices) and possibly a degraded version of an ancient language.
Technology
Level: Extremely advanced in specific areas (ancient 'cavern-tech'), but stagnant and decaying. Their technology is not independently developed but inherited and misused.
The Deros are said to possess ancient machines that can project thoughts, manipulate matter, produce holograms, transmute elements, and generate 'death rays.' They also maintain life-support systems and flying craft (often linked to UFO sightings). However, they cannot create new technology and merely operate these relics.
Earth Connection
Intimately connected to Earth, inhabiting its deep crust and interacting negatively with surface humanity. They are alleged to cause many unexplained phenomena (missing persons, poltergeists, UFO sightings).
Ancient Contact
The Deros are considered the degenerate descendants of an ancient surface civilization (often equated with Atlantis or the pre-flood world). Their ancestors were said to have fled underground eons ago.
Modern Contact
Primarily documented in the Shaver Mystery stories published in *Amazing Stories* (1940s–50s) and subsequent fringe literature. A few isolated claims of underground contacts have been made, but none verifiable.
Channeled Material
No widely recognized channeled works; the Shaver material was presented as personal testimony and 'discovery,' not channeling.
Mythology & Lore
Loosely parallels folklore about gnomes, trolls, and other subterranean creatures. Some UFOlogists later linked Deros to the 'Men in Black' or 'Hollow Earth' theories.
Starseed Notes
Not typically associated with starseed or extraterrestrial spiritual lore; Deros are considered terrestrially bound beings.
First Contact Period: 1945 (publication of Richard Shaver's first article 'I Remember Lemuria' in *Amazing Stories*), though Shaver claimed earlier personal experiences.
Federation Relationship
- Status
- Unknown
- Known Representatives
- Richard Shaver (claimed personal contact and author of the Shaver Mystery)
No organized political body beyond loose tribal or hive-mind-like structures. The Deros are often described as acting under a leader or using mind-control to enforce cohesion.
Gallery
Source Notes
Primary source: The Shaver Mystery, published in *Amazing Stories* under editor Ray Palmer. Key articles: 'I Remember Lemuria' (1945), 'The Shaver Mystery' series. Secondary fringe works: *The White Sands Incident* (Dr. Daniel Fry) and *The Secret World of the Deros* (various). Academic skepticism deems it a hoax or psychological projection.