Paich

Paich is one of the three Gnomish Automaths responsible for the creation and Awakening of the Gnomish people on the First Day, along with Myala and Ofelim.   Paich is depicted as a bushy-haired Gnome of fluid gender, with hair and skin that changes color on a whim, a cheerful illusionist who, with their companions, issued forth from the Wondrous Mansion to create the Gnomes. According to the stories, Paich pranced among the flora and fauna of Yorth, delighting in what they saw, weaving illusions to enchant themselves with aspects of the nature they saw. Then, returning to their duties, replicated some of these features to create the illusory patterns used as blueprints of the first Gnomes.   Legend has it that, following Paich's patterns, Ofelim forged from the stones and metals of the land bodies so cunningly crafted that they followed Paich's plans exactly. Paich then intertwined the magick of nature itself into their bodies, so that the Gnomes would be made not only of the stones and metals of Yorth but also its living essence. Finally, Myala, using precise instruments and a variety of magicks of Transmutation, Conjuration and others, animated the Gnomes, completing their Awakening. This version of events is the story told throughout the Union, especially among the minority of Gnomes living there.   In Erewhon, the story is somewhat different: Paich, along with their companions, ushered the Gnomes from the Wondrous Mansion onto Yorth, and guided them in their new home, finally free from the machinations of the Archfey that created them. This version of events is considered blasphemous in the Union, though Paich themselves is not considered a Dissident and worship of them is not forbidden, so long as the first version of the Gnomish origin story is maintained. In addition to Gnomes living in the Union, Paich is often invoked by children at play, who envy Paich's mastery over tricks and illusions.   Paich often appears to Gnomes, especially to the Forest Gnomes who consider Paich their close kin and mentor, to aid them in their tricks, magick, adventures or other projects. The playfulness of Paich, and their continued presence in the lives of the Gnomes, is known to be a great influence on the lives of the Gnomish people.   Priests and clerics of Paich practice the domains of Life, Nature, Peace, Trickery, and the Grave.