Zook (Gnome)

 

  Zookfar the ancestral homeland of the Zooks is extremely arid, a region in which only the hardiest of crops survive and savannah trees provide only the barest of shade between the great canyons and mountains. Instead the Zooks rely on the exchange of their expertise in gemcraft, and the construction of magical focuses and trinkets. The Gnomish homeland once expanded out across the dry grassland valleys of the Stonepike’s East-facing slopes, but these slopes were the same that opened up into the deadlands and valleys filled with wild beastmen, giants and Drenarim raiding parties, in addition to being easily one of the most exposed races to the Scourge. Slowly these dangers have claimed each of the ancient Gnomish Cities, until only one remained. The Great Fortress City of Zookfindel, second perhaps only to the mighty Thorngate in the extent of its defences. Though Zookfindel remains resolute, the shattering of the Gnomish lands forced hundreds of thousands into exile. Some, the “Findelish” formed enclaves in the major cities of the world, while others “Calabani” instead took to the life of the exile.    

Findelish

Findel is the Zookish word for haven or town, and the Findelish Zooks have been shaped by the culture of the cities that they have made their homes, they are often regarded as highly urbane and well educated among the other races. Many of Tenembria’s greatest scholars both magical and mundane come from Findelish stock. Few physical differences exist between Findelish and Calabani gnomes but culturally their values couldn’t be more different. Where the Calabani value freedom and creativity, the Findelish value order and tradition. While both are prone to invention and discovery the Findelish innovate by careful deliberation and iteration, while the Calabani experiment freely and with reckless abandon. Still the two cultures cooperate well with one another, looking out for their mutual interests and the defence of their homeland. Outside of the Great Zookfindel. Enclaves of the Findelish are concentrated in the major cities of the world; Ferrohearth, Argenople, Ostiaport, Nevize and Fieranza all boast significant “gnomish quarters”. From which the Findelish operate their economy in gemcraft, tinkercraft and magical wares.  

Calabani

Calaban is the Gnomish word for wandering, and the Calabani logically are known for just that. The tradition of calaban, is far older than the people group it is now associated with, since at least the beginning of the First Empire, and before Zooks were known for travelling beyond their homelands on trade missions in great caravans and wagon trains. However, after the First Scourge and the subsequent scouring of Zookfar, these caravans swelled with the ranks of refugees and nomads chased from their homeland. Many of these refugees would eventually settle in the cities that would welcome them, however for many others the Calaban became a new family and home, a travelling nation. Part trade caravan, part travelling fair and part nomadic tribe, each Calabanel is like a moving town to itself. Every sort of good and service can be found among their wagons and tents. The arrival of a Calabanel in a region brings with it an opportunity for great fortune to local governors, but also much potential crisis, many thieves and rogues hide among the Calabani, smuggling goods and offering illicit services. Their enormous caravans put strain on local resources and on guards to police the often raucous smallfolk. Still they’re found and welcomed in much of the civilized world. What few towns that refuse or cheat a Calabanel do so at their peril, for they have a reputation of performing at times quite mean-spirited pranks upon those who refuse them. Though there are dozens or more smaller caravans and bands across Tenembria at present there are only four true calabanels across Tenembria, three are found in the south and only one in the north. They are as followed; the Umbaz; famed for their gem-crafting, the Tiko; the Great Northern Calabanel, The Rashiit; genius tinkerers and technologists known for their unique walking automaton wagons and the Katyal; the great showpeople and performers who attach sails to their wagons.