Gnomes
The ingenious inventors
With the many worlds of the Material realm came many different versions of both the Feywild and Shadowfell. In one such Feywild lived the gnomes – a small, curious and industrious people, who soon went out to explore their adjoined material plane. Little did they know that this would lead them to end up living together with the humans and the halflings. Using their knowledge and skill, they promoted constant innovation in the fields of both magic and technology of their world, which eventually dragged them into a war fought over deities they did not worship and causes they did not champion. This war drafted entire families and pit gnome against gnome, all until they too were forced to flee into a new, uncertain future, as their world ended.
Now they’re a race that took refuge and started anew in another, for them third, world. Gnomes value ingenuity, cleverness, good humour and drive more than anything. They often look for new ways to approach any matter, and ways to improve or invent something new – be it in magic, tinkering, mundane life, combat, or anything else. They take great joy from life and their work, which is often one and the same to a gnome. Optimistic beyond measure, it is difficult to find a gnome whose outlook on life isn’t “glass half full”, no matter their predicament.
Over time, gnomes have splintered into four distinct branches. The Coillte have moved into the woodland realms of the elves, keen to recapture their Feywild origins and adopting much of elven customs and culture. Similarly, the Bogcrea burrowed into hills and mountains, often joining forces with the dwarves and propelling technological advancement in tandem. The Dorchea went deeper still, through curiosity and sense of purpose finding themselves in the deep places of the Underworld. Finally, the Baile remained the most independent of the gnome people. They have moved to or established cities, spurred blistering technological and magical research, but were also the only ones that remained true to their ancient religion and culture that they brought from the Feywild all those millennia ago. To many, these gnomes represent the duality that their race is capable of – both bleeding edge curiosity and optimism, tempered with primaeval and spiritual circumspection.
by Paolo Giandoso
Basic Information
Anatomy
Gnomes are a small people of usually slight build. They don't have a tendency for muscularity or girth, though exceptions do exist. Their features are usually sharp and angular. Skin colours vary from very pale to ruddy to bark-brown. Their hair colours greatly vary, from various muted shades of green and blue to more mundane colours like browns, blonds, greys or gingers or reds.
Genetics and Reproduction
Gnomish lifestyle and culture foster driven, goal-oriented people, and producing and raising a family is often an afterthought for many. Still, many do produce several offspring over their long lives. Gnome females remain pregnant for around 10 months before carrying a child to term.
Growth Rate & Stages
Gnomes grow to maturity in about 20 years, when they become culturally considered adults as well.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
by Linda Lithen
Gnomes have sharp, angular features, usually with shallow cheeks. Their ears are large and slightly pointed. With sharp straight hair, they favour wild and bold hairstyles. Males tend to do similar with their facial hair as well, be that moustaches, beards, goatees. or anything else for that matter.
Average Intelligence
Gnomes tend to be naturally quick and intelligent, sharp of wit and thought. They prize cognitive ability and reinforce the pursuit of curiosity and advancement, which in turn allows the race to thrive at the forefront of advancement among the civilized races.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Originating from a Feywild, gnomes are uncannily accustomed to twilit conditions, a trait they have maintained over the centuries. Gnomes are a very perceptive race, and their hearing and sense of smell are both very keen as well.
by Alejandro García
Genetic Descendants
Lifespan
Average lifespan for gnomes is around 400 years.
Average Height
The average height for gnomes is between 90-130 cm (2'9"-4'2" ft), with no difference between sexes.
Average Weight
Slight of build, the average weight for gnomes is between 25-35 kg (55-75 pounds), with no difference between sexes.
Average Physique
Gnomes are short and slight of build. They are often slender, making them seem like their head is disproportionate to their body, though not overtly so.
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