Gnome

When the Mother Tree was first planted in Dalazar by the Everknot, she bore gifts of life and creation throughout Vardanta. Her branches became the mighty forests and jungles of Aedelor, and her limbs bloomed with flowers of a million colors. The forces of Nihil, Meija, and Naraka, jealous of Artellan's foothold in Aedelor, conspired to destroy Aya and her branches. As her branches shook and cracked from the assault, the flowers of her creation bore new life, and from them came the gnomes.  They bear some resemblance to halflings in stature, but possess vibrant and ornate colors, and are often considered mystical and magical in their height and proportions. Their demeanor is that of joy and undying loyalty, making them some of the most trustworthy and protective people in all of Aedelor. Gnomes first appeared in Aedelor c. 4509 BDC and were created by the blooming of Aya's flowers, gifts from the great Mother Tree herself. They stand between 1½' — 2½' and live up to 300 years. Gnomes are usually Antillian, Arazi, Dalian, or Dalish.
They are known for their short stature, innate connection to divine magic, green thumbs, and mystical wisdom. Their protective nature of nature is unmatched, and often gets them into conflict with more developed regions of Aedelor.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Most gnomes stand just under 3 feet in height and weigh little more than a human child. They exhibit a wide range of natural skin, hair, and eye colors. For gnomes that haven't begun to wilt, nearly any hair and eye color other than white is possible, with vibrant colors most frequent, while skin tones span a slightly narrower spectrum and tend toward earthy tones and pinkish hues, though occasionally green, black, or pale blue.

Growth Rate & Stages

Gnomes typically reach physical maturity at the age of 18, though many gnomes maintain a childlike curiosity about the world even into adulthood. A gnome can theoretically live to any age if they can delay the wilting, although few reach past the age of 300 years. Gnomees retain their bright and vibrant colors so long as they remain connected to the natural flow of Aya's influence on Aedelor.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Gnome names typically reflect their deep connection to their heritage and the Mother Tree, whose flowers are deified within their culture. Most Gnomes have a given name and a family name, often chosen to honor their roots in the blossoms of the Mother Tree. They may also adopt a nickname, either given by others or chosen for themselves. The true name of Gnomes often stem from their color and personalities, with names reflecting the native flora of their homes being used to honor Aya. A Gnome's connection to their birth flower is a deeply special one, and honoring them with a bouqet of their own namesake is seen as a preious gift.

Roots remember where fleeting petals forget. — Brimble Petalwhisk

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Gnomes are protective of the natural world, and place a high value on the flora and fauna of Aedelor. Their sense of community comes from the connection they share with Aya, with family units often being referred to as "groves". They often take root in areas of immense vegetation and growth, although some choose to cultivate barren regions to reinvigorate the spirit of the Mother Tree through the gift of regrowth.