Sirbib's Spire

The ambassador from the Silver City crossed his arms in annoyance.

"Once again, in Common, please!" He harrumphed.

The little gnome stared up at the human and shifted the large working goggles to his forehead so he could better see the tall figure.

"Well..." He started, stroking his chin beard thoughtfully. "The quotient we were trying to reach didn't meet the expected amount, so we had to increase the amount of power we were diverting from the electrical storage devices. Once we managed to stabilize the increased energy output, we could then work on getting it to a usable size for our kitchens, and...."

"Wait.. wait!" The human interrupted. "What does this have to do with the upgrades to the cannons at the capital?"

"Oh." The gnome shrugged. "Nothing, but it led to a new meal. We call it toast! Would you like some?"

The ambassador turned the most unique shade of red.

The gnomes showed up on a day nearly 400 years after the founding of The Rothan Empire , at first they were met as hostile invaders, but it only took the gnomes showing some of their marvelous technologies and the willingness to share it for the Silver Empire to quickly change its tune.

100 years later, the gnomes had constructed a massive spire reaching into the sky from a large pit on the western reaches of the Great (and Glorious) plains. The spire houses the whole of the gnomish population (besides those who choose to live within the Silver City or surrounding areas) and is the hub of technological expansion for the whole of Centarum.
The name of the spire is a dedication to the gnome who headed the design of it. Sirbib sadly didn't see the completion of his design as he was crushed by an experimental flying device to be used to carry materials to the higher levels of the spire.

It is in no small part thanks to the gnomes that the Rothan Empire was able to defeat the dragonborn and their ilk in the wars that followed. As well as keeping the peace with Altaran with the promise of exchanged technologies.

Gnomish Culture

Nobility - Having come from slavery in the hands of the Dragonborn, the gnomes of Sirbib's Spire scoff at the idea nobility as a whole. Much to the chagrin of the Silver City, all gnomes carry similar weight within the spire and the only distinction is made through the election of a Head Tinkerer, of which Gerdub Tinwhistle has been elected 17 times with varying other Head Tinkerers throughout the years.

Travel- Travel within the spire takes place through great walkways, mechanical lifts that spew steam, and adapted minecarts on electrically (and magically) charged railways.

Outside of the city, gnomes usually prefer to travel with carts pulled by mechanical horses or other constructs, though this is usually reserved for official visits, while a solitaire or family of gnomes may just ride ponies.

Technology- The gnomes are the center for technological advancement in Anterram. Constantly pushed the boundaries of magic and technology, they have developed steam technology along with clockwork. Black powder weaponry exists solely due to their diligence and even great flying machines powered with a combination of magical crystals and steam power can be seen hovering near the docks on the spire.

Arts- Art to the gnomes is invention. A painting may catch their eye, but a good solid steam engine will capture their hearts.

Religion- Most gnomes don't have the time or attention to devote to following a religion, but those who do usually follow Technos, The Machine God .

Hobbies/Leisure - Gnomes love to have building competitions, but will also take more mundane sports of the Rothan empire and.. modify them. To exciting results.

Structure

Lead by the Head Tinkerer, Gerdub Tinwhistle and under the protection of The Rothan Empire

History

300 AGW - 900 AGW - Gnomes enslaved and used as slave laborers and technologists within the Craglands and the various Dragonborn factions.

900 AGW - Gerdub Tinwhistle leads a revolt and escapes with hundreds of gnomes through the Shifting Woods into the Rothan Empire.

1000 AGW - Sirbib's Spire construction "Completed"

Demography and Population

Sirbib's Spire is made nearly entirely up of gnomes. There are many humans, halflings, dwarves, and even a few elves who take up residency in the spire to learn the gnomish trade and their ways with emerging technology.

Type

Geopolitical, City-state

Alternative Names

The Gnomish Enclave

Parent Organization

The Rothan Empire