Gnome - Rock

Rock Gnomes, Ashbourne Tinkerers, Forge Gnomes, Ashen Crafters
Rock Gnomes, known for their ingenious craftsmanship, are a highly inventive subspecies of gnome. Their primary settlement, Ashbourne, is nestled within the volcanic region of Ashen Peak, where they have honed their crafts for centuries, developing technology and machinery unique to their culture.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Rock Gnomes are compact, with sturdy frames well-suited to withstand the intense environment of Ashen Peak. They average between 3 and 4 feet in height and possess remarkable dexterity, capable of intricate, rapid hand movements ideal for their work with tools and machinery. Their fingers are proportionally longer and more agile than those of humans, aiding their mechanical precision. Rock Gnomes tend to have round, expressive faces with bright, intelligent eyes that come in shades ranging from vibrant green to dark blue. Their bodies are built for endurance rather than brute strength, reflecting a physique that allows them to endure long hours in heated workshops. Their skin tone is often pale to olive, reflecting some protection against ash and soot exposure, with hair that can be surprisingly vibrant, often in shades of red, brown, or dark gray.

Genetics and Reproduction

Rock Gnomes reproduce similarly to humans but have a longer gestation period of 13 months, resulting in smaller, slower-growing young who require more extensive care. They share a unique trait among gnomes—a high predisposition for technical skills that seems almost innate. Inherited traits include intelligence, dexterity, and a natural affinity for tinkering. Rock Gnomes tend to live in extended family units, and it is common for parents to train children in various crafts from a young age.

Behaviour

Naturally curious, Rock Gnomes are drawn to problem-solving and discovery. They thrive on the constant challenges posed by their surroundings, and their culture celebrates intellectual achievements above all else. Many Rock Gnomes display a blend of caution and impulsivity: they carefully plan, test, and experiment but also aren’t afraid to take risks to learn something new. The gnomes’ humor and optimism make them resilient, allowing them to persevere even through failed experiments and hazardous situations.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

Highly intelligent, averaging 14–18 on an academic scale

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

With keen eyesight adapted to low light, Rock Gnomes can see clearly in dim conditions, such as underground tunnels or the interior of their smoke-filled workshops. Their hearing is highly sensitive, capable of detecting even minor changes in pitch and rhythm—a skill particularly useful in mechanical and alchemical experimentation. Rock Gnomes also possess an extraordinary sense of spatial awareness, allowing them to work comfortably in cluttered, confined spaces filled with machinery. This awareness often extends to an intuitive grasp of machinery, giving them an almost "sixth sense" when it comes to devices.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Rock Gnome names are often derived from their family trades, inventions, or ancestral achievements. Their full names can be quite lengthy, with formal titles like "Fizzlegem the Gasket Tamer" or "Whirltorque of the Ashbourne Forge." First names are short and typically reflect a characteristic valued by their family.

Beauty Ideals

Rock Gnomes admire functional attire and practical tools as much as they do physical beauty. A gnome’s hands are seen as particularly attractive when showing signs of work—small scars, nimble fingers, and calloused palms are desirable traits. Unique or unusually colored hair is also appreciated, with some gnomes dyeing their hair to stand out.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship is often initiated through collaborative projects. Gnomes may invite someone they admire to work on a piece of machinery or a gadget together, using shared achievements as a way to bond. It’s common to present a functional, handcrafted item as a token of affection.

Relationship Ideals

Rock Gnomes value loyalty and curiosity in relationships. Partners are encouraged to explore their interests, and it’s customary for couples to spend time apart working on individual projects, sharing ideas and innovations upon reuniting. Rock Gnome families are close-knit, and extended family plays an active role in rearing children and maintaining traditions.

Common Etiquette Rules

Politeness in Rock Gnome society is shown through attentiveness and constructive feedback, especially when evaluating each other’s creations. Gnomes are direct yet supportive in their communication, avoiding rudeness by reframing criticism as encouragement.

Common Dress Code

Their clothing is functional, with layers of heat-resistant materials that can withstand Ashbourne's volcanic environment. Utility belts, toolkits, and reinforced gloves are common, as are protective goggles and soot-covered aprons. Colors are muted, with grays and dark browns dominating, though bright scarves or small accessories are sometimes added for personal flair.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Rock Gnomes in Ashbourne uphold a culture of craftsmanship, ingenuity, and invention. They are respected across Astrium for their alchemical advances and mechanical devices, and their city is a popular destination for traders and scholars alike. Many Rock Gnomes pursue lifelong studies and apprenticeships under renowned inventors, passing down knowledge that traces back to their city’s founder, Thistlebright Fizzlegem.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Rock Gnomes celebrate Sparks of Ingenuity, a festival honoring Thistlebright’s founding of Ashbourne. They compete in challenges to build the most creative inventions in limited time. Another custom, The Tempering, is a coming-of-age tradition where young gnomes must craft a functional device under strict conditions, signifying their readiness to contribute to the city.

Common Taboos

Unnecessary destruction of machinery is strongly taboo. Rock Gnomes respect every invention, even failures, and view needless wreckage as both a waste and an insult to the inventor. Similarly, secrecy is frowned upon, as they value shared knowledge and community improvement.

Common Myths and Legends

A well-known legend in Ashbourne tells of The Great Emberclock, a mythical device said to control the flow of lava within Ashen Peak. According to legend, Thistlebright Fizzlegem crafted it with rare metals and enchanted gemstones, allowing the city to exist harmoniously with the volcano. Some believe that only one worthy of the title “Ashbourne’s Flame” can activate the Emberclock, and it is fabled to prevent the volcano from erupting in times of great peril.

Scientific Name

Sapientia Fabricis Ingenii

Lifespan

350 - known to reach 500 years

Average Height

3-4 feet

Average Weight

35-50 pounds

Average Physique

Slender but hardy, with an endurance-focused build.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Skin tones range from pale to olive, with darker freckles and ash-colored markings common in older generations. Their hair varies from red, brown, to gray, often naturally dulled by soot.