Lithication

Though the lifespan of Gnomes far exceeds our own, they do not live forever. Old age takes its toll on them just as it does us, and in fact causes a particularly notable change in very old Gnomes. It begins with their fur turning grey, and shortly afterwards, by Gnome reckoning at least, their skin and claws follow suit. The grey skin and fur grows harder, eventually forming into a layer of stone. This lithication process does not happen evenly across their whole body, and the Gnome usually dies before the process is complete, but the result is a statue that was once a living creature. The Gnomes preserve these statues, and in fact they are an important part of their history. To damage a lithic Gnome is a grave crime against their kind, and to carve a likeness of one is seen as an insult to their memory.

Causes

The fact that Gnomes have a magical affinity with the deep earth is the most likely reason that they turn to stone in old age. Even the Gnomes, with their love of history, have no recollection of a time when lithication did not occur, so it is generally concluded that it is a natural part of their life cycle and has always been so.

Cultural Reception

Lithic Gnomes are an important part of Gnomish history-keeping, and most families keep crypts where their deceased ancestors are kept, functioning as a record of lineage as well as the notable works or deeds of those ancestors. Particularly famous Gnomes may be found near locations that were important in their lives; for example, Shwrin tells me that a great-uncle of his stands in an alcove next to the doorway of the master jewellers that said great-uncle founded, along with the co-founder on the opposite side. Perhaps this is the reason why Gnomes abhor conflict, since those who die in battle are unable to become such a permanent part of the world, no matter what their achievements may be.

Type

Genetic

Origin

Natural

Affected Species

• Gnome