Kanik Gnomes

Some records seem to suggest that the Kanik gnomes were known even in the days of the Aoleirian Empire, and that trading missions between its colonies and the distant gnomish cities were commonplace. They fell again into obscurity during the period after the First Empire's collapse, however records show that the Greatwood Empire also sent trading missions into the gnomish cities, merchant ships leaving the western city of Feria and the Jarnish city of Jirna, before arriving in the port city of Nek Tharad. This is generally accepted to be the source of the Sea of Toys moniker.
This practice died out once again after the collapse of the Greatwood Empire, however, by the time of the Empire of Nara Tok, the ancient trade routes had been rediscovered and gnomish gadgets became an obsession for the growing merchant and noble classes. This phenomenon would later be known as the Gnomish Luxury Trades. The forest city of Lak Fip also entered into the mainstream after the discovery of the Hahgi, Bukwit fireworks becoming popular among the rich.
The Kanik gnomes are broadly similar to their cousins in the Nara peninsula, the now-lost gnomes of Nara Tok and the fisher-gnomes of Grunda Bok. They are known for their longevity, pointed ears, short height and oddness. However, they are also renowned for their magical prowess, gnomes making up a disproportionate number of Circle mages, unlike the gnomes of Grunda Bok. Their skin is also generally a little darker, though this is not particularly noticeable. The Kanik gnomes also speak a dialect of the ancient Gnomish language, which has been all but lost in the rest of the world.
The western Bukwit is home to the forest gnomes of Lak Fip. The denizens of the woodland exhibit almond-shaped eyes and a sharper point on each of their ears than their rock gnomish cousins. The city is famed for its theatre and culture: plays, concerts, art showings and fireworks shows being near constant sources of excitement. The forest gnomes are also known for their love of mischief, though this mischief is almost always intended to be harmless. The citizens of Lak Fip are known to be serious about one thing alone - their god, the white dragon Gnebik. The exact relationship between Gnebik and the gnomes defies comprehension by outsiders, but it is clear that Gnebik offers the city some measure of protection (see Anousias' Folly in the Goblin Crusades), in return for their safekeeping of the Hoard, Gnebik's collection of treasures and artefacts. Gnebik also plays a key role in the city's government, though in a very unusual manner. Every year, a dozen gnomes, chosen by popular vote, are sent to the Frostpeak Mountain, where Gnebik makes her home, and every year one of these is chosen, or 'sacrificed'. The sacrificial victim must then play the role of leader for the remainder of the year, devoting themselves to the city's prosperity. None know where this strange practice originated, but it seems to be somewhat successful.
North of the Broken Spires lies the exclave city of Nek Tharad, home to the rock gnomes of Kanik. They can be distinguished by their rounder eyes and slightly smaller ears, as well as their full, bushy beards and sideburns. Rock gnome culture paints quite a contrast to that of the forest gnomes. They are highly isolationist, cordoning off an entire sector of their city for foreign traders, and allowing none to leave this area. Indeed, their habitual secrecy played a large part in the lack of knowledge of the Hahgi for many years. Their temperament is generally reserved and jokes or japes or unheard of. One of the most common pastimes in Nek Tharad is engaging in lively, and usually lengthy, debates. The rock gnomes are also renowned for their skills with artifice, and, indeed, their fascination with tinkering. The popularity of their strange devices and gadgets among the wealthy was the centre of a large trading movement, the Gnomish Luxury Trades. Rock gnome government echoes their obsession with debate and discourse - every issue is decided by a grand council of the eldest residents of the city. A similar practice is used in colleges of the Circle of the Vine, inspired by the rock gnomes. Rock gnomish theology varies wildly, often unique to the individual. Their city includes shrines to nearly every god in existence, and a few more besides.
While traditionally the Kanik gnomes have enjoyed good relations with their Hahgi neighbours, these relations were recently soured by the Bukwitter's betrayal of the Hahgiahk during General Vraidan Ffandor's campaign in the south. While trade continues, an element of distrust has grown for Bukwit gnomes among the other denizens of Kanik.