The Peerless Engineers, Gnomes

Basic Information

Anatomy

Gnomes are small humanoid race.

Genetics and Reproduction

Gnomes reproduce like most other humanoid races. They have an 11 month gestation period and give live birth.

Growth Rate & Stages

Gnomes mature at the same rate as humans, and usually settle into an adult life style by the age of 40. However, a Gnome life lasts usually much longer. They spend most of their adult lives exploring different crafts or deepening their knowledge of a particular subject.

Ecology and Habitats

Gnomish communities are usually built in underground cave systems. However, they do not shy away from building on the surface either.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Structure and order are important to gnomish communities. A natural bureaucracy forms between gnomes when left to their own devices. Expert scholars take on apprentices who are beholden to their masters. Fellowships between scholars create collages of study, and magistrates are chosen to delegate resources to those various studies fairly. Status is gained by consistently showing that your work is viable for use. Innovators are greatly prized, and as such experimentation is the fastest way to demonstrate worth.

Facial characteristics

Gnomish faces are characterized by their wild hair and pointed ears. Gnomish men tend to have larger noses than women. While their hair is usually untamed, the beards of male gnomes are meticulously groomed and shaped into fanciful designs.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The vast majority of the gnomish population resides in Zitor. However, gnomes can be found in any of the major cities as well.

Average Intelligence

Gnomes boast a superior average intellect than all other races.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Since Gnomes are accustomed to living under ground, they have superior vision in the dark.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Gnomes take great pride in their several names. Names are granted by parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends, or even humorous events. And while gnomes will use nearly all of their names at any given moment, for brevity’s sake, they will often limit themselves to a few names when dealing with other races.

Average Technological Level

An age of technological experimentation has been brought about by the Gnomes of Zitor. They have been behind the optimization of every technology brought forth by the people of Dimfell. The Dwarves of Ossiroth created the first blasting powders, but the Gnomes refined the process with the black sands of Zitor. The Dragonborn discovered the airships, but gnomes have been behind the study to see how they are kept aloft. Magical armaments such as the “Bursters” were created through much trial and error. Steam power for machines was invented by the gnomes. The gnomes are the only people that are capable of doing even the slightest repairs on Mechanus, and the gnomish studies of them have allowed for the advent of very advanced prosthetics.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Gnomish and Common

Common Taboos

The theft of intellectual property is a grievous taboo among the gnomes. So much of their lives is spent studying, they often become suspicious of others trying to steal their work. It is expected that the other races will try to steal ideas, but a gnome caught for this offense is readily exiled from the community.

History

Gnomes have a very rich history of experimentation and exploration. The caverns of Zitor were rediscovered by gnomes. This metal city beneath the ground was home to tools, and mysterious mechanical marvels. Here, the gnomes set to work learning what they could from what was left behind. Ever since, they have continued to study and innovate.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Gnomes view the other races as welcome compatriots, but none so much as the Dwarves and Mechanus. The other races see the gnomes as excitable like Humans, but their good nature is often endearing. Inventors are always treated with a bit of caution, for a single success might be fraught with many glorious failures.

Scientific Name

Gnome

Origin/Ancestry

Humanoid

Lifespan

350-500 years

Average Height

3’-3’5”

Average Weight

40-45lbs.

Average Physique

Gnomes are a small race, and as such have difficulty wielding large weapons. Their short stature also makes it difficult to keep pace with the taller races.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Gnomes are usually fair skinned due to much time spent underground, and away from sunlight.