Rock Gnome

Rock Gnomes, distinguished by their ingenuity and resilience, represent a gnome subrace that has historically aligned itself closely with Dwarves. These gnomes are renowned for their mechanical aptitude and intellectual pursuits, making their homes within the mountainous regions of Eldaivyr alongside their stout allies. Their communities are often found near or within dwarf settlements, thriving on the synergy between the two races' skills in craftsmanship and engineering.
Origins and History: Rock Gnomes emerged from the earliest gnome populations who gravitated towards the stable, structured societies of the Dwarves. This alliance provided them a protected environment to hone their technological and crafting skills. Over generations, Rock Gnomes have carved out a niche for themselves, creating intricate devices and complex machinery that are highly valued across Eldaivyr. Their history is marked by a blend of innovation and tradition, helping to bridge the gap between ancient dwarf crafts and the potential of gnome-inspired innovation.
Society and Culture: The society of Rock Gnomes is structured around their love for invention and discovery. Their communities are bustling hubs of activity, with workshops and laboratories at every corner. Education and knowledge-sharing are central to their culture, with young gnomes taught the intricacies of mechanics and engineering from a young age. Social status is often linked to one's inventive capabilities and contributions to their community.
Physical and Psychological Traits: Rock Gnomes are compact, standing no taller than 3.5 feet, but they are sturdy and robust, reflecting their life amidst the rocks. Their skin tones range from earthy browns to pale grays, mirroring the stone they work with. They typically have bright, keen eyes, often shielded by spectacles or magnifying glasses, a testament to their meticulous nature. Psychologically, they are curious, focused, and methodical, often so engrossed in their projects that they lose track of the outside world.
Relations with Other Races: Rock Gnomes maintain excellent relations with Dwarves, sharing many cultural and professional interests. Their relationship with other races is generally friendly, though they can be reserved and suspicious of those who do not respect their privacy or intellectual property. They are known to collaborate well with elves in fields that combine magic and technology, though such interactions are typically formal and focused on specific goals.
Religion and Beliefs: Religiously, Rock Gnomes are pragmatic, often worshiping The Stone and Old Ways deities associated with craftsmanship, invention, and the earth. They hold a particular reverence for gods who inspire creativity and protect their creations. Their religious practices are integrated into their daily routines, with small shrines in workshops where gnomes offer thanks or seek guidance during their work.
Names:

• Masculine Names: Cogspin, Flintwick, Tock, Gearloose, Rivet.
• Feminine Names: Sprockette, Bronzina, Pinwheel, Glim, Coil.
• Family Names: Ironwidget, Copperkettle, Steelwhirr, Bronzegear, Silverbolt.

Adventurers: Rock Gnomes venture into the wider world often out of a desire to gather new materials, discover ancient technologies, or test their latest inventions in real-world conditions. As adventurers, they commonly take roles such as Artificers, alchemists, or Wizards, using their intellect and inventiveness to overcome challenges. Their motivation is usually driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, making them valuable allies in any quest that requires clever solutions and technical expertise.

Encompassed species

• Gnome

Personal Characteristics

Personality Traits

• "I can spend hours discussing the intricacies of clockwork mechanisms without getting bored."
• "Practical jokes are an essential part of my repertoire, especially those involving my latest inventions."
• "Precision and order govern my life; every tool has its place, and every machine part must fit perfectly."

Ideals

• Innovation: "The pursuit of knowledge and new ideas drives my every endeavor."
• Protection: "My creations are meant to improve life and defend those I care about."
• Community: "Sharing my knowledge and aiding my community are my responsibilities."

Bonds

• "I've dedicated my life to finishing the grand project started by my mentor."
• "My workshop is my sanctuary, and its security is my top priority."
• "I owe my skills to the gnome community that raised me, and I will do anything to protect it."

Flaws

• "I'm so focused on my work that I often lose track of time and ignore my needs and those of others."
• "My obsession with perfection can make me inflexible and stubborn."
• "I'm overly secretive about my inventions, fearing others might steal my ideas."