Gnomes

Gnomes are a species of small humanoids believed to be descended from Halflings that ventured frequently into the transitive plane of Faerie. They are often characterized as eccentric or whimsical, but the truth of the matter is that Gnomes are competitive and focused to a point that they can be off-putting to other humanoids. 

Gnome Culture

While like all of the humanoid races Gnomes exist all over the continent and come in many different builds, skin colors, and general abilities, Gnomes do not have ethnicities in the same way that Humans or Halflings might. Instead, Gnomes exist nearly as a monoculture to the point where societal researchers believe that Gnomes are biologically driven to their shared behaviors. Gnomish culture is that of celebration and ingenuity. Gnomes love competition, especially games, and this is seen in their day-to-day existence. Gnomes frequently "one-up" their friends, and they see it as polite to do so, believing it will drive their loved ones to further greatness. Gnomes attach themselves to a single project that they choose when they come of age and often spend their entire lives trying to become "the best" at their chosen field. Gnomes frequently choose hyper-specific projects to spend their lives on to increase the odds of becoming the best. Gnomes universally appreciate academia and art. Because other species don't always understand them, Gnomes prefer the company of others of their kind, but are social creatures and once invited into a group of others are hard to make leave. Many humans with Gnome friends find them frustrating, but endearing. 

The Quest

Gnomes come of age at around 40. After a typically lavish birthday celebration, the young Gnome chooses a name and ventures out into the world on "The Quest". Gnomes around this time become restless and are driven to explore. Gnomes on The Quest leave their hometown and wander the world, trying to experience as much as possible. This time typically lasts for ten to twenty years, after which they settle down and choose their life's work. Young Gnomes are just as competitive and intense as their older counterparts, but apply this to all things rather than a single chosen project. It is not uncommon for Gnomes on their Quest to start and throw aside dozens of projects. 

The Work

After The Quest is over, Gnomes settle down essentially wherever they happen to be closest to, leading to scattered small communities of Gnomes in all of the major states of Illiria. Once a Gnome settles into a place, it is very hard to get them to leave. The Gnome begins their Work, their name for the one project they will spend their entire lives on. This Work varies greatly from Gnome to Gnome. Some choose to enhance the Work of their parents, others dedicate themselves to a broad field such as soldiering or the sciences, while others spend endless centuries working on a single device, constantly striving to improve it. To a Gnome, nothing is ever good enough when it comes to their Work. They do of course take breaks, engage in leisure, and maintain a social life, but every hour spent away from the Work is a source of anxiety. Gnomes very rarely, if ever, change their Work. 

Societal Structure

Since Gnomes leave home and almost never return, they believe in the idea of an adopted community. Because of this, Gnomes are easygoing and try to make friends with anyone that even remotely shares their interests. Gnomes that have finished their Quest will send letters back to their parents and keep in touch with their original community, but they do not maintain further ties. The idea of patriotism or dedication to another person or faction is an idea that is practically alien to them, and Gnomes are as a species almost entirely apolitical. Due to their heavy emphasis on creating a families for themselves, Gnomes frequently adopt children of other species, and Gnomish society sees no difference at all between a family member that was chosen and one that was born. Gnomish society also places a great value on cooperation and asking for help. The expertise of one Gnome might help another greatly improve their own Work. Gnomes view a commission of work from a non-Gnome to be an incredibly high honor and proof of their own greatness, as a Gnome might commission something from a friend to be polite or as an excuse for socializing, but an Orc wouldn't do that as far as Gnomes are concerned.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Gnomes choose their own names when they turn forty. Until then, they are called by pet names, nicknames, or their parent's names put together. Gnomes have no common naming convention because of this.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Halfling

Scientific Name

Humanoid

Lifespan

around 200 years

Average Height

3 feet to 3 feet 8 inches

Average Weight

32-43 pounds