Gnomes in Kiera

The Gnomes of Keira have a far stranger origin than the others. Originally created by the Star Elves as homunculi to aid them in their alchemical and magical research. For centuries, the Gnomes were used as test subjects by the Star Elves. Shortly before The Fall, a most peculiar thing happened. One of the Gnomes in a Star Elven lab asked his master a question. Before this moment, no Star Elf had considered that their homunculi might eventually gain some form of sentience. Of course, this changed nothing. The Gnome was destroyed, and its master moved on to another. However, soon more Gnomes began to question their existence. In greater and greater numbers, the Gnomes showed a desire for self-preservation, a sense of self and a fierce want to live. Despite the increasing crackdown from the Star Elves, more and more Gnomes managed to escape and hide from their former masters. Many credit this as the beginning of the end for the Star Elven empire.

Society

Government

Gnomes have little desire to create their own forms of government, and indeed aren't interested in even the lowest position of leadership. They are, however, capable of seamlessly integrating themselves into the culture of the region in which they live.

Religion

Similarly to their views on governments, Gnomes are not overly concerned with the Dragon Gods or religion as a whole. It is not unheard of for individual Gnomes to find some meaning or importance in religion, but as a whole they are at best indifferent. Gnomes do love a good festival though, and will take every opportunity to attend one, including the many religious festivals around Kiera.

Physical Description

Gnomes are most often described as tiny Elves. It is assumed by most, including Gnome scholars themselves, that this was intentional. Most Gnomes are about 3 feet tall, with pointed ears. While most hair and eye colors are possible, including some unnatural seeming ones like purple or green, their skin tones tend more towards pinkish hues and some sandy tones.

Game Stats

Though these are unchanged from the Pathfinder 2e stats, they are presented here for ease of use.

Hit Points: 8
Size: Small
Speed: 25 Feet
Ability Boosts: Constitution, Charisma, Free
Ability Flaw: Strength
Languages: Common, Gnomish, Sylvan, Additional Languages equal to Int mod.
Low-Light Vision: You can see in dim light as though it were bright light, and you ignore the concealed condition due to dim light.
Traits: Gnome, Humanoid

Naming Conventions

Gnomes are given a name by their parents at birth, but aren't really attached to them and change their name whenever they please. Usually they will name themselves after whatever strikes their fancy at the moment. This, of course, seems perfectly normal to the Gnomes but only perplexes and confounds the other races.

Sample Names

Babyface, Lightning, Shiny Rock, Spinning Wheel, Thunder

Adventurers

Gnomes are actually the most likely to be adventurers, they love to go through life searching for the next thing to capture their attention. If they happen to grab some treasure or unearth forgotten knowledge along the way, great!