Gnomes

"The Gnomes? Ha!" Hal took a deep sip from his drink before looking down at the ale as it swirled in his cup. He grunted, "They stayed out of the Cadorian Wars. They keep their heads and hearts out of the Empire's expansions. They stay carefully tucked out of the way of the entire shit show going down in the New World. Bah. The Gnomes only care about two things, in this world of ours: their technology and themselves." The man then quieted, the alcohol seeming to have done away with his will to say anything more on the matter.
"Can ya blame us, though, sir?" I watched as Hal's eyes swam for a moment before focusing on the small form of Benoit. He was staring at Hal with a glint in his eyes that I haven't seen in quite a few nights. I carefully ducked my head and scooted my chair away, even as Benoit kept going. "We like focusing on our system. It's worked for years, Zheenkeef be praised! We raise our kids, and make our machines. You said so yourself. It kept us out of your fights. Your wars!" I moved slightly, and I heard Benoit jump up to land on the table. "Where ya'll were dying, my folks were making cooking stoves and underground trams. Imagine, if you can, what would have happened had we gotten involved in your wars. If we had been making goblin bombs and guns instead of trinkets and fire-starters. Do you know what would have happened?"
There was a drunken mumble that I could only assume was Hal trying to think of something to say for himself. Beniot didn't give him a single second. "There would be no more goblins, no more Richard, most like, no more empire to the east. And while you might not think that a bad thing, we gnomes tend to endeavour to sustain life, rather than take it. Remember that you're lucky for that, and get out of my bar."

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Female Names: Breena, Carlin, Donella, Ella, , Lilli, Nissa, Orla, Shamil, and Tana

Masculine names

Male Names: Alston, Alvyn, Eldon, Kellen, Sindri, and Warryn

Unisex names

Unisex Names: Alli, Edo, Jerri, Maren, Poppy, and Wyrnn

Family names

The gnomes tend to have names that they have carried with them for many generations. While it would be not wrong to consider the last name of a particular gnome their "family" name, it would be incorrect to assume that this name was derived from a common ancestor. Oftentimes, apprentices will change their last names to that of their teacher's, and will then extend the name to anyone that they, themselves, teach.

Other names

Gnomes are notorious for giving pet names and nicknames to their friends and family. They often tend to gather and respect all names bequeathed to them.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The Rock gnomes are capable of speaking in their common Gnomish tongue. Most are also capable of speaking Cadorian Common, though some tend to pick up Imperial Common from their trips abroad.

Culture and cultural heritage

The gnomes are an insular and peace-loving race that are quite proud of their people's lack of violence. They do not see the need for wars, so long as no one is attacking them and they are not under threat. The Gnomes tend to believe that only peacetime is really beneficial to innovation, and that the only worthy competition is with that of others that are also in your field of study. Interdisciplinary unity and cooperation are highly prized by the gnomes. However, especially recently, they tend shun outside interference or influence, and are likely to only listen to others of their race.

Shared customary codes and values

Education and its system are key to gnomes. In Keefar, the home of the gnomes, children are respected, and asked what it is that they would like to work as at a young age. After they answer, the young gnomes are then placed under a master in their chosen field of study. Under the tutelage of this master, they are then made to take state sponsored examinations. After they have finished these examinations, passed them, and have spent at least twenty years with their mentor in question, the gnomes are then provided a space to live and work. Typically their 50th to 100th year, the gnomes are often offered a stipend to study the world abroad for a short time. They are expected to return from this trip with many exciting new ideas and tales that can help then in their field of employment.
Publications and innovations are expected for most gnomes, but are not mandated. If a gnome is found to be stagnating or unable to advance in their field of interest, they will then be asked to attend a training facility, and teach or act as a master instead. It is well known to gnomes that understanding of the theory of any craft is not the same as mechanical/scientific/professional innovation, though the nation prefers to have results for their investment.
Keefar is one of the few nations were education as a whole is not only common, but is also universal, if not mandated. The schooling and mentoring of young gnomes is paid for by the Republic itself, granted by the export of technology to the neighboring nations.

Average technological level

The gnomes have one of the most technologically advanced nations in the whole of Orbem, Keefar. Almost all of their cities are interconnected via tram system, have functioning sewage systems, and they, alone, have managed to master a crystalline security system that is capable of detecting harmful magics on travelers entering their cities.
Many signs or technological innovations that are seen in the other nations are due to gnomish design. However, gnomes typically tend to focus on common-place or peace-time items. Most gnomes do not enjoy working a great deal on military crafts, though they will if provided the justification and reasoning.

Common Etiquette rules

Gnomes except respect for their knowledge and field of study, and will often take offense if an individual listening to them yawns or stops paying them attention as they speak. However, this respect is often seen of gnomes, and as such, many races tend to find Gnomes to be wonderful diplomats, if the Gnomes in question do not get distracted.

Common Dress code

Gnomes tend to find and wear articles of clothing that they find visually appealing. These clothes are often worn regardless of work hazards or potential dangers. As such, many gnomes often tend to carry a second pair of clothes for dirtier or more dangerous environments, that are slightly more work appropriate. Gnomes tend to favor brightly colored pieces, and ribbons. As a whole, they also very much enjoy the feeling of wool and silks. As such, both of these fabrics are some of Keefar's largest imports.

Common Taboos

Academic and professional integrity are tantamount to the gnomes. If a gnome or ally is found to be a liar or a cheat, they will be kicked out of gnomish society as a whole. This often places them at odds with individuals that work via underhand dealings or whom use the instated laws to advance their own power.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Gnomes tend to favor bright coloration and symbols of youth. As such, younger individuals with more vibrant hair colors and clothes typically are seen as more naturally beautiful than others. Those that do not have such boons, often tend to tie ribbons into their hair, or create alchemical concoctions that allow for hair and skin dying. Those that do not want to take such risky measures tend to make shining and glittering trinkets, allowing for light refraction to provide rainbows of color for them.
Red hair and fair skin is also considered both beautiful and incredibly lucky, as it is seen as a symbol of favor for the Lady of Creation, Zheenkeef.

Gender Ideals

The gnomes are a fairly equal society in terms of gender. What is interesting is that all individuals of gnomish society are expected to work first, and have a family second. To have a mother or father, especially of younger years, put down their pen or study schedule in order to care for a baby is almost unheard of. As such, it is a common sight to see a gnomish father or mother still working while also carrying their newborn child in a sling.

Courtship Ideals

Gnomish courtship values respect, first and foremost. This respect is of both of the individuals in question, and of the works that they have put forth for their society's advancement. As such, it is a fairly common practice to read any papers that your object of desire has published. This is done in an attempt for the gnome in question to better understand the other's drive and work, especially if they are not of the same discipline of study. To shun another work, or deem it unimportant is one of the largest blunders you can make as a gnome.

Relationship Ideals

Like the elves and other long-lived races, the gnomes heavily value partnerships that will last centuries. However, they mainly place ideal emphasis on support and inspiration, where other races value stability. Gnomish partners often expect for their beloveds to listen to their ideas and provide feedback on their future works, both supporting them and pushing them to do even better. The worst thing that you can be to a gnomish partner is stagnant or unwilling to listen.
It is also expected that gnomes might get caught up in a project and go for days without seeing their partners. As such, it is seen as the partner's place to try to bring their love back to a functioning level of dedication to their work.

Major organizations

The Republic of Keefin is run by the Rock Gnomes that call Keefin their home. The Republic's representatives are voted into office by every gnome over the age of 50, and each represent a sector of the small island nation. The Republic is then responsible for passing the laws and ordinates that the gnomish citizens have to follow and adhere to.

Gnomish Inventor:

Related Locations

• Keefar