Cunomalc Community
Creating the definition of steampunk, the little people, the gnomes, and those raised among them might appear as children to other in mannerisms and appearance. While others might struggle to take them seriously, gnomes certainly impress the world with their abilities with machinery and innovation. Anyone can rely on a gnome to be efficient with their work even if their methods are unorthodox, frantic, sporadic, and are not likely to make a deadline if one is given. Gnomes can be adventurers, though many struggle to leave the family behind as their communities or clans are very close and supportive. Rather than rely solely on magic or solely on machine, they desire to somehow merge these two powers into an union.
Structure
The mind and it's measure of intelligence create the ruling class of Cunomalc's Geniocracy socialist government. While local and department laws are fairly loose the federal structure has some more stability, something more recently grown due to turbulent world events. Since the make up of the government is determined by the best and brightest, each section is overseen by a Head such as the Head of Economy or the Head of Education. Every 50 years each Head of their Department is evaluated by other experts in the field, also inviting foreign experts to weigh their opinion. As gnomes age and their memory begins to slip or other reasons interfere with their critical thinking then Heads may be overruled and replaced with a new Head. Due to the nature of this government, the top 1% of university students in Cunomalc have a chance in being elected Head of their department. Additionally these important government roles are not restricted to natural gnome citizens as other natural citizens of other races are eligible. The government of Cunomalc does not have a designated leader, rather a council where the Heads collaborate to evaluate issues and work in their problem solving. A special role does exist to act as a mediator, however it is a very responsible position that is nearly impossible to obtain, the Jack. The Jack's position is to have a basic knowledge within each department so should several Heads begin to debate without nearing a solution the Jack may step in to offer an opinion as they may understand all the sides to the issue.
Culture
Unlike other societies where races might mix in towns and cities, Cunomalc has two options of livelihood. In a compound with one's immediate and extended family or in a border city where other races besides gnomes will be found. The occasional Outside might live among a family community if they are traveling or researching something in the area, otherwise most family communities are self sufficient and self contained. For this gnomes are more secretive, private, and keep their business within than bother the outside world. For gnomes growing up deep in the country especially they might go most of their lifetime before they see a non-gnome and it is rare for gnomes to go out and adventure.
Public Agenda
Hardly an agenda exists in this society, rather each clan has their own rules and traditions and sometimes goals if they trade. To the puzzlement of dwarvish society they have no desire for gold, for the elves they do not desire to learn of other histories, and unlike the half-orcs their societies have not been crippled by wars or much conflict. This is in large part due to each clans incredible self sufficiency to the point where many citizens could care less for the outside world so long as they have all the comforts of survival and then some. At the core of this society, family and family values reign.
Assets
The gnomish country has been found to be abundant with timber while veins of diamond, silver, and gold lie underground. In addition to minding this precious ore, additional aluminum, rock salt, and gravel are abundant. Prior to contact with the other major civilizations, gnomes found them in natural caves, but did not aggressivly mine for them like the dwarves. Also what was found would more likely be used in artwork or machinery, especially when it was found that gold was a good conductor. Above ground there is some farming, but more trade with the Homesteads has helped ensure food is not in low supply.
History
Using the accounts available, gnome clans and their importance emerged early in their history. Clan goals often involved providing for the clan as a group and would sometimes politically clash with other clans for resources. An important account involved the gnome called Jin, the first of the gnomes to create an engine, a revolution that ceased the tension between four clans; the Feraru, Ghenosu, Duduieni, and Vasile. As the gnome population expanded food was becoming scare and starvations was slowly setting in. The Feraru began to encroach on Duduieni farmland possibly stealing food directly or using the land unfairly. To defend their ally the Ghenosu became involved and started to send in spies and saboteurs to disrupt the daily life and work of the Feraru. In response to this the clan Vasile attempted to intervene as a peace breaker between these three clans, offering alternatives and negotiations. However, the three clans turned on Vasile when they realized the Vasile were somehow well off and were not facing starvation as harshly as compared to the other groups.
Gnomes were not one of violence, not directly, yet the back and forth of vandals and destruction of progressive work eventually went too far. While working and studying under her father, Afina was in her father’s garage shop with him as it was time to begin her training with her mother Happy. Jin was not of any clan in particular, himself not knowing of his ancestors for he was found abandoned outside of a gnome tinkerer. The village was unsure if it be proper to raise him fully, was passed around the clans every year to the point that Jin experienced a little bit of each clan. For this when Jin came of age, he claimed to not be loyal to any particular gnome clan and received commissions from the various clans that sought his talent. It is unknown which of the four clans interfered with his work, but it is known one of the clans suspected Jin was hired exclusively for another and he was targeted.
As the clan feuds continued, news emerged that Jin survived an explosion from his shop and he would pull Afina's limp body out of the rubble much to the horror of the other villagers. A gnome was never so directly killed by another and the incident was a wake up call for the emerging race. The Vasile established a conference in the same village Jin lived in at the time and negotiations were created to redistributed land during this famine. Jin himself addressed the group, angry, and yet forgiving much to the puzzlement of the leaders. An offer was made, if the four clans could support Jin in anyway possible, he was sure to create an invention or plan to develop better agricultural techniques. Without debate the four clans pledged to aid Jin, for aiding Jin would aid everyone else. Despite the direct attack made to his family, it was never established which clan in particular targeted Jin and no follow up investigations were ever made.
Prior to the incident, Jin was apparently on the verge of a breakthrough and continued with his work from where he left off, creating something better than before. Because Jin traveled in the various mountain regions and among the different clans, Jin had studied the differing weather patterns and sampled the different foods that grew in these regions. Merging the collected knowledge, Jin would finish a hundred years later with many agricultural techniques including the crossing of plants to develop genetically stronger, bigger, more food bearing plants; rotating certain crops on certain soil, and other storage techniques to elongate the longevity of food during the winter times. The next five years his findings were put to the test and in the sixth year it was readily apparent crops were more abundant and livestock remained healthy and plentiful. Hereafter gnome clans nearly begged Jin to join one of their clans, and as years passed Jin would turn down many offers, preferring isolation. Very unlike gnome fashion, Jin continued his work fairly alone after leaving his wife and no further children were produced.
The gnomes who survived the Great Starvation cemented the social constructs of family and group more than ever. Whole clans were almost wiped out, though with marrying into other families many bounced back and their clan names and histories treasured in the family. In the decades to come the gnome clans worked together and a stable government formed among them. Due to Jin’s creativity and intellect, the gnomes decided the smartest of the people would best lead their people toward prosperity. Jin was offered a position of power multiple times and he respectfully rejected the offers. Since this time the brightest and more innovative gnomes have taken on leadership positions, not so much to rules and control the peoples, but rather to help keep an open line of communication between some clans and the outside world.
Demography and Population
Gnomes as a race dominate Cunomalc and has been shown to have a healthy mix of other races. Since gnomes strive to have the brightest and more logical individuals running their government, most government positions are open to other native racial beings. Respectively races who are better adapted to a certain climate or weather may be found in their respective landscapes i.e. dwarves in the mountains and elves in the forests. Gnomes preferring their privacy to an extent are likely to be found in the mountains and caves, though they do not dig as deep as dwarven cities. Due to their pursue of sciences and technologies the lifespan of native Malcs is fairly high depending on the race. The last census estimated the population to be at about 45.3 million.
Technological Level
Cunomalc is considered one of the most advanced countries compared to the rest of the world. It is rumored to this country is so far into their technology that it is hidden away, being kept back from the rest of the world. Their research has helped double and triple food production in farms and predict weather patterns for farmers. Or other innovations have helped aid and relieve needless work, improving factories and so forth.
Foreign Relations
Hrabstvi Alliance
Relations with the halfling peoples is strategic and necessary, though Malcs do not have too much of an opinion on them. The trade between them is strong as basic food ingredients are traded for the newest tools and farming equipment. For the most part gnome Malcs overall view of the Alliance is unimpressive.
Knurl Sartos Kingdom
The seriousness of the dwarves juxtaposing the quirkiness of the gnomes is an unlikely, yet strong relationship. Economically the dwarves have been able to trade raw materials for the gnomes to use in their experiments and tinkering. An unlikely couple though one that works together well.
Nauk-d Counavrausan Dominion
Due to the elven kingdom influence, the Dominion opinion varies person to person in the Cunomalc Clan. For some they believe the rumors of their aggressive behavior and agreed upon world history; others remain spectacle saying the logic does not make sense, leading to an open mind policy.
Okkar Gæti Nation
An incredibly strong relationship exists with the Nation as this country is willing to allow their military for hire. The Clan overall cultural and national policy is to abstain from violence and conflict, thus the Nation's resources such as man power are always desired. Often along the borders of Cunomalc are Okkar Gæti soldiers or other stronger races than the natural citizen gnomes. In return the Clan as provided valuable weapons development, medicine, and other sciences.
Olo' Atxkxe Republic
Between the natural gnomes and the natural tieflings, the relationship between these two countries is a serious one. As a whole Cunomalc does not necessarily celebrate the arts or performances as other cultures might, but the economic trade between the countries is strong. Inventions and technologies developed by the gnomes are usually desired by Olo' Atxkxe as they may add or assist the different industries in the country. If anything the flair of Olo' Atxkxe people help them pause and take a break from their work.
Kingdoms of Tinu Núr
Similar to the questionable relationship of the half-orc Dominion, opinion of the Kingdoms will vary citizen to citizen of Cunomalc. Those living close to the elven border are likely to have a stronger relationship with the elf citizens while those further into the country may view the country as pompous and overbearing. Because the elves and natural gnome citizens of Cunomalc live for centuries upon centuries, the two races tend to watch each other closely with some interest. The relationship is sometimes viewed as strong given the elves have sworn to them as militaristic ally by becoming a buffering nation to the half- orc tribes on the other side of the world.
Versvesh Gahri
Perhaps it is because the natural dragonborn citizens appear the least humanoid of the other races, natural gnomish citizens of Cunomalc may be frightened of them at first. For this a somewhat general distrust exists, yet the powers of Versvesh Gahri are unperturbed. The opposing cultures of individualistic and group tend to place the countries at polar opposites. Similar to the feelings of Nauk-d Counavrausan, the elves have create a promising alliance to Cunomalc should the dragonborn country ever attack, leading to a cool relationship.
Agriculture & Industry
Once again, gnomes remained fairly self sufficient and isolated until the spurring of the dwarves and some elvish interference drew them from their hiding places. While gnomish families were not interested in wealth, they were interested in inventions and products of the outside world. Not merely to use them, but how to make them better, efficient and longer lasting. For this a handful of industries dot the landscape of the gnomish country and it is not surprising if a clan is connected directly to a dwarven company, university, or some other patron. These lines of communication help negotiate trade, communicate desired projects, studies, and goals. Humans are decent in making weapons, though bring a gnome into the project and they may find someway to imbue magics within. Or a machine the dwarves create, may be fine tuned and improved with the nimble hands of gnome workers. In some areas factories may exist for the processing of raw materials, otherwise it is independent labs and workshops working their craft.
Trade & Transport
Originally a few roads existed in between the clan communities, only to improve when other countries moved in. Prior without a federal government, it took much persuasion from the gnomes, elves, and humans to persuade them to form some sort of body to oversee the country. However, since each faction desired to have the gnomes to themselves for their own reasons, diplomatic strife was quietly felt between these powers. The gnomes being observant as they were took notice and accepted all invitations as to not show any favoritism. Dwarves financed, elves political structure, and humans for protection. By using these three powers they strategize that neither power would attempt to invade Cunomalc without forcing the other countries to turn on each other. In forcing the three powers into a corner, it forced them all to cooperate and it became realized how the gnomes outsmarted them all.
Education
Education in the gnomish clans is valued not only to support the clan itself, but for self worth. It is said gnomish children at the age of five read at the equivalent level of 15 for a well educated human and their minds remain sharp for many centuries. Most gnomes attend second level education in cities for a few years before returning home, though the more ambitious gnomes willing to sacrifice time away from their family will travel abroad. Often these individuals who risk going abroad are likely to be main breadwinners for their clan.
Infrastructure
Other than roads connecting the country, no unified infrastructure exists in the country. Instead, each family compound has developed their own system of infrastructure, especially if a dwarf patron is involved. The most amount of structure can be found on the border cities with innovative sewer, plumbing, bridges, and rumored mining capabilities but inside a building. An odd concept to many.
Bonds thicker than the Sword
Type
Geopolitical, Technocracy
Capital
Alternative Names
The Gnome Clans
Demonym
Malc(s)
Leader Title
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Meritocracy
Power Structure
Semi-autonomous area
Economic System
Gift economy
Major Exports
As outlined previously, gnomes export raw materials and especially the minds of many gnomes. Often there is at least one or several members in a large clan who travel abroad with their skills and knowledge to help provide for their clan back home. As an example, a scientist well versed watch making might be hired abroad to work on machinery or run research at a university or with a company. Often these excursions last from 50 to 75 years, any earnings and acknowledgements are almost always tied back to the family first than the individual.
Major Imports
Food is a major important from the Homesteads, helping to add variety to the gnomish diet. Experimenting with seeds and crops, scientists are attempting to find ways to improve farming as a whole. Dwarves interested in their raw goods were interested in their machinery to help improve mining both in Cunomalc and in their own mountains. Through the gnomes they connected with other Dwarvish families whose bloodlines on this side of the world go back very far. Often soldiers in training or retired soldiers of the Military are invited to be soldiers on the borders or help train and maintain basic policing in major cities. Eventually via the dwarves, the tieflings of the Republic became interested in their technology innovations, trading their skill for entertainment, news of the outside world. It is not unheard of for bards and performers to travel into Cunomalc and move from clan to clan to perform for the large families.
Legislative Body
Officer of Law, an individual with a team (Managers) of others who travel around the country and meet every few years to discuss emerging issues and the repair of laws both local and federal. Many of these issues stem from border cities, though this does not mean issues exist within clans. An issue found in the Community is that clan families will often not involve the law or police outside of their own family. For this crimes within families may be easy overlooked, hidden or dropped. One agenda for the Officer of Law in most recent years, Ranya Taleb, has strive to try to bridge better relations with these clans.
Judicial Body
Officer of State Uham Garmarg has been working closely with Officer Taleb in trying to coax clans to be more open with any criminal issues that may be occurring within the family communities. Himself and others work to see how these laws may be applied and to better educate local leaders and to work closely with family matters.
Official State Religion
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
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