Gnomes

In most parts of the world Gnomes are considered to be a fairy tale. Their secretive nature protects them from most of the evil in the world also makes them highly elusive to the other societies in the world. For those that venture outside of the safety of their communities often find a good living in the inner cities where nobles need intricate, and often magical, craft work to be done by discreet and eager artisans.

"The Gnome societies are hidden gems. A vibrant collection of people that have so much to give this world. It's a shame then that most of them choose not to. They see the larger races as abrasive and destructive. To be fair, most of us are. One doesn't really have to consider much other than the Fall for proof of this.
Pebble and Leaf gnomes, in their natural state, tend to stay away from outsiders. They trade with us when necessary. The most robust alliance they have formed is between the leaf gnomes and the forest elves of Ondathcinna. The pebbles in Ilwyni are begrudgingly living together with the relatively new human population, but I'm not sure they'll ever fully get used to each other.
Gem gnomes are said to be all of the above but taken to the extreme. They protect their patch of the Underdark in an indirect way. If they ever are found then the next day they are gone, leaving nothing behind, not a trace that they were once there. In the past, this has lead to uncertainty that Gem Gnomes were real and not just some fairytale perpetuated to bring some hope to those lost in the Underdark. I've never met one personally, and to be totally honest I don't believe anyone if they said they have."
Felix Grunsson, 498 AtF, 'The Common Folk'

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Gnomes love their names, and as a result usually have a great many of them. They get a name from their father and their mother, if they have siblings they also name them (as a group). Aside from that they tend to 'collect' a great many nicknames from their extended family and friends. Those few Gnomes that venture out of their own societies know that most of the other species don't share this affection for names and usually choose two or three names to identify themselves.

Average Technological Level

Using metals and weights the Pebbles have been able to create devices that crudely keep time. The most sturdy and accurate of these devices were lost in the cataclysm now known as the fall, but it is said that the plans for this device (dubbed Big Benjamin after its creator) are buried somewhere under the desert sands of the kingdom formerly known as Telenholm.
Where Pebbles their handcrafted trinkets usually revolve around mechanics, stone and metals the Leaves prefer to work with wood and other natural materials, they take great joy in using rubber and wood in combination to create self winding or automatically triggering contraptions.
Most of their contraptions revolve around light and refraction, creating vivid paintings of light within a contained box. The most masterful Gem Gnomes are said to be able to create devices that can capture a movement in time inside a gem.

History

Pebble Gnomes (Rock Gnomes)

The Pebble Gnomes, sometimes affectionately called Pebbles, remain closest to the patron deity in whose image they were created. They are adventurous, inquisitive and have strong personalities. They are headstrong and strong of heart. Their skin colours range from a stark white to a pale brown, with grey or blonde hair to match their light complexions. The Pebble Gnomes prefer to spend their time in mountainous terrain. The most prominent concentration of Pebble Gnomes are in the southern island of Ilwyni Ilongau, being uprooted and thrust into the public’s eye by the demon invasion many years ago.

Leaf Gnomes (Forest Gnomes)

Mostly native to the forest of peace the Leaf Gnomes are shorter even than their cousin gnomes from other stock. Apart from the simple fact that they prefer living in forests these Gnomes set themselves apart by their darker skin colours and their hair in shades of green. It’s said that they can hide in the canopy of a forest and never be found. Walking through Ondath'cinna you could pass by a Leaf Gnome settlement within ten feet and still not notice that they are there. They venture out to trade with the native Forest Elf population, who have promised them protection through the Sûlor, so long as they do no harm to the forest.

Gem Gnomes (Deep Gnomes)

It's difficult, at best, to separate the myths from the truth when it comes to Gem Gnomes. They share their underdark realms with the Aelenur and Stone Fists, and as such never reveal themselves voluntarily. A community of Gem Gnomes that is discovered will disappear over night, usually never to be seen again. Their skins are several shades of grey with matching black hair. Despite their surroundings Gem Gnomes have stayed true to themselves and aren’t any more or less inclined to be evil than their surface dwelling brethren.

Lifespan

350 - 500 years

Average Height

90 - 120 cm

Average Weight

16 - 20 Kg