Gnomes

Gnomes were human once. A long time ago. But they were corrupted by Warp Pearls. A mutation so old, it is not considered Wyrd. They are strange creatures that are accepted as being not magical, but not humans either. Despite this, people are still wary of the strange creatures. It was the Gnomes who introduced clockwork and airships to the world. Thus, they have always been a part of society and culture. Often they are revered as great mathematicians and engineers, even if they are not.
Gnomes were originally from the Jeweled Sky, but only a handful of Gnome towns exist. They are not city builders, but they do travel all around the world before finding a home they like. Every Gnome has their own preferences. Gnomes also seem to have a resistance to Warp Pearls. They can become warped, but it is incredibly rare. Furthermore, no Gnome witches have been created.

Military

Gnomes have no large organized military, but gnome villages often build small armies of clockwork warriors to defend themselves.

Clockwork Minds

Gnomes naturally view the world as a puzzle which can be twisted into whatever shape they so choose. This makes them exceptionally adept at clockwork crafts. Children are given complex metal bits and pieces which they fit together into their own toys, most adults learn the craft of clockwork, and it is important to gnome culture. Because of this, Gnomes are sought out as engineers and crafters. However, in any field not related to craft Gnomes are severely mistreated. No gnome could get a job as a miner if a human is available, gnome soldiers are nearly unheard of, and the church rarely accepts them as priests. There are exceptions, but these Gnomes are stubborn enough to follow their personal drive.

Government

Each Gnome village holds its own style of government, and they are not connected. However, the Gnomes do favor a limited government, usually with a mayor or the eldest having the most political power.

Appearance

Gnomes are the most distinct and unique of all of the peoples in terms of their form. They are short, from 2 to 4 feet in height. Hunched over like an ape, long arms that touch the ground with dextrous hands with long nimble fingers. Their feet are almost as dextrous as their hands, allowing them to use them to hold and interact with things. Male Gnomes tend to grow thick mustaches, thick eyebrows and shave their head. Females have no facial hair, but wrap their hair around their head.
Gnome clothing is function over form. They love sturdy cloth with many pockets. Some gnome jackets have hidden pockets within pockets and elder gnomes constantly lose small knickknacks in the depths of their clothes.

Personality and Maneurisms

Gnomes are not as jolly as they once were. The world has worn away at their collective joy and has left gruff, realistic viewpoints on the world. Gnomes are hardly ever mean, but they are never really nice either. They prefer to think and act with logic, and avoid all other people if they can. Paradise to the standard Gnome would have nothing but their muse to keep them company.

Naming Traditions

Family names

Gnome names their children based on the weather at the time. Though, the gnomish language is used, which is a strange alien language compared to others. This results in gnomes with odd sounding names with several z's. Wizzk't, Zera, Poozla, and Razt are a few examples. Family names are sometimes given, but they are usually not transferred down. Family names are similar to the given name, as they descend from an ancestor.