Gnomes

Gnomes are the more numerous of the two minority races in the Enclave. They far outnumber the Half-orcs, but exist in less than half the numbers of Humans, Halflings, and Dwarves.

Gnomes are a race of humanoids with a high regard for the natural world. Gnomes prefer to dwell in the woodlands, such as the Oaken Grove, Pine Slope (where Garl's Meetinghouse is located, or The Orchard. . They occupy subterranean dwellings either in tunnels below the roots of trees or carved into hills and other natural geographies of the wood. It seems that, to some degree, gnomes have moved into the niche occupied by elves of legend with a strong affinity for the ground that was not evident in elves.

They appear to be a culture in flux with a modest degree of contradiction. Gnomes maintain an odd mixture of solemnity with the natural world and a nearly reckless impulsive curiosity. Somehow they manage to limit the damage their impulsive tendencies bring upon the denizens of the forest. Druids, Rangers, Survivalists, Hermits, Naturalists, Herdsman, and Foresters are common occupations/interests taken up by gnomes. Additionally, gnomes are more likely than those of other races to become experts in esoteric fields or unusual skills. They are sometimes stereotyped as eccentric, particularly by less imaginative members of other races. Many gnomes are active in the Mages' Guild, the Union of Task Mages, The Magical Library, or the University.

Physically gnomes are a short race of humanoids. They have green or earthen tones to their skin color. Their ears tend towards a point. Facial structure favors a bulbous nose and close-set eyes. Gnomes are often near-sighted and a reputation of poor eye sight often leads to a gnome being underestimated.

The bulk of the Gnome population lives within the limited woodlands of the Enclave. A significant minority lives among the other races. Some claim an ancestral affinity with the dwarves and choose to live among them. Others simply live among the humans and halflings as a matter of practicality with regards to their chosen profession or trade.

Game mechanics (custom template below is superseded by GURPS Dungeon Fantasy)

Gnomes average about 4' tall and weigh about 90 pounds. (SM -1)

Gnome [14]

Attribute Modifiers:

ST -2 [-20]

HT +1 [10]

PER +2 [10]

WILL +2 [10]

Secondary Characteristics:

Basic Move -1 [-5]

Size -1 [0]

Advantages:

Acute Hearing 2 [4]

Acute Smell 2 [4]

Extended Lifespan 1 [2]

Night Vision 4 [2]

Disadvantages

Curious [-5]

Features

Skin of green or deep brown tones.