Gnomes are an odd-looking humanoid race that values knowledge and lore above all things. They live in shallow caves that also serve them as messy, impromptu libraries. A typical gnome residence is usually littered with ancient tomes and scrolls sorted by a system of organization known only by the Gnome himself.
Due to their solitary lifestyles, many Gnomes die without an heir to inherit their possessions (and they can acquire quite a lot in 600 years of living), and their homes may lay undisturbed for decades, even centuries with their treasures intact.
Because of their love of solitude and their lack of physical stature, it would seem that Gnomes live at constant risk of attack. But anyone who preys on a Gnome had best take care, for they know how to compensate for their lack of strength and fighting ability. Gnomes construct elaborate systems of traps to guard their domiciles (many of them magical in nature), and equip themselves with powerful magic items that allow them to repel intruders without engaging them in melee combat.
Basic Information
Gnomes resemble small, wizened copies of elderly Men.
Gnomes are solitary beings and do not breed nearly as often as most other mortal races. If they were not so long-lived, their race might die out all together.
Additional Information
They are bald and their facial hair is usually either gray or white. The rare Gnome is born with a full head of hair, to the chagrin of the Gnome parents.
Most Gnomes live in isolated caves. However, it is not out of the question to find them burrowed into a hillside in an agricultural area. Nor should it astound anyone to find them in cities, as their reading habits give them the worldly knowledge they need to understand urban ways and adapt to them. As for their solitary, reclusive nature, every city Gnome knows that it is possible to feel very much alone in the middle of the crowd - and furthermore, he knows how to cultivate that feeling.
Gnomes are incredibly intelligent, but this often goes unnoticed and unshared due to their reclusive nature.
Gnomes can see on a star-lit or moonlit night as if it were full daylight. In conditions darker than that, they need a light source to see, and their vision extends perfectly to 50' and reasonably well to 100'. In absolute darkness, however, they can see no better than Men.
Civilization and Culture
There are no naming traditions for Gnomes.
Despite their love of solitude, Gnomes are not anti-social. They welcome visitors and keep an open mind about them, no matter who they are or how they look. They judge by one's actions, but do not pre-judge. As hosts, they can be surprisingly friendly and generous. They even enjoy hosting parties and presenting their guests with ingenious and elaborate entertainments. However, anyone who tries to strike up a friendship with a Gnome should not expect him to accept a reciprocal invitation, as they are very reluctant to leave their homes and treasures unguarded for even a few days.
RPG Datasheet
AG +2;
CO 0;
ME +2;
RE +2;
SD 0;
EM -2;
IN +4;
PR -2;
QU +2;
ST -8;
Appearance -5
Channeling +30;
Essence +30;
Mentalism +20;
Poison 0;
Disease 0
Body Development 0.5.4.3.2;
Arcane PP 0.6.5.4.3;
Channeling PP 0.6.5.4.3;
Essence PP 0.6.5.4.3;
Mentalism PP 0.6.5.4.3
Soul Departure 16 Rounds;
Recovery Mult. 0.5x
Languages 4;
Background Options 4
Dark Vision - Gnomes can see on a star-lit or moonlit night as if it were full daylight. In conditions darker than that, they need a light source to see, and their vision extends perfectly to 50' and reasonably well to 100'. In absolute darkness, however, they can see no better than Men.
Language: Starting Languages - Gnomish (S8W8), Common-speech (S6/W6). Allowed Adolescent Development - Gnomish (S10/W10), Common-speech (S8/W8), High-elvish (S6/W6), and High-speech (S8/W8).
Everyman skills: None
Restricted skills: None
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