Shroomen

While the crystals in the deepest caves are the primary contributor to the evolution of gnomes, they weren't the only factor. Mushrooms also grew in the dark recesses, and just like the crystals, they were steeped in essence, resulting in the further shaping of the diminutive race. Some gnomes, however, took to the mushrooms more readily and even branched off to explore fungus infested caves and outlets. These gnomes were shaped into the Shroomen of today. There is debate on which one evolved first, and thus which one is the rightful heir to 'gnome' or 'ethnicity of gnome', but considering how reclusive and fewer in numbers the Shroomen are, many have interacted and have better knowledge of the multi-colored, inventive gnomes, concluding them to be the defacto 'gnome'. Although an obvious portmanteau of 'shroom' and 'man', bastardized and slurred to simply being 'shrooman', it's kinder than the term used by gnomes, which is 'Fungaloids' - A name with as much impact as any racial slur. It is true that the two hold one another in disdain. Gnomes consider Shroomen to be 'hillbilly', backwards cast offs, and Shroomen find no merit in traditional gnomish pursuit, citing that their inventions and curiosity towards science are simply superficial and they should redirect their focus to more naturalistic means.

by Terry Pratchett

Although similar in height, they have distinct differences. While the crystals altered the gnome's skin to different colors, the consumption of mushrooms has affected the Shroomen in a similar but less drastic fashion, granting them shades from standard human flesh to a rugged and slate blues, grays, and anywhere in between. More extreme cases actually have the fungus growing from their skin, a factor that many gnomes will hatefully assert is a case of their poor hygiene showing. Where gnomes find pleasure in technology, Shroomen have found purpose in cultivating the very mushrooms they've eaten. They view mushrooms with near reverence and far more than just food, which makes sense considering the fungus that grows in their caves offers varying mind altering affects akin to a drug induced trance, taking them on wild spirit journeys or granting them mystical visions. They've also evolved beyond simply eating the mushrooms, often smoking them in special pipes or brewing them into varying teas. In fact, the few that pursue magic will incorporate them into their motif in some fashion, with Shroomen pursuing more naturalistic spellcasting such as druidism or shamanism. It's these toadstools have also served to help 'mellow' out the standard gnome eccentricity, instead varying their mood from a sleepy, relaxed tone to an ornery, hermit who doesn't like outsiders.

Magic

by Yoshihiro Kanno

Shroomen are mostly known for their fondness of mushrooms to the point of using magic to grant sentience to specific strands of fungus. These shroom golems act as the heavy lifters and soldiers of the Shroomen colonies. The magic used is very rudimentary, and because of this these creations are simple in design and execution, unable to talk and unable to reason beyond basic orders. Hardly fit for conquest or even to take on a well formed militia, they can surprise the unwary with their brute strength and natural ability to camouflage. Although mushrooms are eaten, the specific strain used for the golems is avoided in all consumption, both because of the fungus' lethality, as well as its obvious, beneficial use.

Culture

Common Dress code

Shroomen prefer to be as close to nature and their mushrooms as possible. This means their clothing is normally made out of mushroom flesh and covers as little as they can get away with. Men wear skirts and women wear robes. While rare, some will decorate themselves in stones and gems found in and around their homes. Several will wear a mushroom cap as hat of sorts.

Art & Architecture

Most Shroomen art is abstract and simply mix and matched colors with little cohesion. While there may be an appreciator out in the world, it's widely regarded as tacky and lower in quality. Their architecture mimics this. Instead of forming their own impressive buildings, they have carved out homes from the trunks of the giant fungal trees that grow in their caverns.