Gnome

Species of Delvia

Gnomes, or the Forgotten Folk as they were sometimes known, were small humanoids known for their eccentric sense of humor, inquisitiveness, and engineering prowess. Having had few overt influences on the world's history but many small and unseen ones, gnomes were often overlooked by the powers that be, despite their craftiness and affinity for illusion magic. Gnomes were present in nearly every human city and most caravan-stop villages where other cultures and non-human races were at least tolerated.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Gnomes were very small compared to most other races and, with an average height ranging between 3'0"–3'6" (0.9–1.1 meters) and a weight range of 40–45 lbs (18–20 kg), gnomes were generally larger and heavier than halflings, though forest gnomes tended to be smaller than halflings, leading some scholars to erroneously classify all gnomish races as "smaller than the Hin". However, while halflings were commonly said to resemble short humans, gnomes were more comparable with elves, with whom they shared pointed ears and high cheekbones, or even dwarves, due to their tendency to grow beards and live underground. Many gnomes had a more feral appearance than either, however, with hair that often sprouted from their heads in odd directions.
The skin of gnomes ran in hue from reddish tans to earthy browns or even shades of gray, with exact hue somewhat dependent upon the ethnic origin of a gnome. Similarly, gnomish hair varied wildly in color from blond and brown to more exotic colors like white, orange, or even green. Gnomish eyes were often glittering black or blue, although more natural eye colors were also known to the race.

Growth Rate & Stages

Gnomes were very long-lived, often living as long as elves, which meant living over three centuries was not uncommonly rare and five centuries was not unheard of. Generally, gnomes were considered to reach maturity at forty years of age. However, unlike elves or eladrin, gnomes showed a greater degree of aging as they grew older and once a gnome had passed his or her first century, their hair began to gray, if it was not already white, and their skin began to wrinkle as in humans or dwarves. However, even the oldest gnome retained a vitality that would be extraordinarily unusual among many of the younger races.

Ecology and Habitats

The gnomes of Delvia are native to the windswept plains and forests of Gatford. They take great care of their homeland and the creatures that inhabit it. Though they share the land with halflings, no other species are allowed within the land's borders, due to Gatford's stoic neutral stance in the ongoing conflict between the other civilizations of Delvia.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

The Association of Arcanomechanics is primarily a gnomish collective, and it was founded by 5 gnomish inventors. It was the association's founder, Xeras Kolpek, that created the first gunpowder firearm, bringing about a revolution of military advancements.

Average Technological Level

Around the continent, gnomes have been responsible for many essential technological advancements, including the firearm, airship, and clockwork mechanisms.

History

When the other races of Delvia refused to leave the fruitless conflict of the dragon war, the gnomes of Gatford retreated into their homeland and closed their borders. The general society abandoned war entirely, focusing on the arts and the cultivation of natural species. However, certain gnomes disagreed with the apathetic decision of their people and left the country, hoping to use their magic and technological prowess to help shape the future of the continent. These gnomes inserted themselves into other societies and used their gifts to accelerate their progress immensely.

Conservation Status

This species is thriving