Gnome

Gnomes are humanoids known for their exuberant joy, short stature, and warren homes. They are generally divided into three subspecies: forest gnomes, rock gnomes, and deep gnomes. They are one of the smallest humanoid races, standing just a bit shorter than halflings on average. They have large ears, with helixes that fold over to cover a large portion of the triangular fossa before ending in pointed tips. Their eyes and often noses are quite large as well. They have a range of coloration but most often their skin is some shade of tan or brown, and their hair is fair. Gnomes are known to be friendly and appreciative towards all they meet, and although they love welcoming visitors into their underground homes, they effectively hide those homes from strangers. Though they live in burrows, more often than not in bright, warm lands of hills and trees, they love to spend time on the surface in the sun.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Gnomes are known for their love of nicknames. Most go through dozens throughout their lives, and usually end up with five or six that really stick and are used commonly by their friends and family. Birth names are just as commonly variations on the names of ancestors as they are completely new inventions. Nicknames a gnome receives might reflect a distinct character trait, refer to an amusing or significant anecdote, or honor a similar relative who came before. When dealing with non-gnomes, a gnome generally identifies himself by his birth name, a nickname, and his clan name, in that order. As gnome names can be very long by others' standards, one or more of these might be shortened.

Beauty Ideals

Gnomes love gems and other fine items, things that show impressive craftsmanship, and things that carry bright, natural colors. Light-colored hair is seen as the most fair, as are large eyes of green or amber. Gnomes unabashedly adore elves for their beauty and sometimes try to model their own appearances after them.

Relationship Ideals

Gnomes are, as a rule, monogamous, rarely remarrying even after their spouse has died. The average couple will have many children, usually at least four, and not uncommonly as many as ten or twelve. It is also, however, entirely socially acceptable not to pursue marriage at all, especially when the reason is a desire for a very itinerant life.

Common Dress Code

Gnomish clothing is generally made in reserved, earthy tones, but almost always embellished somehow, with embroidery, embossing, embedded jewels, and other accessories. Women typically wear knee-length dresses, and scarves and shawls are favored among all gnomes. Gnomes often enjoy styling their hair, though just as frequently they let it hang loose and wild. Gnomish men style their beards into forks and points as they like.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Gnomes have consistently fostered peace throughout their history. Among them have risen, throughout history, many wise and learned sages, scholars, and wizards who have contributed to the study of the arcane in practical, helpful ways. Almost every gnome will travel far and wide over the course of his or her life, as there is an innate curiosity to the race that drives them to do and see as much as they can with the time they are given.

History

Gnomes existed in only very small numbers in the Age of the Meydra, and are thought to have originated on the island of Merriwich. They are still relatively uncommon outside of Merriwich, but can be found in small villages in the woodlands and hills of Talazic as well as a handful of other locations across the world.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Gnomes are quick to give the benefit of the doubt and know there is always something to learn from a stranger.
Gnomes can, occasionally, have children with halflings, though these people cannot have children of their own.

Lifespan

350 years (500 possible, though unusual)

Average Height

3 feet

Average Weight

40 lbs