Rock Gnomes

"You will never find better tinkers than the rock gnomes, if you can just give them a project that they find interesting enough to keep them busy." ~Queen Palay Dawi, Thruma of Karakadaw

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Rock gnomes have two versions of gnomish and often speak dwarvish to supplement communication. High gnomish is understood only by gnomes, not because the language is obscure but because each word can reach a dozen syllables and is delivered with an auctioneer's speed. Low gnomish is just how gnomes talk to their toddlers, but they find it helpful to speak it to other races that lack the gnomes' complex mental labyrinths.

Shared customary codes and values

Rock gnomes share a dedication to progress that borders on a genetic obsession.

Common Etiquette rules

Rock gnomes rarely argue with each other. They practice an attitude of "yes, and -", building off of each others' ideas until the final product of a conversation is a roiling monstrosity of chaotic genius.

Common Dress code

Rock gnomes combine garish fashion with practicality, wearing brightly colored tuxedos or ballgowns beneath leather aprons and pairing fashionably striped canvas pants with workman's boots and gloves. They sometimes refer to their high fashion ideals as "top hats and goggles." Occasionally, humans have been known to mimic the look themselves, particularly those who have been trained in Tinker's Tools.

Art & Architecture

Rock gnome arcitecture is typically round and utilitarian. They rarely build things to be comfortable to taller races, and even dwarves find living among the gnomes to be an annoying hazard to their foreheads.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

When a rock gnome is born, they are subjected to magical augury before their naming. Their first given name is usually a result of what was scried by the diviner.

Coming of Age Rites

Rock gnomes are raised in a university setting, often communally. Coming of age is a series of knowledge tests after which they graduate.

Funerary and Memorial customs

When a rock gnome is killed, they are soaked in a special ointment and wrapped in clean cloth. The ointment causes fungus to sprout from the body, breaking it down more thoroughly than a cremation would. The mushrooms are then used for potions and alcohols. According to gnomish folklore, especially intelligent or accomplished gnomes produce finer brandies and potions.

Common Taboos

Rock gnomes have a mild taboo against getting in each others' way. They usually extend this to their chosen non-gnome friends as well, supporting them in their bad ideas and building off of them.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Rock gnomes are the taller of the gnomekin, though the bar there is still exceedingly low. They are more likely to be balding, and even the females often have high foreheads. Their eyes tend to be smaller, ranging from beady to large as opposed to the child's doll eyes that the Forest Gnomes often sport.