Gnome
General
The Gnomes are distant cousins of the Dwarves. Having left the Dwarven Isle many centuries ago as a part of an exploration fleet. The Gnomes live in hills rather than mountains so there is still sunlight pouring in. Consequently, they have lost the ability to see in the dark. Gnomes resemble the dwarfs in appearance, attitude, and preference for living underground. The Gnomish city is built primarily above ground, but almost every building has a basement where the bedrooms and living rooms are put. After the centuries of being away from the mountain homes, the Gnomes had to adapt. Turning their skills in diplomacy and trade into those used for intrigue. The Gnomes are renowned for their abilities as spies, inquisitors, and informants. The Gnomes have largely kept to the Gnomish Free City, however, a few highly capable rogues have traveled to courts around the world. Gnomes have built their civilization on the bases of the family. A Gnome holds their highest obligation to their mother, father, and siblings.Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
Free Gnomish City
Beauty Ideals
Men - Generally dressing in darker colors. Short hair and medium-length facial hair.
Women - It is common for women to dye their hair different colors, it is considered incredibly fashionable for them to match hair color to their outfits.
Both - Soft hands (signifying little manual labor or hard work), wrinkle and acne-free face, and pale skin.
Gender Ideals
Men - The malicious and devious of the Gnomes, and that is saying something. The male gnomes generally are seen as quiet and reclusive or well-spoken and quick to lie.
Women - Considered the more expressive of the Gnomes. They will dye their hair and change the color of their eyes. While there is nothing preventing women from doing any jobs many can be found as artists, writers, and scribes.
Courtship Ideals
Start - A woman is to give a flower or small gift to the man. If accepted the two will start going on dates and spending more time with each other
Dates - Every date must include eating and drinking in some fashion. Some will do people watching - trying to overhear fascinating news or gossip - going into crowded places and gossiping with strangers, and watching the coming and going of ships at the Emerald Port are all considered good dates.
Relationship Ideals
A relationship is a combination of talents. The man is able to bring information and secrets to help the family and the women puts them into play.
Average Technological Level
Most advancements discovered by the Gnomish people are in the fields of poisons, listening devices, and divination magics.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
While Gnmoish is its own language it shares an alphabet and many words with Dwarvish.
Common Etiquette Rules
When you meet someone for the first time it is polite to shake their hand and offer a look in your boots, the offer can be rejected or accepted freely.
Common Dress Code
Men - Darker clothes - blacks, dark blues, greys, etc. Hats, belts, and walking sticks are customary when outside. Boots are almost always worn when not in formal wear. Daggers are almost always in one of those boots.
Women - Bright distracting clothing - golds, pinks, whites, etc. Flowery hats, an umbrella, and nice jewelry are quite common everyday accessories.
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Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
When wanting to meet with someone it is done in a public place, unless they are close family or a lifelong friend in which case they will meet at one of their homes.
If you are invited into a Gnome's home the invitation is always accepted and returned at a later date. To reject an invitation into someone's home is considered highly rude and offensive. If you do not invite them into your home in the coming days it is assumed that you are plotting against them and you do not want them to know.
Common Taboos
Speaking of plots, spying, or intrigue in public is considered bad luck on your own plots.
Walking up behind someone without announcing your presence is considered quite hostile.
Historical Figures
The Founder of the Free City - ???
The Great Defender - ???
Common Myths and Legends
Most Gnomes worship the Sun and Moon.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Dragonfolk - Fine people but very poor governors. The Federal Republic is a dangerous and warmongering nation. Generally Dragonfolk are rather easy to con or fool.
Dwarf - Our lost brothers. Great people who always have your back and know when they are being tricked.
Elves - Strange folk from strange parts. They look weird and act even weirder. They do not value many of the things we do. Always keep an eye on them.
Kobold - Wonderful backup for any plots or plans. Not great at coming up with plots on their own but great help for ours.
Merfolk - If you need something made go to the Merfolk. They are honest to a fault and are always willing to trade and deal.
Orc - Fine folk. Easy to know what they are thinking given they are always arguing with each other.
Tiefling - Devils and demons are just creatures. They are not scary if you know how to deal with contracts!
Humans - Evil and vile creatures. They ruled over the world with an iron fist and did not let up. Good thing they are all dead.
Current Date -
The Yet Unnamed Year of 1494 ce
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