Ice Gnome (Barbegazi)

Tome of Horrors Complete by Scott Green (2011).

Ice Gnomes inhabit the frozen Sabrelands and the northern areas of the Cherti Mountains.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Ice Gnomes speak Gnomish as their native language, and many also know Elven due to it being the language of the Winter Witches.

Common Dress code

Although Ice Gnomes don't feel the cold, they always wear some kind of head covering. This is a common feature of Sabreland apparel, and probably got started as a way to keep out the biting frost, and survived even among the immune when uncovered heads became viewed as a symbol of foolish ignorance.

Coming of Age Rites

Animals are very important in Ice Gnome culture. All Ice Gnomes have an animal companion, familiar or pet to protect and accompany them through their life. Through a secret ritual at the Vzrosleniye coming of age ceremony, they are bonded to their animal, with a part of their life traded with a part of the animal's. This keeps the animal alive as long as the gnome lives, but also means that if the animal is hurt, the gnome will feel that pain.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Ice gnomes always keep their heads covered, and most have shiny blue face tattoos. Male ice gnomes tend to have long beards and to wear pointed hats, while the females wear head veils. They have piercing ice-blue eyes and white hair that camoflages with their snowy surroundings.

Gender Ideals

Male ice gnomes are expected to be the hunters and fighters of their village. They often practice wrestling amongst themselves, as combat practice and for fun and entertainment. Young males are trained from an early age in the arts of combat and survival. Female ice gnomes are just as capable as the males, but they do not fight offensively or hunt. Their role is to create the traps and fishing lines, and to protect their villages from intruders.