Gnome
A constant hum of busy activity pervades the warrens and neighborhoods where gnomes form their close-knit communities. Louder sounds punctuate the hum: a crunch of grinding gears here, a minor explosion there, a yelp of surprise or triumph, and especially bursts of laughter. Gnomes take delight in life, enjoying every moment of invention, exploration, investigation, creation, and play.
Vibrant Expression
A gnome's energy and enthusiasm for living shines through every inch his or her tiny body. Gnomes average slightly over 3 feet tall and weigh 40 to 45 pounds. Their tan or brown faces are usually adorned with broad smiles (beneath their prodigious noses), and their bright eyes shine with excitement. Their fair hair has a tendency to stick out in every direction, as if expressing the gnome's insatiable interest in everything around. A gnome's personality is writ large in his or her appearance. A male gnome's beard, in contrast to his wild hair, is kept carefully trimmed but often styled into curious forks or neat points. A gnome's clothing, though usually made in modest earth tones, is elaborately decorated with embroidery, embossing, or gleaming jewels.Delighted Dedication
As far as gnomes are concerned, being alive is a wonderful thing, and they squeeze every ounce of enjoyment out of their three to five centuries of life. Humans might wonder about getting bored over the course of such a long life, and elves take plenty of time to savor the beauties of the world in their long years, but gnomes seem to worry that even with all that time, they can't get in enough of the things they want to do and see. Gnomes speak as if they can't get the thoughts out of their heads fast enough. Even as they offer ideas and opinions on a range of subjects, they manage to listen carefully to others, adding the appropriate exclamations of surprise and appreciation along the way. Though gnomes love jokes of all kinds, particularly puns and pranks, they're just as dedicated to the more serious tasks they undertake. Many gnomes are skilled engineers, alchemists, tinkerers, and inventors. They're willing to make mistakes and laugh at themselves in the process of perfecting what they do, taking bold (sometimes foolhardy) risks and dreaming large.Bright Burrows
Gnomes makes their homes in hilly, wooded lands. They live underground but get more fresh air than dwarves do, enjoying the natural, living world on the surface where ever they can. Their homes are well hidden by both clever construction and simple illusions. Welcome visitors are quickly ushered into the bright, warm burrows. Those who are not welcome are unlikely to find the burrows in the first place. Gnomes who settle in human lands are commonly gemcutters, engineers, sages, or tinkerers. Some human families retained gnome tutors, ensuring that their pupils enjoy a mix of serious learning and delighted enjoyment. A gnome might tutor several generations of a single human family over the course of his or her long life.Seeing The World
Curious and impulsive, gnomes might take up adventuring as a way to see the world or for the love of exploring. As lovers of gems and other fine items, some gnomes take to adventuring as quick, if dangerous, path to wealth. Regardless of what spurs them to adventure, gnomes who adopt this way of life eke as much enjoyment out of it as they do out of any other activity they undertake, sometimes to the great annoyance of their adventuring companions.Player's Handbook
Gnome
ability score increase:
Choose one of: (a) Choose any +2; choose any other +1 (b) choose three different +1
age:
Gnomes mature at the same rate humans do, and most are expected to settle down into an adult life by around age 40. They can live 350 to almost 500 years.
alignment:
Gnomes can be of any alignment
Size:
Small
speed:
Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Languages:
You can speak, read, and write Common and Gnomish. The Gnomish language, which uses the Dwarvish script, is renowned for its technical treatises and its catalogs of knowledge about the natural world.
race features:
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic.
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic.
Volo's Complete Subrace Handbook
Chaos Gnome
Infused with the spirit of chaos, these gnomes are energetic, flamboyant, and charismatic, having bright, or white hair and beards. They also wear bright colors and are especially fond of bright red and pink hats. They possess an uncanny luck and have great talent as sorcerers. Colorful cousins of gnomes, they are adventurous; even the most staid among them is prone to wander.
ability score increase:
Choose one of: (a) Choose any +2; choose any other +1 (b) choose three different +1
age:
Gnomes mature at the same rate humans do, and most are expected to settle down into an adult life by around age 40. They can live 350 to almost 500 years.
alignment:
Gnomes can be of any alignment
Size:
Small
speed:
Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Languages:
You can speak, read, and write Common and Gnomish. The Gnomish language, which uses the Dwarvish script, is renowned for its technical treatises and its catalogs of knowledge about the natural world.
parent race:
Gnome
race features:
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Luck of Chaos. Once per day when you make a die roll, you can choose to reroll one die. You can choose to do so after you roll the die, but before the DM tells you whether you succeed or fail. You must take the result of the reroll, even if it's worse than the original roll. In addition, once per day when an attack hits you, you may force an enemy to roll the attack again. The enemy must take the result of the reroll, even if it’s worse than the original roll. Chaos Magic. You learn the prestidigitation cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the chaos bolt spell as a 1st-level spell once with this trait, and you regain the ability to cast it this way when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells. Also, if you score a critical hit while casting the chaos bolt spell using this feature, the bolt deals damage as though it were cast as a 2nd-level spell.
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Luck of Chaos. Once per day when you make a die roll, you can choose to reroll one die. You can choose to do so after you roll the die, but before the DM tells you whether you succeed or fail. You must take the result of the reroll, even if it's worse than the original roll. In addition, once per day when an attack hits you, you may force an enemy to roll the attack again. The enemy must take the result of the reroll, even if it’s worse than the original roll. Chaos Magic. You learn the prestidigitation cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the chaos bolt spell as a 1st-level spell once with this trait, and you regain the ability to cast it this way when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells. Also, if you score a critical hit while casting the chaos bolt spell using this feature, the bolt deals damage as though it were cast as a 2nd-level spell.
Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
Deep Gnome
Forest gnomes and rock gnomes are the gnomes most commonly encountered in the lands of the surface world. There is another subrace of gnomes rarely seen by any surface-dweller: deep gnomes. Guarded, and suspicious of outsiders, deep gnomes are cunning and taciturn, but can be just as kind-hearted, loyal, and compassionate as their surface cousins.
ability score increase:
Choose one of: (a) Choose any +2; choose any other +1 (b) choose three different +1
age:
Gnomes mature at the same rate humans do, and most are expected to settle down into an adult life by around age 40. They can live 350 to almost 500 years.
alignment:
Gnomes can be of any alignment
Size:
Small
speed:
Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Languages:
You can speak, read, and write Common and Gnomish. The Gnomish language, which uses the Dwarvish script, is renowned for its technical treatises and its catalogs of knowledge about the natural world.
parent race:
Gnome
race features:
Superior Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 120 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Stone Camouflage. You have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks to hide in rocky terrain.
Superior Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 120 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Stone Camouflage. You have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks to hide in rocky terrain.
Player's Handbook
Forest Gnome
As a forest gnome, you have a natural knack for illusion and inherent quickness and stealth. In the worlds of D&D, forest gnomes are rare and secretive. They gather in hidden communities in sylvan forests, using illusions and trickery to conceal themselves from threats or to mask their escape should they be detected. Forest gnomes tend to be friendly with other good-spirited woodland folk, and they regard elves and good fey as their most important allies. These gnomes also befriend small forest animals and rely on them for information about threats that might prowl their lands.
ability score increase:
Choose one of: (a) Choose any +2; choose any other +1 (b) choose three different +1
age:
Gnomes mature at the same rate humans do, and most are expected to settle down into an adult life by around age 40. They can live 350 to almost 500 years.
alignment:
Gnomes can be of any alignment
Size:
Small
speed:
Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Languages:
You can speak, read, and write Common and Gnomish. The Gnomish language, which uses the Dwarvish script, is renowned for its technical treatises and its catalogs of knowledge about the natural world.
parent race:
Gnome
race features:
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Natural Illusionist. You know the minor illusion cantrip. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for it. Speak with Small Beasts. Through sounds and gestures, you can communicate simple ideas with Small or smaller beasts. Forest gnomes love animals and often keep squirrels, badgers, rabbits, moles, woodpeckers, and other creatures as beloved pets.
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Natural Illusionist. You know the minor illusion cantrip. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for it. Speak with Small Beasts. Through sounds and gestures, you can communicate simple ideas with Small or smaller beasts. Forest gnomes love animals and often keep squirrels, badgers, rabbits, moles, woodpeckers, and other creatures as beloved pets.
Ice Gnome
As an ice gnome you've grown up in the frozen wastes of the Frostfell or inside of glaciers or on fields of permafrost
ability score increase:
Choose one of: (a) Choose any +2; choose any other +1 (b) choose three different +1
age:
Gnomes mature at the same rate humans do, and most are expected to settle down into an adult life by around age 40. They can live 350 to almost 500 years.
alignment:
Gnomes can be of any alignment
Size:
Small
speed:
Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Languages:
You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for your character.
parent race:
Gnome
race features:
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Cold Endurance. You have resistance against cold damage. Frostbite. You are able to cast frostbite at will.
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Cold Endurance. You have resistance against cold damage. Frostbite. You are able to cast frostbite at will.
Volo's Complete Subrace Handbook
River Gnome
River gnomes are cousins of forest gnomes who reside in the fresh waters of the realms. Singing behind a waterfall, or drifting lazily downriver, these gnomes can be seen from a distance laughing and being merry, but when approached by an outsider these gnomes are quick to jump into the river and swim swiftly away. These gnomes form a close bond with animals and wildlife that live in their river. They are defenders of the waters, and will show bravery and ferocity far beyond their size when the river they call their home is threatened.
ability score increase:
Choose one of: (a) Choose any +2; choose any other +1 (b) choose three different +1
age:
Gnomes mature at the same rate humans do, and most are expected to settle down into an adult life by around age 40. They can live 350 to almost 500 years.
alignment:
Gnomes can be of any alignment
Size:
Small
speed:
Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Languages:
You can speak, read, and write Common and Gnomish. The Gnomish language, which uses the Dwarvish script, is renowned for its technical treatises and its catalogs of knowledge about the natural world.
parent race:
Gnome
race features:
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Speak with River Beasts. Through sounds, simple gestures, and patterns of bubbles, you can communicate simple ideas with medium or smaller beasts that naturally have a swimming speed. Swift Swimmer. You gain a swimming speed of 25 feet. In addition, you can hold your breath for a number of minutes equal to twice your Constitution score. Aquabatics. You have advantage on acrobatics and stealth checks made while submerged.
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Speak with River Beasts. Through sounds, simple gestures, and patterns of bubbles, you can communicate simple ideas with medium or smaller beasts that naturally have a swimming speed. Swift Swimmer. You gain a swimming speed of 25 feet. In addition, you can hold your breath for a number of minutes equal to twice your Constitution score. Aquabatics. You have advantage on acrobatics and stealth checks made while submerged.
Player's Handbook
Rock Gnome
As a rock gnome, you have a natural inventiveness and hardiness beyond that of other gnomes. Most gnomes in the worlds of D&D are rock gnomes, including the tinker gnomes of the Dragonlance setting.
ability score increase:
Choose one of: (a) Choose any +2; choose any other +1 (b) choose three different +1
age:
Gnomes mature at the same rate humans do, and most are expected to settle down into an adult life by around age 40. They can live 350 to almost 500 years.
alignment:
Gnomes can be of any alignment
Size:
Small
speed:
Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Languages:
You can speak, read, and write Common and Gnomish. The Gnomish language, which uses the Dwarvish script, is renowned for its technical treatises and its catalogs of knowledge about the natural world.
parent race:
Gnome
race features:
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Artificer's Lore. Whenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to magic items, alchemical objects, or technological devices, you can add twice your proficiency bonus, instead of any proficiency bonus you normally apply. Tinker. You have proficiency with artisan's tools (tinker's tools). Using those tools, you can spend 1 hour and 10 gp worth of materials to construct a Tiny clockwork device (AC 5, 1 hp). The device ceases to function after 24 hours (unless you spend 1 hour repairing it to keep the device functioning), or when you use your action to dismantle it; at that time, you can reclaim the materials used to create it. You can have up to three such devices active at a time. When you create a device, choose one of the following options: Clockwork Toy. This toy is a clockwork animal, monster, or person, such as a frog, mouse, bird, dragon, or soldier. When placed on the ground, the toy moves 5 feet across the ground on each of your turns in a random direction. It makes noises as appropriate to the creature it represents. Fire Starter. The device produces a miniature flame, which you can use to light a candle, torch, or campfire. Using the device requires your action. Music Box. When opened, this music box plays a single song at a moderate volume. The box stops playing when it reaches the song's end or when it is closed.
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Artificer's Lore. Whenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to magic items, alchemical objects, or technological devices, you can add twice your proficiency bonus, instead of any proficiency bonus you normally apply. Tinker. You have proficiency with artisan's tools (tinker's tools). Using those tools, you can spend 1 hour and 10 gp worth of materials to construct a Tiny clockwork device (AC 5, 1 hp). The device ceases to function after 24 hours (unless you spend 1 hour repairing it to keep the device functioning), or when you use your action to dismantle it; at that time, you can reclaim the materials used to create it. You can have up to three such devices active at a time. When you create a device, choose one of the following options: Clockwork Toy. This toy is a clockwork animal, monster, or person, such as a frog, mouse, bird, dragon, or soldier. When placed on the ground, the toy moves 5 feet across the ground on each of your turns in a random direction. It makes noises as appropriate to the creature it represents. Fire Starter. The device produces a miniature flame, which you can use to light a candle, torch, or campfire. Using the device requires your action. Music Box. When opened, this music box plays a single song at a moderate volume. The box stops playing when it reaches the song's end or when it is closed.
3.5E Conversion
Wavecrest Gnome
As a wavecrest gnome, you have spent your whole life in seaside settlements on sandy beaches, usually located on small islands or beside hidden lagoons. Wavecrest gnomes are just as secretive and elusive as their forest gnome cousins, however you believe the sea to be your natural heritage. Your people love ships, but culturally, rarely craft anyting larger than a barge; instead preferring to sign aboard one of the mighty, majestic ships of the larger folk.
ability score increase:
Choose one of: (a) Choose any +2; choose any other +1 (b) choose three different +1
age:
Gnomes mature at the same rate humans do, and most are expected to settle down into an adult life by around age 40. They can live 350 to almost 500 years.
alignment:
Gnomes can be of any alignment
Size:
Small
speed:
Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Languages:
You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for your character.
parent race:
Gnome
race features:
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Swim Speed. Life on the coastal beaches has taught you how to better move through the water. You have a base swim speed of 30 feet. Shape Water. You are able to cast Shape Water at will.
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Swim Speed. Life on the coastal beaches has taught you how to better move through the water. You have a base swim speed of 30 feet. Shape Water. You are able to cast Shape Water at will.
Volo's Complete Subrace Handbook
Whisper Gnome
Whisper gnomes may look much like common gnomes, but these gnomes are quiet, suspicious sorts who have a limited control over sound and silence, using it mostly to communicate. Wherever they are found, whisper gnomes are seen by others as spies, informants and recluses. Whisper gnomes are skinny, almost gaunt creatures, and their skin ranges in color from light gray to light green, with dark brown or black hair.
ability score increase:
Choose one of: (a) Choose any +2; choose any other +1 (b) choose three different +1
age:
Gnomes mature at the same rate humans do, and most are expected to settle down into an adult life by around age 40. They can live 350 to almost 500 years.
alignment:
Gnomes can be of any alignment
Size:
Small
speed:
Your base walking speed is 25 feet.
Languages:
You can speak, read, and write Common and Gnomish. The Gnomish language, which uses the Dwarvish script, is renowned for its technical treatises and its catalogs of knowledge about the natural world.
parent race:
Gnome
race features:
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Gnomish Whisper. Your mastery of gnomish whispering makes you able to silently communicate. You know the message cantrip, and you can cast it as a bonus action. Whisper Magic. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the silence spell centered on yourself once per day as a 2nd-level spell. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
Darkvision. Accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Gnomish Whisper. Your mastery of gnomish whispering makes you able to silently communicate. You know the message cantrip, and you can cast it as a bonus action. Whisper Magic. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the silence spell centered on yourself once per day as a 2nd-level spell. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Gnomes love names, and most have half a dozen or so. A gnome's mother, father, clan elder, aunts, and uncles each give the gnome a name, and various nicknames from just about everyone else might or might not stick over time. Gnome names are typically variants on the names of ancestors or distant relatives, though some are truly new inventions. When dealing with humans and others who are "Stuffy" about names, a gnome learns to use no more than three names; A personal name, a clan name, and a nickname, choosing the one in each category that's the most fun to say.
Male Names: Alston, Alvyn, Boddynock, Brocc, Ettrgell, Dimble, Eldon, Erky, Fonkin, Frug, Gerbo, Gimble, Glim, Jebeddo, Kellen, Namfoodle. Orryn, Roondar, Seebo, Warryn, Wrenn, Zook
Female Names: Bimpnottin, Breena, Caramip, Carlin, Donella, Duvamil, Ella, Ellyjobell, Ellywick, Lilli, Loopmottin, Lorilla, Mardnab, Nissa, Nyx, Oda, Orla, Roywyn, Shamil, Tana, Waywocket, Zanna
Clan Names: Beren, Daergel, Folkor, Garrick, Nackle, Murnig, Ningcl, Raulnor, Seheppen, Timbers, Turen
Nicknames: Aleslosh, Aslthearth, Badger, Cloak, Doublelock, Filchbatter, Fnipper, Ku, Nina, Oneshoe, Pock, Sparklegem, Scumbleduck
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