Lubecian Gnomes, also known as
Forest Gnomes, are a subrace of
gnome native to the
Crestfallen region of
Lubec. They are believed to be among the earliest inhabitants of Crestfall following the Age of Giants.
History
Pre-Vancian Era
While the exact details of their origin are unknown, the gnomes of Lubec are believed to be among the oldest existing denizens of Crestfall, rivalled only by the
dwarves and
halflings of
Kovia and
Wiegland, respectively.
Much like the other native denizens of Crestfall, the Lubecian gnomes found themselves heavily subjugated by the
elves during their arrival and attempted colonization of the continent in the Pre-Vancian Era, and later found themselves caught in the crossfire of the Millennium War. In spite of this, the gnomes were able to forge an alliance of sorts with one offshoot group of
elven defectors from the Seelie Court, who took pity on the native populations of Crestfall and chose to remove themselves from the conflict.
Modern Era
In 920 ME, the gnomish homeland of Lubec was officially annexed by the Hegian Empire, making it the third Imperial territory alongside the neighboring regions of Hegia and Zholia. This development created a point of contention among the gnomish population, leading to decades of dissent which would eventually come to a boiling point in 965 ME with the Lubecian Civil War.
The war was short-lived, lasting only two years, and ended with the defeat of the Lubecian resistance; despite this failure to regain independence, anti-Imperial sentiment still runs deep among the gnomes of Lubec, and rumours of a second uprising continue to circulate to this day.
Culture
For centuries, the gnomes of Lubec have been regarded as a highly spiritual people; the native religion of the Lubecian gnomes is highly animist in nature, naming so specific deities but instead placing deep religious significance on the natural world and the inherent balance of all living things. For this reason, it is believed that the first druids of Crestfall originated in Lubec, with the Lubecian gnomes spreading their beliefs to the Wood Elves following the events of the Millennium War.
The native religion of the Lubecian gnomes is deeply at odds with the Hegian Empire, whose monotheistic Church of Solasne has all but completely supplanted the gnomish belief system as the primary religion of the region. This cultural erasure is the primary reason for the gnomes' resentment of their homeland's Hegian occupation; despite the Church of Solasne's influence, many Lubecian gnomes continue to practice the old religion in private rituals and ceremonies.
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