Gnominum
The homelands and human name for ancestorial home of the Gnomes. They are renown for the technological innovations and rigid isolation.
History
The gnomes were first written about by Dwarven and Elvish scholars in the 10,000s BC. Both entities first began contacting the Gnomes in the prelude before the Great War. Unfortunately for the primitive Gnomes, their land would become the main battlefield for massive and destructive campaigns by both sides. The cataclysmic eruption the Uvarkk volcano in the central mountainous region forced a long pause in the war between the Dwarves and Elves. The Gnomes, now split between the north and south; began building closer relationships between their respective neighbors as both the Dwarves and Elves saw them as potential proxies and pawns for their conflict once it reignited. Even as the Great War between the Dwarves and Elves concluded, the rivalry between the Northern Gnomes; centered in Wrenan and the Southern Gnomes; concentrated in Rasziver; continued. The relationships with their neighbors had helped both sides develop rapidly and differently. Wrenan became a robust technological advanced city, as they adopted much of Dwarven culture and obtained an obsession with mastering the natural world. The Rasziver Gnomes of the South, through their contact with the Elves, focused on harnessing the power of the arcane. Both sides continued to clash for supreme control over one another, but over the generations all conflicts lead to stalemates and returns to status quo. Gnominum remained in conflict with itself until the 1500BC, when massive Lizardfolk invasions from the northeast threatened their sovereignty. Realizing the precarious situation, the leaders of Wrenan and Rasziver agreed to coordinate the defense of their lands. While invasions were a bloody slog for both sides, eventually the combined might of the two Gnominum cities were able to overcome the ferociousness of the invaders and the Lizardfolks were expelled in totality in 1017 BC. Seeing the strength of a united land, Wrenan and Rasziver sought formal cooperation, and eventually they created the Council of the Five in Horcyn to oversee and dictate the course of the now whole Gnominum. Gnominum culture revolves around the pursuit of technological advancement and as a result, the worship of Kanesia; The Innovative Spirit. For them, Kanesia sparks the mind with creativity. It is her guidance that allows one to trace a working blueprint. With her blessing, one can overcome and solve problems, and once a piece of technology is crafted, it is her breath that fills it and powers it. Many Gnomish cities run on steampower and steam is considered the literal essence of Kanesia. Through Kanesia, Gnomes have created many of the wonders our world is fascinated and reliant on such as, compasses, printing presses, clocks, telescopes, water pumps, and of course, blackpowder. But there are still many innovations the Gnomes have kept from the rest of the world due to their fierce isolationism. There are reports of autonomous entities that work as grunts in Gnomish society as well as massive semi-sentient suits of armor that watch over the borderlands. In the last few decades, Gnominum has seemingly pulled itself more inward. Many international diplomatic envoys have been recalled. The Dwarves and Elves have reported seeing the borders of Gnominum become more fortified; with massive structures being erected and large metallic guardians posted nearby. It is completely unclear what the rationale is for this change, as the council of the five have become increasingly tight-lipped about their innerworkings and plans.
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