Gnomes
Thinkers and Tinkerers; Inhabitants of Hidden places
Introduction
Gnomes, if nothing else, are thinkers. They unravel truths in their minds, study the natural world around them, and build incredible new technologies. They are philosophers, scientists, artists, tacticians, and inventors. Gnomes have achieved many great things in Cavum's long history, and are well known for these achievements. Whilst rare, those who encounter a Gnome know they will do or have done something to change the face of Cavum's history.
Created with Purpose
Unlike the other sentient species, Gnomes are not born but made. Gnomes are sculpted by the hand of Eudaimos and put into the world. As such, the start of life for a Gnome doesn't begin with birth, but with a conscious awakening. Dropped into Cavum, often in a secluded location, Gnomes begin their lives with a divine purpose given to them by Eudaimos. This purpose is the most important thing to a Gnome, and fulfilling it is their life goal. A gnomes purpose could range from becoming an incredible cook, defeating a powerful foe in combat, or exploring the world. If a Gnome dies before Eudaimos thinks said Gnome has completed their purpose, any memories of this Gnome are removed from the minds of any and all creatures. As such, there is an incredible pressure on Gnomes to fulfil their purpose, lest they be forgotten, and in their eyes, their entire existence rendered meaningless.
Hidden from the world
Gnomes are often reclusive creatures, devoted mostly to their purpose and those who align with it. This is not to say that Gnomes aren't concerned with other people and their perception of them. Most Gnomes see themselves as imperfect versions of themselves, up until the time they achieve their purpose. Because of this, most Gnomes will wear masks to hide their faces from the outside world. These masks are often wooden, and are often changed over time as the Gnome gets closer and closer to achieving their purpose. Gnomes do not visably age, so the only way to guess their age (aside from asking), is by looking at how ornate their mask is. A Gnome without a mask is a rare sight. They will only take them off when others are either not around, or when their purpose has been fulfilled. Being seen without one's mask before achieving one's purpose is seen as incredibly shameful in Gnome culture, and it's something that every Gnome fears.
Playing a Gnome
If you want to play as a Gnome, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, Gnomes are incredibly dedicated to their search of purpose, devoting themselves to it entriely. Anything else is secondary to their primary goal of achieving their purpose. This can make a gnome difficult to work with in some cases, but incredibly useful in others. This purpose should influence the Gnomes behaviors, life choices, and personality. It should also influence how their masks look. Other important things to consider are a Gnomes reason for adventuring, and how it furthers their purpose, and the fact that Gnomes are a rare species on Cavum, renowned for their many great achievements.
Gnome Statblock
Gnome
Thinkers and Tinkerers, Philosophers and Researchers. Created by the god Eudaimos, Gnomes are given a divine mandate to solve a specific problem, lest they be forgotten when they die. Gnomes are driven to adventure by the questions they must answer, and thus by the answers they may find.
Darkvision
You have Darkvision with a range of 60ft
Gnomish Cunning
You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saves against magic
Choose Either:Logical Thinker
Whenever you make an Intelligence ability check, you can role 1d4 and add the number rolled to your total
Or:One with Nature
You know the Minor Illusion cantrip. You can also cast the Speak with Animals Spell with this trait. You can cast it with the trait a number of times equal to your Proficiency Bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest. You can also use any Spell Slots you have to cast the Spell.
Or:Tinkerer
You know the Mending and Prestidigitation cantrips. In addition, you can spend 10 minutes casting Prestidigitation to create a Tiny clockwork device (AC 5, 1 HP), such as a toy, a fire starter, or a music box. Casting the Spell in this way consumes 10 GP worth of raw material (string, gears, and the like), which you provide during the casting. When you create the device, you determine its function by choosing one effect from Prestidigitation; the device produces that effect whenever you or another creature takes a Bonus Action to touch the device and activate it. If the chosen effect has options within it, you choose one of those options for the device when you create it. For example, if you choose the spell’s ignite-extinguish effect, you determine whether the device ignites or extinguishes fire; the device doesn’t do both. You can have three such devices in existence at a time, and each one dismantles itself 8 hours after its creation. You can also touch one of your devices and dismantle it as an Action. After a device is dismantled, the 10 GP of materials used to create it can be reclaimed.
Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for the Spells you cast with these traits (choose the ability when you create your character)
"Gnome Thyself"
Quick Reference Guide
Quick Build Information
An Adopted Species
Originally Gnomes where created by the Ancient Elves as servants and workhands. Whilst they were a lower class compared to their Elven Masters, they were treated well and lived fulfilling lives. Sculpted from the earth, each Gnome was created to perform a specific function and perform it well. When the civilization of the Ancient Elves was destroyed during the Great Disappearance, many Gnomes lost their lives, and almost all Gnomes lost their masters. For a century Gnomes were wanderers in search of a new master. After all, without someone to sculpt them from the earth, they were destined for extinction. Eventually they were taken in by Eudaimos, god of
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