Gnomes

The indigenous Gnomes that settled the western boreal forest constructed a nearly invisible society. Their homes, gardens, and workshops are hidden within the tree trunks, roots, and underground caverns accessible only through a magical portal network they named The Hatway. The fact that the tiny Gnomes value their privacy and security is no surprise given the size and variety of predators in the wild forests. Most Gnomes simply wish to be left alone to enjoy their mushroom farms, moss gardens, and cozy homes.

The Prank War

As the flood waters rose, a flurry of Pixies flew into Gnomish territory utterly unaware of the tiny doorways hidden amongst the gnarled tree roots on the forest floor. They built their nests up high. As aerial gatherers, the Pixies would find and raid the Gnomes' berry gardens, not realizing they were claimed by anyone. Tensions between the new immigrants and the Gnomes have risen sharply as the forest has grown more dangerous and the resources decline under the ashen skies. Gnomes abhor violence but they do love a good prank. It's not uncommon for a pixie to find her nest moved two branches higher up the tree for no reason. Perhaps the dark purple violets she decorated with have been replaced with white starflowers. The Pixies haven't figured out what is happening yet, but how will they react when they do?

The Hatway

Small doors in the trunks and roots of trees can be opened to reveal a home, passageway, garden, workshop, or storehouse connected. The doors are not locked and Gnome who meets the ward requirements can open the door. Trespassers who open a Hatway door encounter the wood of the tree, smooth with no bark - no passageway is available to them. A new Gnomish pastime is beginning to grab their culture - using the Hatway to startle a pixie or pull a prank before running away and disappearing quickly again. Only for the Gnomish - To prevent any potential invasion of their homes, the Gnomes have warded the Hatway to allow only their kind to pass. No Hat - No Entry - Without their magic hat, even a Gnome cannot enter. The hat is the key after all. +1's allowed - A gnome can bring someone with him through the Hatway if they hold hands. This is an emergency contingency added to the wards after Rastus's return to society.

Powers

Illusionary Magic - Gnomes are able to defend themselves by creating realistic projections of large or dangerous animals. These illusions are tricks of the light and not make sound. Upon lengthy inspection, it is obviously not real. In a moment of surprise, however, a predator may be fooled well enough to scare it away or at least distract it. Gnomes also find ways to use this power to befuddle each other as a joke and to bother the Pixies. Ward Masters - Wards are protective magic meant to keep away dangers or unwanted intruders. It is easy and quick for a single Gnome to create a temporary ward that lasts a few minutes but permanent wards like those on The Hatway doors take a community effort to generate.

Rastus The Explorer

The most famous of Gnomes, Rastus has gained a vast amount of knowledge and direct experience with the wild forest through his explorations and survival while being locked out. He has written several books and is seen as a heroic scholar of sorts.

Is it true that Rastus was left wandering the forest for fifty years simply because he lost his hat? His people are notoriously difficult to notice as they hardly leave their homes and when they do it's for the briefest of moments from the door nearest their objective. They're so hard to spot that even a hatless Gnome can't find them! He does exaggerate though... Arastoo only knows!
— Magda, nurse for the Ironpeak Line Caravan