Gnome
Gnomes are a Race native to The Old World, famed for their keen minds and technological prowess. They are a playable Race best-suited to Classes which focus on cunning, education, and magical talent, such as Artificer, Rogue, Warlock, and Wizard (see http://dnd5e.wikidot.com/gnome). There are two known Sub-Races of Gnome: Rock Gnomes and Forest Gnomes.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Gnomes are of Small size and slender build relative to other Races. They possess two arms, two legs, and no natural armor or weapons.
Biological Traits
Gnomes possess modest sexual dimorphism, with males being somewhat taller and broader than females and possessing sharper facial features. Both genders have visible genitalia and females additionally have visible breasts.
Genetics and Reproduction
Dwarves reproduce sexually, have both male and female genders, and give live birth following a gestation period of approximately 10 months. They have a low birth rate, generally producing no more than one child every few decades.
Growth Rate & Stages
Gnomes generally reach sexual maturity by 15 to 20 years of age and are considered adults by 30 to 40 years of age. Both males and females are generally unable to bear children after the age of 200. Average Gnome life expectancy is between 250 and 350 years, but some individuals may live for 500 years or longer.
Ecology and Habitats
Gnomes are best suited for cold or temperate climates and are not well-adapted for heat. Thus, they tend to avoid jungles, deserts, and other hot environments. Their Darkvision and sinewy build make them well-suited to living underground.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Gnomes are omnivores and are able to thrive on a wide range of diets, though they rarely consume meat. Most Gnomes primarily consume grains, vegetables, and fungi, which they may supplement with fruit and animal products when available. Gnomes have moderate metabolisms and must eat multiple meals daily to remain healthy, but can survive on only water for up to a month if necessary.
Biological Cycle
Gnomes follow a nocturnal life cycle. They are generally active during the night and sleep for 4 to 6 hours from midday to early evening. They do not hibernate and their life cycle has no significant seasonal changes.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Rock Gnomes are highly social and almost always live in groups. The most common arrangement is for spouses and their children to share a residence, with young individuals moving out when they reach adulthood. Generally, many such family units exist together as part of a larger community in which labor is divided for mutual benefit. Forest gnomes, however, are largely solitary, living alone or with only their own spouse and children. Young Forest Gnomes typically strike out on their own upon reaching adulthood and remain alone until they marry.
Facial characteristics
Most Gnomes have blue, brown, or black eyes and pointed ears. Both genders grow hair on their scalps and males frequently have facial hair as well.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Gnomes are indigenous to the continents of Thule and Latia Minor and do not often leave their homelands, making them rare elsewhere in the Old World.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Gnomes have keen sight and hearing and possess Darkvision. They have excellent proficiency with magic, but no innate psionic powers.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
Gnomes are the dominant Race in the Nation of Endelheim and form a significant minority in Dunlagh, Inismore, Mennavjar, Ussura, and Vestenjar as well.
Gender Ideals
Gender roles are only loosely defined among Gnomes and individuals of either gender may fill any role in Dragonborn society. Nonetheless, military leaders and priests of the Gnomish god, Garl, are somewhat more likely to be male, whereas political and scientific leaders are more likely to be female.
Courtship Ideals
Gnomes generally mate for extended periods, but rarely for life. Rock Gnomes seek out mates individually, whereas Forest Gnomes marry en masse during festivals, which are among the few times they gather in large groups. In either case, marriages are expected to last until any children produced by the union reach adulthood, but are commonly dissolved thereafter. Romantic and sexual relationships outside of marriage and marital infidelity are much more common among Rock Gnomes than Forest Gnomes, due to the latter's reclusive nature.
Average Technological Level
Rock Gnomes are more technologically advanced than any other Race in the Old World, excelling particularly in the fields of alchemy, mathematics, and mechanical engineering. By contrast, Forest Gnomes are technologically primitive, though they tend to be highly skilled at herbalism and magic.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Most Gnomes speak Gnomish, the ancient Language of their kind which remains the common tongue in Endelheim. Most Rock Gnomes, particularly those living in Mennavjar and Vestenjar, also speak Thul, whereas Forest Gnomes often speak Dwarvish or Dunnic.
History
It is believed that Gnomes descend from a now-extinct sylvan Race known as the Quessir, as do Elves. They have existed in the Old World since the Age of Building, when the first written histories were recorded, and fought fiercely against Human and Dwarven encroachment on their native lands during the Golden Age. Forest Gnomes have largely faded from history since the Dwarven conquest of their native Inismore. Rock Gnomes, however, are responsible for a number of technological innovations through the ages, most recently the invention of gunpowder.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Gnomes, particularly Forest Gnomes, are an insular people and keep to their own kind when they can, but they rarely hold violent prejudices. They largely lack any innate drive to expand or colonize, which prevents them from coming into conflict with other Races, but will fight ferociously if threatened. Scholars and mages often seek out Gnomes, hoping to share in their vast knowledge, but are typically rebuffed unless they have something of great interest to barter in exchange. Gnomes are not capable of interbreeding with any other known Race.
Genetic Descendants
Scientific Name
Senex Callidus
Origin/Ancestry
Rock Gnome, Forest Gnome
Lifespan
250-350 years
Average Height
2'10"-4'0"
Average Weight
30-45 lbs.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Ranges from light grey to dark brown.
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