A constant hum of busy activity pervades the warrens and neighbourhoods where gnomes form their close-knit communities. Louder sounds punctuate the hum: a crunch of grinding gears here, a minor explosion there, a yelp of surprise or triumph, and especially bursts of laughter. Gnomes take delight in life, enjoying every moment of invention, exploration, investigation, creation, and play.
Gnomes are native to
Illium, and since humans have arrived the gnomes have made their homes in hilly, wooded lands. They live underground but enjoy fresh air, enjoying the natural, living world on the surface whenever they can. Their homes are well hidden by both clever construction and simple illusions. Imperial authorities turn a blind eye to them, but most humans are still a little uncomfortable around gnomes.
Gnomes who settle in Illium's human settlements are suspected of being outcasts or tricksters - whether rightly or wrongly. It is not strange to see a gnome hawking goods at a market, or working as inventors, engineers and tinkers.
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