Gnomes
Innovative technologists and problem-solving specialists, gnomes share deep bonds with dwarven society while advancing mechanical and magical innovation. These mountain-dwelling inventors see every challenge as a puzzle waiting for ingenious solutions.
Physical Characteristics
Gnomes possess small, nimble builds perfectly suited to delicate mechanical work. Standing between 3 and 3.5 feet tall with bright, inquisitive eyes and expressive features, they develop exceptional manual dexterity through generations of crafting intricate devices and mechanisms.
Most gnomes display earthy hair and skin tones reflecting their mountain heritage. They mature around age 40 and live approximately 200 years. This longevity allows master inventors to spend decades perfecting techniques and mentoring multiple generations.
Culture and Governance
Gnome society operates through guild structures and academic institutions rather than traditional leadership. They revere guild leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and individuals of exceptional intellect. This creates meritocratic communities focused on innovation and knowledge sharing.
Spiritual traditions emphasize mechanical harmony, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge. Young gnomes undergo guild apprenticeships that culminate in presenting their first significant invention to mark their transition to journeyman status.
Traditions
Sparkfair: Celebrated on the 21st of Brightmist, this gnomish tradition honors innovation spirits and mechanical inspiration through invention showcases, technical competitions, and experimental demonstrations. Master craftsmen present their year's work while apprentices compete in problem-solving challenges.
Workshop Inheritance: When gnome elders retire or die, their workshops become communal spaces where tools and unfinished projects are distributed among guild members based on skill and need rather than family lineage, ensuring knowledge and resources flow to those who can best use them.
How Does Bhel Kurzum Even Function?
Three peoples with completely different approaches to craft somehow created The Crescent's most productive workshops.
The reality:
- Dwarven masters spend decades perfecting single techniques
- Gnomish inventors build multiple prototypes to solve problems
- Duergar add magic to everything they make
What makes these partnerships work when their methods should constantly clash?
Relations with Other Peoples
Sprocket gnomes maintain exceptionally strong bonds with dwarves and duergar, sharing living spaces and collaborating on technological advancement in cities like Bhel Kurzum. These partnerships combine gnomish innovation with dwarven craftsmanship and duergar arcane knowledge.
Dwarves and Duergar: Deep technological partnerships exist in Bhel Kurzum where all three peoples collaborate on mechanical and magical innovations. Both dwarven peoples appreciate gnomish inventive skills and independent problem-solving nature.
Most other relationships remain neutral, though tensions exist with nature-oriented peoples like Sylvar elves who view gnomish technological progress as disruptive to natural harmony.
Innovation Backlash
Gnomish technological progress often conflicts with nature-focused peoples like sylvar, who view mechanical solutions as violations of natural harmony.
The tension: A gnome's clever invention might solve immediate problems while creating long-term environmental concerns that sylvar or druids find unacceptable.
These philosophical differences can strain party dynamics, especially when quick fixes conflict with sustainable solutions.
Character Creation Notes
Gnomes work well as artificers, wizards, and rogues, reflecting their technological expertise and problem-solving approach. Consider which guild shaped your character's specialization and how being part of the last remaining clan affects their worldview.
Regional Backgrounds: Guild craftsmen, academic researchers, collaborative inventors, or entrepreneurial innovators represent common gnomish paths.
Cultural Integration: Gnome characters understand dwarven customs well and excel at finding technological solutions to complex problems through partnership rather than individual effort.
Key Motivations: Gnomes balance preserving guild knowledge with pushing innovation boundaries. What drives your character to excel in their chosen field, or seek new partnerships beyond traditional dwarven bonds?