Gnomes are a race of small humanoids that live entrenched in other communities. There are several Gnomish kingdoms in The Land, but most are settlements focused to a specific point of research, only arming themselves to prevent disruptions on their progress. Gnomes have many professions and personalities in The Land, but all Gnomes generally focus on a single task (or a series of tasks that evolve into a single task) that their lives are dedicated to. Gnomes are generally tolerated in communities, even though Gnomish habits are sometimes antisocial or creepy. They are valued for their knowledge and dedication.
Gnomes generally live to be between 450 and 600 years old, and many do not consider this long enough to finish their research. Gnomes mature faster than other longer-lived races, and are ready to begin their research by 30. Gnomes are typically between 3’ and 4’, and weigh between 30 and 60lbs. Gnomes can be either lanky, stocky, or anything in between, depending on their social and research habits. Most have wispy hair that varies in color, shallow eyes and large noses.
As a Chaos Seed, you will not have issues blending in with Gnomish communities in The Land, as Gnomes are reclusive and find it hard to keep friends. Gnomes have several subclasses that determine their specific powers; four are listed here as starting options.
Arcane Gnome
Arcane Gnomes have devoted their lives to the pursuit of understanding (and mastering) one or more of the types of magic. Arcane Gnomes often study under the tutelage of those more advanced in their fields when able; those without teachers must work mundane jobs in an effort to support their research. Most societies openly accept Arcane Gnomes as part of their community, but certain types of research are kept from the public, as not all magic is beneficial to the general public.
Physical Description: Arcane Gnomes do not vary in physical appearance from the average Gnome, with no special variation in height, weight, hair or eye color. Their appearance occasionally takes on an appearance of the magic they are studying; Gnomes that specialize in Air Magic may look windswept in their appearance, while those that study Death Magic may look unhealthy to the untrained eye. Many Arcane Gnomes wear clothing that represents the focus of their study, or their patronage.
Attribute Bonuses: +1 to Endurance, +1 to Intelligence, +4 to Any per level.
Starting Affinities: +50% to Concentration, +50% to Enchanting, +50% to Research.
Starting Languages: Common
Magical Bonus: +1 damage to all magical spells that roll damage dice.
Vision: Normal
Trait: Gnomecraft: You gain a 25% increase in your Alchemy, Brewing, and Jewelling affinities, to a maximum of 100%.
Builder Gnome
Builder Gnomes study fields that aren’t directly related to magic, but often incorporate magic into their studies. They may focus on fields as complex as thermodynamics, or as simple as automated brewing systems. Builder Gnomes always have a type of workshop related to their field; sometimes a simple room in their house, while others build giant factories. Simplicity is not a characteristic of Builder Gnomes; their designs rely on getting the job done properly, regardless of the number of steps. Much like other Gnomes, Tinker Gnomes are freely accepted in most societies, but are sometimes relegated to outside certain areas if their fields of study are disruptive.
Physical Description: Builder Gnomes do not vary in physical appearance from the average Gnome, with no special variation in height, weight, hair or eye color. Their appearance occasionally takes on characteristics from their field of study; Builder Gnomes that work with gears may have perpetually grease-stained clothing, while Alchemists may stink of certain chemicals. Many Builder Gnomes wear clothing that represents the focus of their study, such as tailored aprons with specialized pockets.
Attribute Bonuses: +1 to Endurance, +1 to Intelligence, +4 to Any per level.
Starting Affinities: +50% to Athletics, +50% to Construction, +50% to Research, +50% to Engineering (Research), +50% to Smithing.
Starting Languages: Common, Gnomish.
Vision: Normal
Trait: Gnomecraft: You gain a 25% increase in your Alchemy, Brewing, and Jewelling affinities, to a maximum of 100%.
Gnome (Common)
Unlike other Gnomes with a specific focus or study, some Gnomes have either lost their will to study, or devote their lives to studying something that lacks a specific path. Gnomes (without a pretense) are technically the most common type of Gnome in the Land, but it is sometimes hard to differentiate them from the other types of Gnomes. Some Gnomes specialize in entertainment, or sword forms. Others simply lack the drive to specialize in anything and live life as if they were Humans. Gnomes find ways to fit into society and are generally accepted more than focused Gnomes, as most still have skills that benefit a community.
Physical Description: Gnomes without a focus are the average Gnome, and variations only happen by lineage or geography. Much like Humans, Gnomes do not have a specific style of clothing or appearance – they wear whatever the locals wear, as generally, they are part of the community.
Attribute Bonuses: +1 to Endurance, +1 to Intelligence, +4 to Any per level.
Starting Affinities: +50% to Balance, +50% to Conversation, +50% to Research, +50% to any two other common skills.
Starting Languages: Common, Gnomish.
Vision: Normal
Trait: Gnomecraft: You gain a 25% increase in your Alchemy, Brewing, and Jewelling affinities, to a maximum of 100%.
Wood Gnome
Wood Gnomes are easily distinguishable from other Gnomes in many ways, as they are both different in appearance and mannerisms than other Gnomes. Wood Gnomes have chosen to dedicate their studies to the natural order of The Land, studying the cycle of life and death and all things in between. They take care to live within the natural order, to observe and experiment without destroying the balance. Wood Gnomes tend to live away from civilizations, often as hermits or in small communities hidden in untouched areas (such as forests). When they live in cities, they are often valued for their herbal and agriculture skills.
Physical Description: Wood Gnomes tend to be thinner than the average Gnome, although they often have a more athletic physique. Their skin is darker than other Gnomes, ranging from light tan to dark brown; their hair follows a similar pattern. Only their eyes have a large variation of color, like most Gnomes. Wood Gnomes generally dress in earthen tones that fit their skin, and often wear clothing that allows them to easily blend into their surroundings.
Attribute Bonuses: +1 to Endurance, +1 to Agility, +4 to Any per level.
Starting Affinities: +50% to Animal Empathy, +50% to Herb Lore, +50% to Stealth.
Starting Languages: Common, Gnomish.
Magical Bonus: +25% to Earth Magic Effectiveness
Resistance Bonuses: 10% Earth Magic
Vision: Nightvision
Trait: Gnomecraft: You gain a 25% increase in your Alchemy, Brewing, and Jewelling affinities, to a maximum of 100%.