History

There is relatively little written down about Gnomish history because those who would typically be intimately interested in it – Gnomes – simply are not. Gnomes are interested in the future and what can be done in it, rather than the past. The past is by nature less technologically advanced than the present, and therefore most Gnomes care very little about it. There are some histories written by individual Gnomes with an interest in history, but they are typically about specific subjects – often inventions or inventors – or whatever may have caught the particular Gnome’s eye, rather than over-arching histories of the race. One thing most historians agree on is that Gnomes’ hatred of Fae likely originated from something more than their magical inclination.

Geography

The Gnomish race is concentrated primarily in the Undermines, a vast network of deep subterranean tunnels which span across the whole of Maud’madir. The largest concentrations of Gnomes live below Gerdain, Mizrah Atara and Bakura and numbers gradually decrease with distance.

Because Gnomes are incredibly paranoid about having their inventions discovered and credit stolen, they do not generally feel comfortable living in large towns or cities. Instead, Gnomes live in small communities spread throughout the Undermines. Communities are spread out just enough to give the Gnomes a sense of secure isolation, and just close enough to allow for contact and trade when it is desired.

Having typically grown up underground, Gnomes are naturally uncomfortable in sunlight and often wear protective gear when venturing into the surface lands. While the Undermines may not see sunlight, a plant called sunroot is known to mimic sunlight, reflecting the light it senses in the surface lands throughout its root system. Sunroot is known to grow throughout the Undermines, and therefore Gnomish communities are almost as well-lit as the surface lands. Because sunroot mimics the amount of light its root system perceives in the surface world, Gnomish communities keep the same time as those above.

The geography of the Undermines is always changing, as Gnomes will shift communities often in order to keep their inventions safe from prying eyes. As such, the Undermines are not mapped in the traditional sense. Great amounts of money and effort go into producing Gnomish maps – intricately designed and coded papers which are produced en masse by tinkering machinery. They are constantly being updated, produced, and sold at extravagant prices to those that do not know the tunnels well. The secrets of making these maps, like most products produced by tinkering, are closely guarded by their creators.

Resources and Trade

The majority of Gnomish trade takes place between Gnomish communities or with Dwarves. Gnomes have trade routes with the Dwarves above them and some other surface races, and they often send caravans out to collect other resources from the surface that are unavailable underground. Common exports are stone, metal, minerals, gems and water. At the exceptional depth of the Undermines, Gnomes have easy access to underground springs and creeks, both naturally occurring and Gnome-made. The abundance of water, static climate, protection from the elements, relatively nutrient rich soil, and lighting systems put in place throughout the Undermines by the Gnomes have made it possible for small low-light plants, mosses and fungi to grow in relative abundance. Gnomes have developed numerous methods of farming this flora for food, but have been unable thus far to establish success large fauna for farming underground.

Those wanting to trade for tinkering purposes, Gnome or otherwise, are often treated with a fair amount of suspicion as Gnomes are not only protective of their inventions, but very gossipy, which only reinforces the need for secrecy. Any trade involving tinkering technologies is only done in secret and between trusted Gnomes. It is not uncommon for Gnomes to ask a friend of a friend to ask about a particular part ‘for no reason’.

Culture

Gnomish culture is fairly stagnant. While Gnomes are wildly imaginative, one does not rise in society as an entertainer, and dreaming up songs and stories is considered a childish activity. Gnomes tend to know a handful of folk songs, stories and games, and connect as a people through them. Music tends to be upbeat and catchy (if a little trite), and Gnomish literature would be considered common and lowbrow to most races. Gnomes are easily entertained, and don’t mind embracing the latest fad as a temporary distraction from constant inventing.

A Gnome might be inspired to compose a new ditty on their much more impressive instrumental invention, or illustrate a piece using a new paint, but any artistic achievement is vastly overshadowed by the invention itself. Gnomes are also cautious that their artistic talent might accidentally inspire another Gnome’s invention and leave them with none of the credit. A good artist might consciously hold himself back just to prevent this.

With regards to fashion, tend to be extremely practical. The utility of an item of clothing outshines its outward appearance. Gnomes like to wear their favourite tinkering gear or devices as fashion accessories, and won’t hesitate to boast about how unique or useful they are.

Gnomes and Magic

In Gnomish society, magic is an almost universal taboo regarded with hatred or disdain. It is considered an unstable liability rather than an asset. Gnomes will create vast, wonderful, and terrifying machinations rather than resort to using magic. The most powerful tinkerers can rival the strength of the strongest mages. Tinkering Gnomes of the Undermines despise those of their own kind that practice magic, and Gnome mages are often hunted and or made into pariahs among the tinkering Gnomes. Gnomes who dabble in both magic and invention are often shunned by both mages and tinkerers.

The culture of magic-casting Gnomes is mostly non-existent, as many spend their lives either in hiding or on the run from the tinkerers; they are spread out among the surface in small roving bands. There are no known civilizations of Gnomish magi.

Tinkering Gnomes of the Undermines believe their society has no need for magic and that those who use magic do so because they are incapable of finding more intelligent methods of solving their problems. Since most of the surfaces races are considered to be barbaric and intellectually inferior to Gnomes, Gnomes are tolerant of mages of other friendly races.

That being said, some Gnomes will not object to having beneficial magical spells cast or magical objects used on them if no alternative is available, because being alive is key to bringing their wild inventions to life. Those not living in the heart of the Undermines or with more exposure to non-Gnomes tend to be more open to alternative, non-tinkering solutions. Though more open-minded Gnomes may acquire magical objects, possession of one is often seen as a weakness or point of ridicule; more than a couple breeds suspicion that one might actually be a mage.

Psionic spells are considered to be mind-manipulating magic. Since the mind is a Gnome’s most valuable resource, meddling with or harming the mind is considered to be a grave crime. Psionics casting for the sake of hunting demons is mildly tolerated, but evidence of charming someone, erasing their memories or anything of the like is sufficient for the mage to burn.

Most modern Gnomes, while they still dislike and distrust magic, are reasonably tolerant of it in outsiders. The deeper into the Undermines one goes, the less tolerant the Gnomes are. The more conservative sects include the ‘Gnomi Linna Suoja’ (which roughly translates to ‘Gnome-Land Security’ in Common) exists to identify, apprehend and kill mages. The Gnomi Linna Suoja is the cream of the crop of the Gnomish military. They are a powerful secret police, the fear of all Gnomish mages and those alike. Any mage below ground, regardless of race, is warned to be very careful of them. Even the most liberal Gnome will quickly turn on a mage if they give them cause to be unhappy with them.

If a Gnome is found to be adept at magic when they are of age, they are generally killed, branded in some way and exiled from the Undermines. More strict groups of Gnomes will often track down the mage if they resurrect and execute them until they no longer resurrect. Even outside of the Undermines, mages are often considered kill-on-sight to any other Gnome that follows the ways of the Undermines. Once a mage is exiled, Gnomes within the society of the Undermines will often act as if the mage never existed. Any mages of a race other than Gnome that cast from the mind-manipulating psionic, necromancy, or witchcraft spheres – or who have proven problematic in any way – are killed in a gruesome manner deemed appropriate and what little there is of their corpse left is branded and cast out of the Undermines like so much refuse.

If an underaged youth is found to be adept at casting magic, it is generally considered either accidental or a result of innocent unknowing action and therefore not against the law. Though the Gnome child is not immediately killed or exiled, steps are immediately taken to stamp out the magic from the child. The process is not a pleasant one. The standard procedure is to call the Gnomi Linna Suoja, who then take the child away for weeks, months, or even years. What happens to the child during this time is unknown to all but those who dwell in the darkest, most secretive parts of Gnome society. A child returning in anything resembling a normal, sane state, if they return at all, is incredibly rare. In lieu of reporting to the proper authorities, parents of the youth will sometimes attempt to keep their child’s magical abilities secret or leave the Undermines. There have been instances of parents who are secretly mages themselves teaching their mage children to hide their talent – as well as instances of parents abandoning or outright killing their children when they discover they have magical talent.

Courtship, Marriage & Family Life

Conservative dating, casual relations of a wild sexual nature, and anything in-between are all acceptable dating practices in Gnomish culture. All are considered socially acceptable, and completely subject to the personal preferences of the Gnomes involved. Sex is seen as a need without any unnecessary shameful connotation. Contraceptives are available and often used, as raising children is considered an arduous endeavour and is illegal outside of a birth certification.

For Gnomes, the only purpose of marriage is to be able to have children. Procreation without a birth certification is illegal. When two married Gnomes wish to have a child together, they must hold a forum to determine if they may be awarded a birth certification. While the certification varies from community to community, it always lists the date it was issued and an expiration date for proof of conception (typically two years).

When two Gnomes decide they want to get married, they often announce a ceremony a few days or weeks beforehand, depending on their standing in the community. The ceremony consists of unveiling a new invention (not necessarily a large or important one, unless it is a very important Gnome in society), and the patent badges awarded to the Gnomes for this invention are considered symbols of their union. A feast is held afterwards, where guests may make speeches toasting the wedding Gnomes’ future. Guests may also propose names for the wedded couple to use as their new family name: they are often a blend of the Gnomes’ names or relate to their personalities or inventions, though Gnomes are not obligated to change their name upon marrying. Additionally, while some Gnomes will also unveil an invention to the wedding Gnomes as a gift, it is considered quite rude to steal the show with something that outshines their wedding invention.

Advancements of political and social rank are not gained through marriage, so unions for purely political reasons do not occur. Marriages between polar opposites on the social ladder are frowned upon, as those on the lower rungs of the social ladder are often seen as genetically inferior.

It is not unusual for married partners to still sleep with other Gnomes outside of the marriage bed (or even bring them in). Occasional trysts are accepted, but as marriage to a compatible partner is required to have a birth certification, seeing someone too often outside the marriage bed may raise some eyebrows.

A Gnomish pregnancy lasts 12 months. Within days of the birth, Gnomish parents often host naming ceremonies involving the display of the birth certification and the writing of the child’s name on the birth certification. Gnomes are incapable of having more than one child per pregnancy. The average family has between 2 and 4 children.

Gnomes born without a birth certification are taboo, because raising children is a serious endeavour – not just for the parents, but for the entire community – and a child without a birth certification shows a lack of forethought and planning. ‘Accidental’ births are no exception, as there are a myriad of ways to prevent or terminate pregnancies. Expecting parents without a birth certification will have the foetus forcefully removed and are blackballed from future children.

Gnome children require a lot of good parenting in order to become useful members of society. It is considered not just the parents’, but the whole community’s duty to nurture and raise the next generation of inventors. Gnomish children are highly educated, both by their parents and the members of their community, and children will attend a variety of schools, colleges and activities to broaden their minds.

Religion & Rites

Gnomes are typically non-religious, as strong adherence to religion is seen as a product of lazy thinking. The worship of gods or dragons is a strictly personal matter and is never mentioned when expressing political or otherwise public opinions. If a Gnome follows a particular god or dragon, no one will know unless, for example, they spy the altar to a god in the back corner of their closet. Discussing religion, even in a very private context, is considered nosy and offensive. Gnomes believe that the only true way to know the will of a god is for the god to tell people what they want themselves in person; any other method of determining the will of the gods is up to interpretation and therefore invalid. Should it be a non-Gnome preaching on behalf of their god or dragon, most Gnomes would treat them with condescending smiles, as the speaker is clearly too ignorant to know any better.

Gnomes are not completely free of traditions or worship. Before Gnomes became adept tinkerers, the spiritual views of society were focused on reverence of the earth in which they live, and many rites still carry over into modern Gnomish society. Despite their fantastic creations, Gnomes typically attempt to minimize their impact on the earth. Metal parts are often recycled from old devices. Newborn babies will often have dirt rubbed into their hair and head by family and close friends, to symbolize the transference of intelligence, luck and strength.

On the first of every month, in the early morning, families and communities gather to speak a few words about respecting the land in which they live. Almost universally, these meetings end with Gnomes saying, ‘By birth and by earth.’ Even Gnomes alone in the world will take a few moments to say these words, and they may be used as a curse, or to swear a solemn oath.

As an average surface dweller might swear or curse by the gods, Gnomes typically call on the earth or dirt to bless or damn others. Younger and more fashionable Gnomes might choose to call others fantastically verbose names (‘that fizz-brained goggle-gaggle halfwit!’).

The other celebration in which every Gnome partakes is the annual Tinker Day, which celebrates the incredibly auspicious invention of the Fazzbluckit, invented by famous former Grand Engineer Jessanora Bumblesprocket. No one remember what the Fazzbluckit was, but it is nonetheless celebrated every year by all of Gnomekind. Some Gnomes suggest that perhaps life would be a lot better if Gnomes were able to recreate the glory of the Fazzbluckit, and some even devote a great deal of time to researching and trying to reproduce it. Celebrations include the unveiling of new inventions, renditions of well-loved Gnomish songs and practical jokes. This occurs on May 7th.

When Gnomes die, the bodies are cremated and the ashes are buried into the ground in a funeral ceremony representing their return to the earth. It is not uncommon for a close family member or spouse to keep some of the ashes to hold onto a piece of the departed Gnome’s spirit.

Politics

Gnome society is a technocracy. In Gnomish culture, it’s never a question of what a Gnome is, but what they’ve done. Anyone can rise or fall through the ranks. Naturally, males and females are considered equals and though having affluent parents may suggest a promising child, the inherited status of the parents quickly runs out when a child reaches maturity. The Undermines is a world of competition and secrets; Gnomes are constantly trying to make the next best thing, and are extremely protective of their ideas and inventions. The pressure to invent is constant. Only those who make something truly revolutionary can expect to coast on it and be respected for the rest of their lives because of it. Those who lack are inevitably doomed to scrounge on the lower rungs of the social ladder, making a living but severely lacking in political clout. Slavery is considered suppression of a Gnomes’ potential, so slavery does not exist in Gnome society, though it is unclear whether Gnomes apply this philosophy to those of other, ‘lesser’ races.

The respect with which a particular Gnome is treated depends on the number and quality of their inventions. Whenever a Gnome invents something of note, they are awarded a patent badge. Outsiders are often unaware of what a patent badge actually looks like as Gnomes guard these jealously as well, but Gnomes will proudly display images or replicas of the image used for a patent badge on their clothing. They are generally circular, with symbols indicating the function of the invention, and vary great in complexity of design. Gnomes seem to have a hand in designing the patent badges for their inventions, and an inventor is always proud to show off a matched series to awed guests.

Given the technocratic nature of Gnome society, there is a distinct power divide between tinkerers and those who perform occupations which cater to the day-to-day needs of society. To keep society running, most Gnomes need to take up some kind of trade or common occupation. Only the most accomplished and venerable Gnomes tinker full-time and no one simply retires no matter what triumphs they may have achieved.

Perhaps one of the main reasons why Gnomes are so obsessive over keeping their inventions secret is the fact that Gnomes, by nature, are very curious. When an invention is made public, word of the invention will spread from community to community rather quickly. Inventing something big in one community will get the Gnome just as much recognition for it in the next one. Regardless of where a Gnome of high stature goes in the Undermines, they will be recognized and respected. Respectable Gnomes of high stature tend to congregate in communities separate from those who live on the lower parts of the social ladder, but moving between communities often or even starting up a new community to protect one’s inventions from the prying eyes of others is not uncommon for affluent Gnomes.

Since most Gnomish communities are very small and insular, most Gnomes are quite vocal and engaged in the goings-on of their community once they are of age. The politics of trade and municipality are decided by individual communities. Only major decisions like going to war are made by affluent members representing all communities. No matter what the issue, almost no decision in Gnomish politics is made by a single powerful individual. Most issues and decisions in Gnome society are discussed communally in meetings called ‘forums’ and the final decision is voted upon by all present. In order to participate in a forum, a Gnome must have a particular number of patent badges, depending on the issues to be discussed in the forum. A Gnome might need only a single small badge to help decide whether or not to refinish one of the minor tunnels in the community, but a hundred large badges to debate whether or not the Gnomes should go to war. If a Gnome has not earned enough badges to actively participate in forums, they ultimately have no political voice.

Titles in Gnomish society are generally given to a Gnome by their peers, though some Gnomes do self-style their own titles. There are names for the positions themselves, for clarity’s sake, but there are no official corresponding titles to go with each position. A Gnome’s own name is what carries their clout for their accomplishments, so titles are little more than accoutrements. As such, one’s name always precedes one’s title. If the Grand Engineer’s name were ‘Grizwit’, simply calling him Grizwit rather than ‘Grizwit, Grand Engineer’ would not be considered disrespectful. Titles are generally found attached to high-ranking officials rather than lowly workers. In the lower ranks of society, a title is seen as more of a casual nickname than anything else.

Within a community, the Gnome with either the largest number of prestigious patent badges or the most votes in their favour according to the community’s perception of their value is the leader of that community. Any disagreements between Gnomes are resolved by a Gnome of higher stature and more badges than either of the parties in the dispute. In the case of a dispute between communities, the Grand Engineer’s ruling is required to resolve it.

The highest title a Gnome can possess is Grand Engineer. The Grand Engineer is considered to be the Gnome who has done the most to contribute to the advancement of Gnome society. The Grand Engineer’s word is final on any decision where Gnomish society is effectively split on the issue or a decision cannot be made otherwise. They may attend any forum they please, break voting, and serve as an ambassador and representative of Gnomish society when dealing with outside races. The Grand Engineer is, however, far from equivalent to a human monarch and has little else to do with the governing of Gnomes. The position of Grand Engineer is bestowed upon a Gnome by a vote of most respected members of all the communities within the Undermines. Voting normally occurs when the current Grand Engineer has died or committed a grave crime, or when the Gnomish community feels that there is another Gnome more deserving of the position. A Gnome directly challenging or promoting themselves for the position of Grand Engineer or any other position of power is considered very distasteful, though a Gnome with sufficient evidence of crimes committed by the Grand Engineer may have them removed from the position and later nominate themselves without many repercussions. If a Gnome wins the vote they must accept the position, regardless of their personal feelings on the matter.

Crime & Punishment

Gnomish law is mostly an unspoken code. Criminals are often dealt with as seen fit at the time, though physical copies of books listing laws and the process of law do exist and are consulted when deemed necessary. Investigations into crimes are done through Gnomish court, which is essentially a chaotic forum between the offended and defending parties. These forums are generally quite brief, as they are seen as offering no benefit to society as a whole and distract from greater works. No criminal may be sentenced without court being held.

Punishments for crime vary, depending on the nature of the crime. Punishments can range anywhere from monetary compensation and public apology, to loss of status, exile, or even death. Imprisonment, work sentences or similar long-term punishments are non-existent in Gnomish law: the languishing criminals and the Gnomes needed to guard them are considered a waste of time and resources that could instead be spent tinkering. Torture and deliberate public execution are seen as distasteful and are only employed when Gnomish mages are involved, and not often in this case either.

A Gnome of the Undermines caught breaking of one the following laws listed below is always sentenced to death, by execution or on sight. Any Gnome of any stature may kill the guilty party.

• Any Gnome without a valid birth certification.
• No Gnome shall attempt to learn or perform magic.
• No Gnome shall deliberately conceal the presence of a Gnomish mage or attempt to prevent the apprehension of a Gnomish mage.
• No Gnome shall knowingly harbour a mage of a different race without alerting the proper authorities.
• No Gnome shall destroy the technology of another Gnome out of any reasoning which is considered to be irrational.
• No Gnome shall intentionally damage or subvert the mind of another Gnome with physical harm or alchemy.
• No Gnome shall attempt to steal credit for, or reverse engineer with the intent of stealing, the inventions of a fellow Gnome.

This last crime is actually fairly common place, but there is seldom enough proof for conviction.

Should a non-Gnome commit a crime in the Undermines, the same legal proceedings would occur. However, since only Gnomes may participate in a forum, nor are Gnomes interested in hosting a non-Gnome prisoner longer than necessary, the non-Gnome can find their legal forum fast-tracked tremendously.

Military

The Undermines do not possess any widespread formal military. The dwarves that live above the Gnomes have a very strong army and do a very good job of keeping any surface threats out of the Undermines, and threats deeper underground are sparse. Gnomes are not known for their strength or skill in battle, but rather the miraculous weapons they create. A single ingenious invention can level the playing field for a savvy Gnome. During times of war, Gnomes who are able to fight are called to the cause. The training is often a quick crash course on how to use one of their complex mechanical weapons before the Gnomes are unceremoniously chucked onto the battlefield. Many communities do possess something of a standing force during times of peace, training squads to serve multiple functions as guards, weapons’ tinkerers, or even GLS mage hunters. Positions in the army often prove a viable career for those rare Gnomes who prefer using tinkering gadgets to making them.

Common Personalities & Views

Gnomes are typically paranoid and curious. They view magic as an unreliable and dangerous crutch of those who are not clever enough to invent things on their own, even if Gnomish devices can backfire tremendously. Gnomes value ingenuity, rationality and dedication and tend to look down on other races because they are less clever than themselves. Gnomes don’t trust each other not to steal their ideas, but love to gossip, so they can often get stuck having to share their ideas with ‘lesser’ races that they trust not to be smart enough to steal them and have relatively superficial conversations with other Gnomes. They are often high energy, bubbly people whose pride will often get them in trouble. They think they are doing a great service to the world by improving it with their inventions, and aren’t afraid to let the world know.

Views on Other Races

Gnomes as a vast community possess ties primarily with Mountain Dwarves due to their proximity. Gnomes look down on most other races, perceiving them to be of lesser intellect than themselves. While the Grand Engineer does keep an eye on the lesser races, Gnomish culture typically ignores other races. Though the occasional Gnome does find a place in non-Gnome society, their strong opinions on magic and competitive nature make it hard for them to settle in other societies without significantly compromising their core values.

Mountain Dwarves: Mountain Dwarves represent Gnomish culture’s greatest allies. Cultural contact and trade between them is strong and frequent, though political matters are typically separate between the two races.

Fae: Different species of Fae are perceived in a similar way a human might see different species of animals: some are docile, while some will tear people to pieces given the chance. Gnomes typically despise True Fae and their connection to wild magics, and it is a Gnome’s solemn duty to eliminate their existence from this plane (or at least call for reinforcements). All other Fae are treated, if not with outright hostility, then with intense suspicion.

Minotaur: Gnomes feel a strange kinship with the Minotaur. While Gnomes look down on the Minotaur for their short lifespan and archaic way of life, they also feel a connection for their reverence to the earth and their fear of Fae. Gnomes, however, have not approached the Minotaur on a political level, preferring to observe this backwater species.

Pax: While the Pax Morbidish are seen as admirable, with their strange inventions and ability to destroy magic, the Pax Arcanium are seen as a dire threat.

Avians: Gnomes have a lot of respect for Avians. They share a love of knowledge, even if Gnomes find Avians a little stuffy at times. Gnomes believe they have a lot to learn from – and teach! – Avians.

High Elves: High Elves are seen as stuffed shirts who fail to see that their reliance on magic isn’t a skill, but a crutch.

Dark Elves: Gnomes respect the alchemical industriousness of Dark Elves and feel kinship due to their subterranean nature.

Wild Elves: Surprisingly, most Gnomes are fond of Wild Elves, in the way one might be fond of a clever dog. They appreciate their dedication to leaving nature untarnished, even if they are clearly not clever enough to advance beyond their simple means.

Bestial Races: The majority of Bestial races are viewed by Gnomes much the same way animals are; they do not think of them at all and certainly do not see them as equally sentient beings. The exception to this is Avians, whom Gnomes respect and value for their ingenuity.

Gargylen: Being actual physical constructs of magic, Gargylen are seen as dangerous and unstable – but excellent food for thought on future tinkering projects.

Ajaunti: Ajaunti are seen as a people who have much potential for innovation, but have chosen to be set in their ways. Gnomes do, however, respect their knack for expunging magical curses.

Einher: Einher are hardly any different from Bestial races. They rely on primitive superstition and physical might, and neither of those are respected by Gnomes.

Roleplaying Tips

• Be curious and analytical! Ingenuity and perseverance are the hallmarks of a functioning society!
• Look down on other races
• To keep up immersion and avoid OOG connections to real world technology, use obscure and made up language. Words with Zs, Ks, Ts, and GGs often sound great. Open up your device and start point out all the sprokkensproigs and tiddlequarks! You can also talk quickly to keep everyone’s head spinning
• Avoid playing a Gnome mage. Being the exception to the rule is enticing, but it takes a big part of being a Gnome out of the game if you start seeing a bunch of Gnome mages
• Gnomes aren’t always zany and quirky, but the stereotype exists for a reason
• Gnomes are often curious to the point of blatant disregard for safety, which can be a lot of fun to play