Gnomes are a surprisingly hardy people, full of life and adventure. They are friendly, cheerful, inquisitive and love to explore. Standing only two to two and a half feet tall., people frequently mistake them for pixies, brownies or lebrechauns. Gnomes are extremely agile and possess a superior physcial constitution that makes them excellant rangers. spies, thieves and assassins. Gnomes are also attracted to the study of magic, Wizardry and Diabolism in particular.
Physcial Appearance: Gnomes are short, thin, handsome people with white hair, busy eyebrows and sparkling eyes. Males almost always sport a neatly trimmed beard and or mustache. Females generally have long, flowing hair and looks like beautiful porecelain dolls brought to life.
Size: 2 to 2 1/2 feet tall Weight 20 to 50 pounds
Average Life Span: 300+ years some have lived up to 600.
Natural Abilities: In addition to the characters high physical attributes, gonomes also have nightvision and can see up to 90 feet. They are great tunnel diggers and can dig strong sturdy tunnel. They have great underground sense of direction.
Magic: They are a practitioner of magic only.
Habitat/Society: Gnomes live in underground burrows in remote hilly, wooded regions. They are clannish, with friendly rivalries occurring between neighboring clans. They spend their lives mining, crafting fine jewelry, and enjoying the fruits of their labors. Gnomes work hard, and they play hard. They observe many festivals and holidays, which usually involve games, nose measuring contests, and swapping of grand tales. Their society is well organized, with many levels of responsibility, culminating in a single chief who is advised by clerics in matters directly relating to their calling.
A gnomish lair is home to some 40-400 gnomes, one-quarter of them children. For every 40 adults there is a fighter of 2nd to 4th level. If 160 or more are encountered there is also a 5th-level chief and a 3rd-level lieutenant. If 200 or more are met, there is a cleric or illusionist of 4th to 6th level. If 320 or more are present, add a 6th-level fighter, two 5th-level fighters, a 7th-level cleric, four 3rd-level clerics, a 5th-level illusionist, and two 2nd-level illusionists. Gnomes often befriend burrowing mammals, so these animals will be present as well. These animals are neither pets nor servants, but allies who will help guard the clan.
Ecology: Gnomes are very much a magical part of nature, existing in harmony with the land they inhabit. They choose to live underground but remain near the surface in order to enjoy its beauty..
Favorite Weapon: Knives, throwing knives, throwin axes, short swords, short bow, sling and small magic weapons. Although gnomes are cousins with the dwarves, they tend to avoid them and some fiercely dislike dwarves.
