People of Espeth 1

Anyone who knows me knows that I cannot stay on one topic entirely.  So here is the first of the races for a fantasy based project I am working on...

Gnome

“I wonder what this button does…”

If elves are the epitome of patience and perseverance, and goblins personify acting on a whim, then gnomes are the perfect example of distracted minds working at long-term tasks.  It isn’t that gnomes are careless, it has more to do with the fact that their minds are constantly coming up with new ideas that they would rather work on.  Every day an average gnome will have upwards of ten projects that they are working on all at once, meaning that it is rare if any of them actually get finished.  Those endeavors that do reach their end though, are expertly made and among some of the finest items to be found anywhere.

Although gnomes could be found just about anywhere, they are most comfortable in large cities where their experiments and creations can be easily sold or occasionally in the wild near their much needed raw materials.  With the return of the dragons many gnomes have struck out in an attempt to discover their ancient lairs.  They hope that by finding their hidden homes the gnomes may determine a way to stop them.

Gnome tinkerers and craftsmen are always in high demand among the courts of Espeth, and many compare their work to that of the ancient dwarves.  Most gnomes understand that this is meant to be a compliment, but some still take offense due to the corrupt and twisted nature of most dwarven works.  The thing to keep in mind with gnomes is that they are notorious for getting distracted even in the heat of an argument or gods-help-you, combat.  Some even go so far as to call gnomes hedonistic, but it is just their insatiable curiosity taking them to new places that the average person might call taboo.

“Although the tallest gnome stands only a few inches above four feet tall, they generally possess an ego and perception that belies their short stature.  Gnomes have large noses and slightly pointed ears.  They grow their hair long and the men sport expertly trimmed beards and unless they are working or on the road gnomes wear the most showy and flashy fashions they can afford.

The gnomes are a proud people who favor intellect and resourcefulness in others beyond all else.  Most gnomes avoid conflict whenever possible, preferring to tackle an opponent with their wits rather than their brawn, such as it is.

Gnomes are expert tinkers and are many are known to also be magically attuned.  The majority of this people are happy to concentrate on the mechanical side of things, but there are those that dabble in alchemy and a few that are full-on sorcerers.  It is almost unheard of for a gnome to follow the spiritual path, as they tend to take a hard, scientific view on everything around them.”

-From “Gnome Etiquette and Psychology”