Races of the West: Humans   Elves   Gnomes   Dwarves   Halflings  Ungiant  

Gnomish Nations: Tespus, Yu'Guay

Common Gnomish Deities: Feal (N), Aleria (CG), Vilhan (LG)

Where the elves have a tie to nature, gnomes are linked to the fey that inhabit the quiet corners of the world. While many can seem whimsical and distant, gnomes that dwell alongside other races often take to one craft or profession with obsessive zeal, using that passion to root them in their surroundings. Many view such gnomes as eccentric, as their passions tend toward invention, alchemy, or other technical pursuits. Those that dwell with fey are often the opposite, their lives full of frivolous endeavors, making them seem odd and fickle to outside observers. Even these gnomes take to one passion or another, usually music, song, or poetry. Some theorize that without passion, a gnome fades into the wild to join the fey forever.

Gnomes came about by the influence of Feal, who elected a portion of the Heroshim to become caretakers of nature. Gnomes can be found inhabiting any terrain. Their inquisitive and inventive nature leads many to become craftspeople, performers, explorers, and researchers. Unlike dwarves, their crafts center more on beauty than utilitarianism. They relish jewelry (the profession), gemcuting, and glassmaking. They have a particular appreciation for complex devices that operate by clockwork.

Gnomish Inventions

Clock, Percolator, Telescope, Glass, Tinted Glass, Lenses, Spectacles, Fireworks, Gunpowder, Ornithopters, Airships, Windmills, Screws

Gnomish Clans of Heroshi

Cloud Drifter - flying machines, owl training

Ice Treader - sled dogs, ice sculpture

Rock Carver - mining, sculpting

Gem Cutter - mining, jewelry

Ore Smelter - mining, forging

Burrow Speaker - tunneling, handling of badgers

Bottle Breaker - alchemy, glasswork

Tree Whittler - woodcraft, owl training

Gear Tinker - clockwork devices

String Strummer - musical instruments

The following are the racial traits of gnomes:

• +2 Constitution, +2 Charisma, –2 Strength: Gnomes are physically weak but surprisingly hardy, and their attitude makes them naturally agreeable.
• Small size: +1 size bonus to AC, +1 size bonus on attack rolls, +4 size bonus on Stealth checks, and -1 to Combat Maneuver checks.
• Slow Speed: Gnomes have a base speed of 20 feet.
• Low-Light Vision: Gnomes can see twice as far as humans in conditions of poor illumination.
• Keen Senses: Gnomes receive a +2 bonus on smell- and touch-based Perception checks.
• Obsessive: Gnomes receive a +2 racial bonus on a Craft or Profession skill of their choice.
• Illusion Resistant: Gnomes get a +2 racial saving throw bonus against illusion spells or effects.
• Gnome Magic: Gnomes add +1 to the DC of any saving throws against illusion spells that they cast. Gnomes with a Charisma of 11 or higher also gain the following spell-like abilities: 1/day—dancing lights, ghost sound, prestidigitation, speak with animals. The caster level for these effects is equal to the gnome’s level. The DC for these spells is equal to 10 + the spell’s level + the gnome’s Charisma modifier.
• Weapon Familiarity: Gnomes treat any weapon with the word “gnome” in its name as a martial weapon.
• Hatred: Gnomes receive a +1 bonus on attack rolls against humanoid creatures of the reptilian and goblin subtypes due to special training against these hated foes.
• Defensive Training: Gnomes get a +4 dodge bonus to AC against monsters of the giant type.
• Languages: Gnomes begin play speaking Common, Gnome, and Sylvan. Gnomes with high Intelligence scores can choose any of the following: Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Giant, Goblin, and Orc.
• Favored Class: The favored class of gnomes is bard or sorcerer. This choice must be made at 1st level and cannot be changed.