# Gnome > [!infobox] > ## > ![[Species - Gnome.webp]] > #### **Species Information** > | Table Header | Table Header | > | ---- | --- | > | Size | [[Medium]] | > | Type | [[Humanoids\|Humanoid]] | > | Darkvision | 120 ft. | > | Height | 4 – 4.5 ft. | > | Lifespan | ≈ 400 years | > | Adulthood | ≈ 30 – 40 years | > | Origin | [[Fæya I]] | > | Speeds | 30 ft. walking | > #### **Roleplay Information** > | Table Header | Table Header | > | ---- | --- | > | Playable? | Yes | ### Origin & History Gnomes were created by _true elves_ on their home world [[Fæya I]] (also known as [[Fæya I|Old Fæya ]]). They escaped Fæya's collapse with other astral exploring humanoids and sailed across The Astral for millennia. While traveling through The Astral, gnomes functioned primarily as engineers or mechanics—repairing spell-ships, and creating mechanisms or artifice to help other members of their fleet. After millennia of engineering and mechanical work, gnomes evolved to have adroit abilities with machinery, clockwork, and metal in general. Similar to dwarves, gnomes could determine the value and quality of gemstones and metals simply by touching them. Over time, exposure to The Astral caused gnomes to develop longer life spans. These combined circumstances also seemed to change gnomes' skin tone and general appearance over time. Upon reaching Yanis-Materia, gnomes branched off from other species within their fleet, seeking darker, secluded places for them to work. Some groupings followed dwarves into The Umbral World—knowing dwarves would find them impressive gemstones and metals they could in turn build from. --- ### Appearance & Biology Often the same height or occasionally taller than dwarves, gnomes typically stand about a foot taller than halflings. They have ears that are closer to that of elves but not as long or tapered. Still, longer and more tapered than that of the other two ageless species Gnomes share some additional qualities with dwarves, such as metallic hues and sheens seen in their hair, eye, and skin color. Gnomes tend to have a shimmering quality to their hair, skin, and eyes. An interesting note about gnome eye health: gnomes are often seen wearing goggles or glasses which leads many to believe that they have poor vision (genetically). This is not the case. Gnomes actually have superior vision to dwarves, halflings, humans, and many other humanoids but losing even a fraction of clarity in vision is incredibly noticeable to gnomes. So, they fashion eyewear to help protect and preserve their vision for as long as possible. --- ### Gnome Races ##### Umbral Gnome Gnomes who followed dwarves into The Umbral World, adapted to the subterranean biome and learned to survive and thrive in the darkness below. Umbral gnomes, due to their lack of exposure to the sun, have skin tones, eye color, hair color and other qualities that are slightly more pallid and hue-less than that of their surface dwelling counterparts. --- ### Species Traits #### Core Traits > [!custom-trait-locked]- 1️⃣ Darkvision. > - Darkvision up to 60 feet. > [!custom-trait-locked]- 2️⃣ Meticulous Mind. > - Advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws. #### Optional Traits > [!custom-trait-unlocked]- 1️⃣ Expedited Artifice. > - Once per day, you may create a magically powered gadget which mimics one of the following cantrips (once used, it requires a day to recharge): > - Acid splash > - Dancing lights > - Minor illusion > - Prestidigitation > - Produce flame > - Ray of frost > - Shocking grasp > - Although magically powered, this gadget can easily be destroyed requiring a short rest to rebuild. > - This gadget doesn't have a movement speed and functions as equipment or an accessory. > [!custom-trait-unlocked]- 2️⃣ Illusory Sensing. > - Advantage on insight, investigation, and perception checks to detect and discern illusions or illusory magic. > [!custom-trait-unlocked]- 1️⃣ Trade Master. > - Proficiency with alchemist’s supplies, smith’s tools, or tinker’s tools. #### Umbral Gnome Traits > [!custom-trait-unlocked]- 1️⃣ Subterranean Sneak. > - Advantage on stealth checks when in dim or dark light. > - In addition, regardless of lighting, and without squeezing, you can move through and stop in a space large enough for a Small creature. > [!custom-trait-unlocked]- 2️⃣ Superior Darkvision. > - Darkvision up to 120 feet > - Replaces **_Darkvision._** %% ## Alternate Name Exploration Gnowans Ġnimskar Gnomus, Gnomos, or plural, Gnomi (Renaissance Latin) Gēnomos (Greek) ## Version 01 Across Yanis, gnomes tend to be even more secluded and reclusive than that of [[Halfling|halflings]], but are less so than [[Dwarf|dwarves]], [[Elf|elves]], and other humanoids. They are often quirky, highly intellectual, and analytical. They can live above ground or in subterranean environments like dwarves and elves as well. ### Origin & History Gnomes sit within the same species group as dwarves, elves, and halflings. They are grouped in this way because it is believed these species may share the same origin. There are many aspects that contribute to this belief, many of which are listed in [[###Appearance & Biology]]. One notable similarity they share with dwarves is their natural talent for excavation. This, among other reasons, causes some scholars to speculate on gnomes originating from [[The Plane of Elemental Earth]]. ### Appearance & Biology Often the same height or occasionally taller than dwarves, gnomes typically stand about a foot taller than halflings. They have ears that are closer to that of elves—another reason for their species grouping—but not as long or tapered. Still, longer and more tapered than that of the other two species in this group. Another quality gnomes share with dwarves is the metallic hues and sheens seen in their hair, eye, and skin color. Gnomes tend to have a shimmering quality to their hair, skin, and eyes, and some even go so far as to say gnomes could have been an ancient hybrid of dwarves and elves. An interesting note about gnome eye health: gnomes are often seen wearing googles or glasses which leads many to believe that they have poor vision (genetically). This is not the case. Gnomes actually have superior vision to dwarves, halflings, humans, and many other humanoids but loosing even a fraction of clarity in vision is incredibly noticeable to gnomes. So, they fashion eyewear to help protect and preserve their vision for as long as possible. ### Typical Behavior & Culture It seems that most gnomes are highly intellectual and naturally take to studying or research. They are often involved in some manner of hand-made crafting. Whether it be knitting, jewelry making, or clockwork, gnomes are often busy with their hands. Due to their studious and handy nature, gnomes make excellent inventors and engineers. On the spectrum of the four ageless species, elves would be the only other race with as potent a connection to the weave of magic as gnomes. This is one factor that tends to set them apart from dwarves—their ability to manipulate the weave of magic. One quality that tends to connect gnomes and halflings—in addition to their sinilar heights—is their need and enjoyment of festivals and celebrations. %%