Gnomes

There are many Gnome subtypes in the various worlds of GURPS. While all have variations, there is a common throughline -- on average, most iterations of Gnomes tend to be to be small, creative inventors with a connection to the fey and the earth, but are not bound to either. One might speculate that gnomish ambition, inventiveness, and perhaps their grasp of science is what originally separated them from the realm of the fey.
== In Banestorm ==
* Note that in Banestorm, Gnomes are somewhat related to DwarvesBanestorm, p.18, and can even reproduce, although the result is almost always one or the other,Banestorm, p.200 suggesting supernatural genetic shenanigans.
* Gnomes mainly live on the surface of Zarak or in the foothills of its mountains, typically the warm, fertile valleys between the icy peaks.Banestorm, p.157 They and their Dwarven brethren enjoy a decent Status 1 there, as well.Banestorm, p.159 A miniscule proportion of Gnomes--no more than a dozen families--live within (that is, under) Zarak.Banestorm, p.160
** There were a few well-defended Gnome villages in the Orclands, long ago, but supposedly they've all migrated to the valleys of Zarak by now.Banestorm, p.163
* Gnome faith seems to be a synthesis of Dwarven and Elven beliefs; Gnomes in particular, aside from both, seem to have a greater emphasis on the beauty of small changes over "great remakings".
=== National Identity and Relationships ===
* Gnomes seem to have good rapport with most races.Banestorm, p.192 As they're generally appreciated by both dwarvesBanestorm, p.190 and elves, they're one of the main "racio-factions" that can easily interface between the two without causing friction.
* While Gnomes appear to have autonomy in Zarak in general, there are whispers of Dwarven dependencyFanon speculation, as all Gnomish imports and exports go through the mountains at the Dwarves' permission.
* Canonically, the Underground has patches/subfactions of slavers, and those who grow too sick, old or injured are sometimes sent to the surface.Banestorm, p.160 This could result in safe havens (ahem, Gnome Country for Old Men) where the indebted seek sanctuary.Fanon
== In Dungeon Fantasy and the DFRPG ==
Gnomes are small, creative craftsmen who tend to live in rolling hill country or underground.DFRPG: Adventurers, p.44Dungeon Fantasy 3: The Next Level, p.10 Despite rumors (or slanders) that they are merely "runty Dwarves", they are a culturally and ethnically distinct race.
* Gnomes speak the Common tongue, but traditionalists also know GnomishDFRPG: Adventurers, p.9 
* There are rumors of Hell Gnomes as their own subrace or lost faction -- see below in Subspecies.
=== Size and Build ===
Gnomes are SM-1, ranging between 3'3" and 4'8" tall, and 90 to 250 lbs -- an average Gnome is 3'9 or 3'10 and weighs about 140-150 lbs. When using mathematics for height and weight, you may use the Build Tablesee Basic Set: Characters, p.18 but multiply height by 2/3, keeping weight the same. Note that gnomes can buy the Giant Weapons perk to use SM+0 ("human scale") weapons without the penalty from being small.
=== Character Build ===
From Dungeon Fantasy and the DFRPG [20 points]:
* Secondary Characteristic Modifiers: SM -1; FP+3 [9]; Basic Move-1 [-5]. 
* Advantages: Honest Face [1]; Night Vision 5 [5]; Resistant to Poison (+3) [5]; Widget-Worker 2* [10]. 
* Disadvantages: Curious (12) [-5]
* Features: Armor interchangeable only with that of SM-1 races.While this is only in the DFRPG version, it makes sense for any version.
=== Gnotable Gnomes ===
* Gnotable Gnome: Mirko the Fingers -- from Mirror of the Fire Demon 
* Gnotable Gnome: Puddin' Noddington
== In Norðlond ==
Nordlond's Gnomes are technically not Álfar, but are relatively mundane humanoids who, occasionally, reproduce with fae, creating Vandræðagemsi, or "Fae Gnomes". There are also Dökktomte, or "Dark Gnomes" native to Alfheim, who are Álfar (not "true gnomes"), and are remarkably similar to Hell Gnomes in other settings (see Subspecies below).
== In Fantasy Folk ==
In Fantasy Folk, gnomes are descended from Dwarves who lived near the surface, tending crops and herds.Fantasy Folk, p.52 Supposedly, Gnomes and Dwarves might even be interfertile... but no Dwarf has ever wanted to find out.
=== Magic Items ===
==== Overview ====
* FF Gnomes work closely (culturally and economically) with Dwarves, although Gnomes are much more likely to work with wooden items, textiles, and complex mechanical devices.Magic Items 1, p.14 It is said that Gnomish enchantments aren't as powerful, but are more versatile--
* As expected, they are quite proficient in the magic-item trade.Magic Items 1, p.19
** Textiles are particularly favored among gnomish enchanters.Magic Items 1, p.31
** Perhaps they use Needle Swords!see Magic Items 1, p.92
* Gnomish work is often more delicate than Dwarven workMagic Items 1, p.52 (think more "floral and swooshy" compared to the robust "Arc Deco" and Runic shapes of Dwarven design)
* Gnomes are notable wand/staff makers, although humans seem to be the most cutting-edge, if not the most elegant or precise!Magic Items 1, p.59
* Gnomes produce some of the more robust "Domestic Magic Items".Magic Items 2, p.58
==== Armor ====
* FF Gnomes, along with dwarves, are the only folks typically allowed to wear the coveted "Dwarven Mail", which converts physical damage (such as cutting, impaling, and piercing) into crushing.Magic Items 1, p.25
* As Gnomes have the lead in arcane textiles, their Warding Garments are second to none.Magic Items 1, p.66 These articles of clothing protect one from spells -- as well as being stylish and remarkably sturdy. They are of course, astonishingly expensive.
==== Traps ====
* As per usual, gnomes are mechanically-inclined, producing mundane and magical traps.Magic Items 1, p.38 Note that magical traps are considered more honorable when they can safely disable or daze an intruder, so a proper "Gnomish Intruder Disabler" is often the choice of a soft-hearted wizard over simply putting up beartraps and bladed pendulums all over the place.
==== Other ====
* The process of creating Warning Rods (creating circles of Watchdog and Nightingale) is seemingly only known by elves and gnomes.Magic Items 1, p.68
* Stonecallers are Gnomish, wooden slide-whistles that pulls rocks to the surface.Magic Items 2, p.65 This device can also pull up treasures (or treasure chests).
* Wise Plows -- self-propelled magical plows. Very useful. They likely vary in speed, strength, and precision, as many enchanters (especially gnomes who primarily make these) are always attempting to get slightly more "mileage" out of the device in a single day.Magic Items 2, p.65
* Mechanical toys in general are often Gnomish in origin. Supposedly there's a connection between many Gnomish inventions and leprechauns, but the latter are much more rare, and harder to convince to give a true answer!Magic Items 2, p.99
=== Weapon Size ===
Gnomes (at SM-1) are likely to simply re-handle SM+0 weapons for their use, although they're likely to stick to lighter weapons like shortswords, instead of broadswords.Magic Items 1, p.94
== Comparisons ==
Despite being farmers and herders, Gnomes sometimes have Artificer, implying that some spend their off-seasons practicing crafting and invention. Also note that in many settings, including Banestorm, dwarves are also industrious and technical, but gnomes tend to be more whimsical and experimental (see Versatile). Gnomish smiths are excellent at adjusting mundane and magical items to better fit their new users, giving them equipment- or weapon bond.Just Rewards; Pyramid 3/75: Hero's Jackpot, p.5 Gnomish toolbelts (and tools) allow one to carry all banner of widgets and gizmos.Just Rewards; Pyramid 3/75: Hero's Jackpot, p.9
=== Subspecies? ===
* Mogwai are possibly gnomish -- mischievous and diminutive beings who enjoy breaking things as much as they enjoy building. They're relatively quick on their feet, have Striking ST for Forced Entry attempts, and even have Higher Purpose (Sabotage).Eastern Adventures; Pyramid 3/89: Alternate Dungeons 2, p.20
* Hell Gnomes -- "Hell Gnomes" is a common-folk term for a mystery faction of trap-making, rune-blazing creatures that supposedly create many of the world's dungeons.DFRPG: Adventurers, p.4DFRPG: Exploits, p.15DF 2: Dungeons, p.17 Legend says that these were some lost tribe that went bad, although proper Gnomes resent the implication, and usually assert that Hell Gnomes are actually a race of imps.DF 3: The Next Level, p.10
== The Great Spectrum ==
Just as Dwarves might be found along a spectrum between into Deep-Delving Dwarves and Surface-Merchant Dwarves,Fanon Gnomes span a spectrum from Yard Folk (living in hill-covered homes in fields and terraces) to Clockpunks (living in Tudor-inspired miniature cities with clocktowers, devices and thingamajigs).partly inspired by entry in The Village Green, from Pyramid 3/95: Overland Adventures, p.35 Gnomes likely feel vaguely Wonka-esque either way, finding their own cutting-edge ways of doing things.
== Gnome Dungeons ==
* To be added (see Pyramid 3/106: DFRPG II, p. 23!)
== Gnomish Devices ==
Item 	Type 	Description 	WT	Cost
Clockwork Garrote 	Weapon 	A mechanized garrote that can be useful for sneaky but feeble assassins. This is likely a Hell Gnome device, not usually used by proper, upstanding Gnomes!Dungeon Fantasy Denizens: Thieves, p.35 	 	
The Clomper 	Utility 	A clockwork device that moves around randomly, making foot-like sounds. $200, 2 lbs. On a time delay.Dungeon Fantasy Denizens: Thieves, p.33 	 	
Gnomish Army Knife 	Utility 	Personal basics in a a masterfully small package at negligible weight.Dungeon Fantasy 16: Wilderness Adventures p.17 	 	
Gnomish Grease 	Utility 	An extremely effective lubricant, used to make floors comically slippery. It works like the Grease spell, and is often used in a "grenade" like package.Dungeon Fantasy Denizens: Thieves, p.36 Throwing this at a clockwork-themed monster (such as a Bronze Spider or Motore) might actually make the machine even faster.Fanon	 	
Gnomish Land Dreadnought	Weapon 	A tiny tank(?) from The Arsenal Of Mageocracy 	 	
Gnomish Razor Wire 	Utility 	A simple, anachronistic invention of sharp bits on wire.Dungeon Fantasy Denizens: Thieves, p.34 It works like TL6 razor wire.Compare to High-Tech, p.204 	 	
Halitosis Tankard 	 	Why would someone make this??Magic Items 1, p.42 	 	
The Ultimus Claves 	Magic Inst.	A crystalline pipe organ of immense supernatural power -- see Instruments of EnchantmentPyramid 3/82: Magical Creations, p.30 	 	
Universal Tool Kit 	Utility 	Gnomish modular tools that can be used for just about anything; Armoury, Engineer, Jeweler, Lockpicking, Smith, Surgery, etc. $12,000, 20 lbs.DF 4: Sages, p.12 	 	
== Gnome Advantages ==
* Versatile
* Widget-Worker TalentPower-Ups 3: Talents, p.17
* Some level of Magery, in mages, of course.
* Jewelers, clock-workers, locksmiths, and trapsmiths will likely have High Manual Dexterity for tiny details, and might have Sensitive Touch if they often need to work by touch--such as disabling concealed traps, or picking tricky locks. And these are just the "legitimate" uses of these skills!
== Other Notes ==
* In some cosmologies, gnomes are earth elementals.
* In Castle Falkenstein, Gnomes are fey, and are clockwork experts.Castle Falkenstein, p.88 When overworked (or hired to do so), gnomes can become more sabotage-oriented Gremlins.
* Gnomish clockwork is mentioned in several books, including ArtifactsDF 6: 40 Artifacts, p.15 and SteampunkSteampunk 1: Settings and Style, p.24 as well as several items mentioned in Gnomish Devices (above).
== See Also ==
* The Gnomish Mafia
* Gnomish Quarters found in Dwarf Strongholds -- see Good DungeonsPyramid 3/72: Alternate Dungeons, p.27
* Gnomes in Discworld are synonymous with goblins -- gnomes are simply goblins who chose to live underground.See Discworld, p.69 
* Not to be confused with the "Gnomes of Zurich", a disparaging term for Swiss bankers who sadly do not live underground nor do they make contraptions (although Switzerland is known for its clockwork).
** ...are Gnomes Fantasy Switzerland? (Look this up later)
== Notes ==
==References==
*Banestorm, p.192
*Classic: Fantasy Folk p.50-53
Category:Racial Templates