Gnome

## Gnomes - Tinkers of Innovation

### **Background**

Gnomes are a tiny, slightly built race created by Brell Serilis. They were the second race, after Dwarves, created by Brell. What they lack in size they make up for in tenacity and ingenuity. Gnomes are known for their inquisitive nature, constantly tinkering with things both mystical and technological. This poking around has gotten them into trouble in the past, but their craftiness and intellect has allowed them to survive and prosper despite whatever mischief they might unleash.

Gnomish architecture is mechanistic in nature, with lots of gears and motors turning all manner of odd creations. Gnomes are known for constructing “clockwork” devices, essentially mechanical versions of creatures, from rats to dragons. They even make clockwork Gnomes to aid them in the completion of manual labor. Like their cousins the Dwarves, Gnomes are adept miners with a love for the precious gems and metals of the earth. As they are lacking in physical strength, many Gnomes concentrate on intellectual pursuits through the study of magic. Others take advantage of their naturally high dexterity to excel as a Scout.

They delve into some of the deepest mysteries of the universe, always believing everything can be answered through their system of Mechanimagica, a belief based on both science and magic. Through this system they have crafted wondrous automated devices. The Gnome’s analytical minds are always working and are always filled with formulas and strategies providing answers to actions not yet met.

### **Faith**

Though largely materialistic in nature, Gnomes who choose a religious life pursue it with extreme fervor, overcoming their physical limitations to become devoted Crusaders and Priests. Good Gnomes worship either Brell or Bristlebane. An evil sect primarily composed of Necromancers and Shadowknights praises Bertoxxulous the Plaguebringer. An infamous Necromancer named Meldrath the Malignant was known for a labyrinth of caves in the Steamfont Mountains which housed his Minotaur army.

### **Effects of the Shattering**

Gnomes are a very social race that adapts well to just about any situation. While they would rather seek out their ancestral home, most Gnomes will be quite satisfied to burrow down into the earth and make a new home surrounded by their tinkered creations. Others prefer the adventure of the high seas and look forward to being on the forefront of exploration and rediscovery. Some Gnomes will no doubt be trying to construct all manner of devices designed to allow safe travel across the dangerous seas.

### **Pros and Cons**

#### **Pros:**

* As a Gnome you get Ultravision (night vision), which helps you see in dark places (such as caves).
* Gnomes have high Agility — good for Scouts. A High-Agility Scout gets hit less often and has a larger Power pool.
* They also have very high Intelligence, making them good Mages and Artisans. A high-Intelligence Mage does more damage and has more Power
* Being short has its advantages too; you can fit through smaller spaces and don’t look too out of place in Baubbleshire or Temple Street.

#### **Cons:**

* Gnomes have very low Strength.They do less damage and carry much less then most of the other races.
* They have a low Stamina, which means fewer Hit Points. Bad for tanking. The only point in favor of a Fighter is their high Agility, which means more defense and more chance to hit the target