Gnomes

Gnomes are driven by a degree of obsessive-compulsive creativity and ambition that would be considered by humans to be a mental disorder. They work exhaustively with near-singular focus to fulfill their goals, often to the detriment of other aspects of their life. Their race is most well-known for their incredible technology and alchemy. They are often regarded as mad scientists, although many favor bureaucratic or social opportunities instead.

### Secrets & Technology

The most impactful trait of Gnomes is their hording of secrets. Gnomes are so protective of secrets that certain knowledge is only ever passed down to direct descendants; or in many cases, lost forever. There are many alchemy skills that are only known to a single Gnome or Gnome lineage in the entire world. This level of obsession shapes many negative experiences in their lives, but their craftsmanship and monopoly over certain technologies is also the reason Gnomes are tolerated in human society.

Gnomes don't find it selfish or unusual when others conceal truths - this feels natural to them. Instead, generosity and freely given knowledge is considered strange or worrisome. People that exhibit this behavior may be assumed to have hidden motives, insane, or trying to pull some sort of trick. All exchanges are expected to come at a cost.

Attempts have been made to extract secrets from Gnomes, such as through torture or slavery. However, Gnomes enjoy a reasonably strong innate tolerance to pain, and an overwhelming mental intolerance toward relinquishing secrets regardless of the circumstances. They will take their secrets to the grave over entrusting it to an enemy.

### Characteristics

Gnomes are short (averaging between ~100cm to 120cm), with shades of light green or yellow skin tones. They live an average of 65 to 80 years, depending on their habits.

Gnomes are intellectually superior to humans (on average), and the frequency of geniuses is significantly higher.

Most Gnomes speak Gnomish, Common, and their lineage cipher. Most lineages have a special cipher, known only to their lineage, that they use to exchange or pass down information.

### Cultures

Gnomes often live as part of other races' societies; such as with Humans, Dwarves, Dryads, Elves, or Lizardfolk. Their largest populations are with the Dwarves, which is also where many of their alchemists live due to the access to metals and fine craftsmanship. Living with larger societies tends to be a matter of convenience, where they can focus on their trades rather than dealing more 'trivial' issues.

Gnome societies tend to be isolated in areas that can be defended easily, often in caves or mountains like the Dwarves. When expected to deal with conflict, Gnomes rely very heavily on traps and damage-dealing systems that they can operate from above or at a distance. They fight their battles with tactical wit and ingenuity; not with brute force. This is extremely effective against monsters and small forces, but has limits against warring nations that are dedicated to breaking through their defenses.

Gnomish governments usually consist of a single family that sets the laws. Laws vary between different cultures, but generally require Gnomes to fulfill certain secondary obligations to keep society functioning. Secondary tasks usually include things like quotas for farming and tending to animals, rather than just inventing new farm tools.

Racism against Gnomes tends to be systematic rather than overt, although overt racism against them does occur. Dwarves and Gnomes get along very well. Humans and Lizardfolk tolerate them and like to benefit from their goods and services.