Riddlearth Gnomes

A subrace of Gnomes in the Nine-Lands of Goethe.

Riddlearth gnomes are filled with curiosity and have a natural inventiveness about them. They love building things simple and intricate, and are just as likely to take something apart to see how it works.

Riddlearth gnomes are the smaller of the two gnomish subraces. Riddlearth gnomes stand about 3 feet tall and weigh 40-45 pounds. Their skin ranges chestnut brown to deep tans, their hair is fair, and their eyes can be any shade of blue. Riddlearth males prefer short, carefully trimmed beards, though some of the younger generations are beginning to go beardless.

Riddlearth gnomes enjoy the company of halflings, who share their love of precious objects and to a large extent, their curiosity. They especially enjoy the company of halflings who are easygoing enough to put up with pranks and jests. As with their gnowhere kin, riddlearth gnomes are a little suspicious of the taller races – humans, elves, half-elves, orks and half-orks – but they are rarely hostile or malicious unless it has been earned.

Riddlearth gnomes make their homes in the southernmost reaches of the Thenjade Mountains. Though they live underground, they get more fresh air than dwarves do, enjoying the natural, living world on the surface whenever they can. Their homes are well hidden by clever construction, but those who come to visit and are welcome are ushered into the bright, warm, and comfortable homes. Those who are not welcome never find them in the first place.

Riddlearth gnomes who settle in human lands are engineers, mechanics, inventors, or alchemists.

The patron deity of all gnomes is Conundrum, the trickster, god of puzzles, and riddles. His clerics teach that gnomes are to cherish and support their communities. Pranks are seen as ways to lighten spirits and to keep gnomes humble, not as ways for pranksters to triumph over those they trick. Many riddlearth gnomes also revere Crystallis, Fate, Mischief, and Obscura.

Mechanically inclined gnowhere gnomes prefer leather garb with plenty of holders for whatever tools they may need to carry.

Riddlearth gnomes generally wear practical leather garb riddled with pockets, and holders for whatever tools they feel the need to carry. They enjoy bright, lively colors and may decorate their clothes with stitching or patterns, augmented with simple jewelry.

Age. Riddlearth gnomes mature at about the same rate humans do, and most are expected to settle down into adult life by around age 40. They can live 400 to 500 years.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Lore of the Riddlearth. Whenever you make an Intelligence (History) check related to alchemical objects or technological devices, you are considered proficient in the History skill. If you are already proficient you may add double your proficiency bonus to the check, instead of your normal proficiency bonus.

Natural craftsman. You have proficiency with artisan’s tools (tinker’s tools).

RIDDLEARTH GNOME ADVENTURERS

Riddlearth gnomes are curious and impulsive. They may take up adventuring as a way to see the world or for the love of exploring. Riddlearth gnomes boast some of the craftiest bards and rogues in the Nine-Lands.