Artesian gnomes

Artesians are a species of redcap gnomes with long white beards that famously live in wells.

## Habitat

Artesian gnomes are mostly found in Botwa.

Artesian gnomes live in emptied wells, and other underground cave systems where they establish villages linked together in small municipal councils. They are masterful water technicians, being used to diverting streams from naturally formed wells and building homes within. The diverted stream often goes through the well-home.

The well proper is only used as an air hole and, ironically, to collect rainwater. This is because gnomes are able to pop up from the ground to observe visitors.

A gnomes well is its place of business, within wells they raise chickens, mushrooms, bloomberries, truffles and other products that grow well underground.

Since gnomes inhabit wells, they naturally have to often interact with the other races, mostly for access to fresh water. Some treat the Weller as a business, placing a coin in the bucket so that it returns full of water. Some gnomes use their homes as storerooms, and even armories.

## Magic

Gnomes are capable of swimming through dirt and rock to a degree, often popping up with just their heads above the ground to observe visitors

Gnomes can use magic to create landslides

In forests they can heal wounded animals and dried up plants. They tend to the forestry.

Build wards of themselves to protect gardens. The wards are full size statues of themselves, acting like scarecrows. They can freeze themselves as statues to scare off animals.

## Occupations

Artesian gnomes have many occupations, and have the unique ability to farm various crops and animals from within their wells. The crops grown range from varieties of mushrooms and bloomberries. They are also able to farm chickens in a manner similar to cave chicken farming observed among the valhyr.

### Gem crofting

A little-known practice known as gemcrofting involves the detection of natural accretions of precious gems within ore deposits.

At the heart of this practice lies the understanding that precious gems can gradually form and accumulate within ore deposits through a natural process. Gnomes have perfected the art of identifying, extracting, and harnessing these hidden treasures. The process of gemcrofting begins with meticulous surveying and geological analysis. Gnomish prospectors, armed with their extensive knowledge of gemstone formation, search for ore deposits known to harbor the potential for gem accretion. These deposits are carefully examined, and the presence of precious gems within the ores is detected through a combination of dowsing techniques and observation.

Once a promising deposit is identified, gemcrofters employ their specialized mining techniques, delicately extracting the precious ores while preserving the integrity of the gem accretions. This requires a delicate balance between excavation and preservation, ensuring that the gems remain intact within the surrounding matrix. Gnomish gemcrofters often utilize enchanted tools and precision instruments to facilitate this intricate process.

The extracted ore, containing the precious gems, is then transported to gemcrafting workshops within gnomish communities. Here, skilled artisans meticulously separate the gems from the surrounding ore, employing their expert knowledge of gemstone extraction and refinement. Through a combination of magical rituals, alchemical processes, and precise craftsmanship, the raw gemstones are transformed into exquisite jewels of unparalleled beauty and value.

The gems extracted through gemcrofting are highly sought after in both mundane and magical markets. Gnomish communities have thrived for centuries by trading these precious gemstones, attracting merchants, collectors, and connoisseurs from far and wide. The intricate craftsmanship and inherent magical properties of these gems make them highly desirable for a range of purposes, from jewelry-making to arcane rituals.

Recently, a new usage of orecrofting was discovered by gnomes, which is the usage of these ore deposits to create artificial ridgebergs.

### Ridgeberg growing

Artesian gnomes have mastered the art of growing ridgebergs in their drywells.

Their process surrounding ridgeberg cultivation is poorly understood. According to recovered texts, gnomes utilize their profound understanding of earth magic to infuse life into dormant ores. The process begins when a well dries out, leaving behind a hollow void waiting to be filled. Gnomes carefully select and place specific ores within these wells. These ores are imbued with a potent combination of elemental forces and enchanted rituals to breathe life into the inert matter. Over time, the ores placed within the well absorb the surrounding stone, gradually transforming into golems. Gnomes tend to these growing ridgebergs, nourishing them with the essence of the earth. The resulting adult ridgebergs, hewn from the stone, do not go through the infant stage of being caillasses. These ranched ridgebergs exhibit a level of intelligence and free will, forging bonds with their gnome creators. These ridgebergs are known to possess distinct personalities and are loyal to their gnomish creators. These ridgebergs are then used as beasts of burden, and some are weaponized, such as the fearsome siegeberg.

## Culture

In order to make well water safe, it is boiled, this is called gnomes' tea. The custom is to offer tea to gnomes as thanks for its service as a weller.

Some gnomes help with chores, such as farming, mining, gardening and housework. This in exchange for room and board.

Gnomes sometimes capture dragons in their wells, and keep them asleep by combing their hair.

Playing a flute in a well can summon gnomes for help.

## Religion

Gnomes worship gigantic two headed frogs that gift them with fortunes and treasures.

## Other names

Stone circle gnomes

Weller gnomes

Welldwellers