GNOME GNOMES

History:
The exact date of the appearance of gnomes in the lands of Aabahran is
widely disputed. Preferring underground burrows or remote woodlands to
bustling cities, the existence of gnomes was rumored for years before it
was widely acknowledged and believed. Due to their short stature and often
unkempt appearance, they were often confused with other small creatures
in the woodlands.
 
One gnome who has gained fame beyond others is Brambus the inventor.
Known for devising some of the most cunning and useful devices existing
in Aabahran, Brambus has established himself as the premiere inventor.
 
It was mentioned once by the Mighty Krounoi, in the hearing of Brambus,
that he sought to have Wathok forge a blade of chaos and order, to seek
a unity of the two to form something truly neutral. Unfortunately it seems
Brambus took this as a command and began to tinker with it himself. Thus
on Eightday the 28th of Nature, 639 C.H. did he combine the two; how he
did this is a mystery to even the greatest of the Mysterum, the results were
not as he expected. When the Mighty Krounoi found him, after being shaken from
his desk, burned and broken from the explosion, he took responsibility for
the gnome's actions, feeling himself at fault. After tending to Brambus'
wounds he informed the world of the devastation wrought upon the once gentle
plains south of Maelbrim. After this unfortunate accident Brambus started
to move between the city of Tarandue, where his famed transpectrogrampher
is located, and his newly created workshop to the south of Maelbrim. Built
above a field of melted boulders, the location was chosen for its solitude,
should any future experiments go similarly awry.
 
Usual Height:
Gnomes come in varying shapes and sizes, though they are usually about 
3 or 4 feet tall. They are similar in size to dwarves, though slightly shorter
and not as stocky. 
 
Hometown:
The primary gnomish center in Aabahran is the city of Tarandue. Located
south of the sprawling city of Maelbrim, the citizens of Tarandue prefer a
balance between farmlands and an urban city. This is unsurprising due to
their native environment. While the city has grown over the years, many
gnomish populations still prefer isolated burrows with either a small
community or one family.
 
The city of Tarandue has invited several of the guilds of Aabahran to
establish centers within its boundaries, and the practice grounds overseen
by the trainer Randall are a frequent stop among those starting out within
their guilds. The south of the town bears an eclectic market, as should
be unsurprising given gnomish taste.
 
Religion:
Gnomes are not known to have a centralized religious body. Usually the
religious views or orientations of a family are decided within that group
alone. Unsurprisingly, gnomes do not frequent the halls of the communers.
Gnomes prefer to place their loyalty in their inventions and friends.
 
Physical Features:
Gnomes are short and slightly more rotund when compared to human
proportions. Often having thin legs and a more pronounced torso, gnomes
prefer not to travel long distances at any one time. Most gnomes appear
somewhat untamed, though this could be easily attributed to a frequent
forgetfulness of such mundane things as bathing and grooming, when
there are inventions to be made and puzzles to be solved. Having eyes
that are proportionally twice the size of a human's, many describe gnomes
as having a curious look. They generally have large noses and rough skin,
while their ears are rounded as opposed to pointed. They are known to have
any variety of hair color.
 
Society:
Not valuing a hierarchical society, gnomes place little stock in the notion of
kings and generals. Instead, they place decisions in the hands of their 
elders. Respect in gnomish history was generally gained by the greatest
inventors. Gnomes are known for their skill in working with gadgets and
devices. Innately born with tact and cleverness, gnomes like to amiably 
compete in their wit and inventions.
 
See also: GNOME2