Urban gnome
From Vanathul Wiki
| Urban gnome[T] |
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Origin
Gnomes were created by an archfey of the Lords and Ladies during the first dark age for some reason unknown even to even the gnomes themselves.
The urban gnomes have come to terms with their existence probably being a deal with a fey that went sideways, and see their long lifespan and deceptive durability as a fair compensation. In may ways urban gnomes see them selves as more human than wild gnomes, as their societies overlap to a large extent. There is still friction, however, and both races have outliers that see the other as inferior in some way.
Description
Physical description
Gnomes are one of the smallest of the common races, generally standing just over 3 feet in height. Despite their small frames, gnomes are extremely resilient, and not as weak as many of their foes assume.
They are not unlike humans in their anatomy, being largely similar in proportions, just smaller.
Society
In general there are two types of gnome societies. One that have integrated into human society, and one who reject integration and wish to keep their heritage unsullied by humanity. The urban gnomes are of the former type.
Relations
Humans
Urban gnomes enjoy good relation with humanity in Mendaris, where they are valued members of society. Their long lives often lets gnomes who occupy a place for a long time act as a bridge to the past for the relatively short lived humans. There are of course some exceptions, but they generally do not experience any legal or social discrimination when living in human dominated environs.
Dwarves
Due to the origins of the gnome race, dwarves are often reluctant to interact with them. Even when the gnomes in question are as aversed to fey influence as the dwarves themselves are. Over time this reluctance to interact may lessen, but as few dwarves spend much time in human cities, there are few opportunities for it. Only a few gnomes can say they ever entered into a mutual friendship with a dwarf, and then only because both races live long lives.
The Fey
Though the Urban Gnomes have come to terms with their place in the world, they harbor a deep mistrust of most things fey in origin. This is thought to be a disposition adopted from human society, but is no less held if so. If given the opportunity, most Urban Gnomes avoid any contact with Fey and the Lords and Ladies. Their siblings, the Wild Gnomes, may live with one foot in the First World, but that does not mean that they want to.
Racial Traits
The racial traits described below are the ones composed to fit the setting. If you for any reason need to use another set of traits, give the DM a shout to arrange something
- Ability Score Modifiers: Gnomes are physically weak but surprisingly hardy, and their attitude makes them naturally agreeable. They gain +2 Constitution, +2 Charisma, and –2 Strength.
- Type: Gnomes are Humanoid creatures with the gnome subtype.
- Size: Gnomes are Small creatures and thus gain a +1 size bonus to their AC, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a –1 penalty to their Combat Maneuver Bonus and Combat Maneuver Defense, and a +4 size bonus on Stealth checks.
- Base Speed: (Slow Speed) Gnomes have a base speed of 20 feet.
- Languages: Gnomes begin play speaking Gnome as well as the common variant local to their origin. Gnomes with high Intelligence scores can choose from most other language. See the language page for more information.
- Illusion Resistance: Gnomes gain a +2 racial saving throw bonus against illusion spells and effects.
- Obsessive: Gnomes receive a +2 racial bonus on a Craft or Profession skill of their choice.
- Vivacious: Some gnomes recover 50% more hit points (minimum 1) whenever they recover hit points from rest. Whenever they are healed of hit point damage by a spell, they heal an additional amount equal to 1/2 the spell’s caster level (minimum 0). The extra healing does not apply to spells that grant fast healing or similar effects.
- Master Tinker: Gnomes experiment with all manner of mechanical devices. Gnomes with this racial trait gain a +1 bonus on Disable Device and Knowledge (engineering) checks. They are treated as proficient with any weapon they have personally crafted.
- Fey Fortitude: Gnomes with this racial trait are infused with a connection to life. They gain a +2 racial bonus on saves to resist death effects.
- Low-Light Vision: Gnomes can see twice as far as humans in conditions of dim light.