Gnomes
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Gnomes similar in stature to halflings. They live down in the jungle and mountains of Zaria Zavar. Zaria and Zavar are distinct areas, Zaria being the mountains and Zavar being the jungle. The gnomes of Zaria consider themselves to be more civilized than those of Zavar. The gnomes of Zavar think the gnomes of Zaria to be stuck up and out of touch with the land.
Zaria gnomes tend to be keen on tinkering, experimenting, and testing. There are many strange happenings and potions circulating that are Zaria in origin. Zaria gnomes generally form a 4 person group for marriage and reproduction. It is often two males and two females, but not always. These marriage groups are called Sai’tai.
Zavar gnomes tend to be more down to earth. Most gnomish rangers and druids are Zavar gnomes. Zavar gnomes tend to form marriage groups of three, with one female and two males, called a ‘driek-lank’. This harkens back to the days of fending off beasts in the jungle. If one member dies, another will be invited in. If two members die, the third may choose to not remarry.
Gnomes use dinosaurs as mounts, beasts of burden, and meat. Gnomish trade caravans stand out by having dinosaurs hauling their goods.
Appearance:
Gnomes are shorter than humans. They’re similar to halflings but with a slightly heavier build. Their eyes are larger and more almond shaped than halflings. Gnome eyes have no white in them, but are full iris with a pupil. Gnomish skin, hair, and eye color is different between the Zaria gnomes and Zavar gnomes.
Zaria gnomes have paler skin, which can be similar to the lighter skin tones of halflings, but can even be ashen or grey. Their eyes are often metallic in color; golds, coppers, and silvers. Their hair can be white, to grey, to black, with a few coming close to blue or purple.
Zavar gnomes tend to be darker in color, tan to a deep brown, some even take on a greenish tint. Their eyes tend to be green, yellow, or orange. Their hair tends to be a shade of brown, green, or orange.
While the two types keep to themselves, there has been some mixing and mingling over the years. You can find a blend of the types in the cities and also abroad. It’s not odd to find a grey skinned gnome with orange hair and green eyes. Or a brown skinned gnome with white hair and gold eyes.
History:
Many centuries ago, there was a great catastrophe. Details of this catastrophe were lost to time. However, this caused most of the gnomes to seal themselves away in their mountain. The mountain gnomes became the Zarian gnomes. Those who managed to survive outside became the Zavar gnomes.
After unsealing their guarded home, there was a great gnome war, as the Zaria gnomes sought to subjugate the “primitive” Zavar gnomes. Several gnomes and dinosaurs died in this war. A peace was brokered by a group of clerics of Baervan Wildwanderer, who had clerics on both sides.
Peace has long reigned in Zaria Zavar. Knowledge of the war is kept to the gnomes, few others know of it.
Religion:
Both Zaria and Zavar gnomes pay homage to Baervan Wildwanderer. Garl Glittergold is primarily followed by Zaria gnomes, but has some following with the Zavar gnomes. Taranis Sharptooth has faded in popularity over the years, but Zavar gnomes still pay homage to him. Those who work as dinosaur handlers are the more fervent of Taranis’ followers.
Names:
Gnomes tend to have a shorter version or nickname for interacting with other races. Gnome names can be incredibly long. They are born with a birth name and a family name. From there they add names after notable things and achievements in their lives. These names do not necessarily reflect the achievement, but mean something to the bearer of the name. Family members and friends may also give a gnome an additional name. Gnomes often bear a parchment with their full name on it. This full name is only recited at special occasion.
Stats:
Paizo/Pathfinder standard