Gnomes are a shy woodland people who live in the dense forests of
Cambria. Their homes are almost always underground, even more so
than Halflings but like Halflings they are comfortable
and well appointed. Their burrows tend to be large and accomodate severally loosely related
family groups.
Gnomes are known for their use of magic (particularly illusions) and their sense of mischief and a
typical encounter with one of the Big Folk will start with a practical joke. Both the
Old Faith and the
Church of St. Erin are very clear that it is bad luck to harm
a Gnome and indeed all country folk know this.
It is said, however, that although the Gnomes god, Garl Glittergold, enjoys a good joke, he has instructed.
his followers not to be malicious to those less gifted in magic (accept if they have it coming of course).
Gnomes are known to be skilled at making magic items but most human mages scoff at their output because
their items frequently have no practical purpose but just have amusing effects. They are, however,
most sought after by the wealthy as toys for their children. Rumours have spread, however, that the gnomes
keep more powerful items in their villages with the result that 'searching for the gnome village' has
become a popular pastime for the foolish. The parties that return from such a quest tend to have
spent much of their time 'getting lost in the forest'.
Outsiders who have befriended gnomes know that they jealously keep the location of their
burrows secret and Garl Glittergold lends his powers to ensure they remain so. The rare
Gnomes who leave their burrows permanently for life in the outside world confess that
they no longer know the way back. In any case the burrows tend to be protected by powerful
illusions and guarded by woodland animals that are friendly with the Gnomes.
As creatures known to use magic Gnomes would receive rough treatment from the
Geogoths. In addition to their own skills, however,
most country folk would help a Gnome hide while in the City Gnomes are valued
servants and would be protected by their employers.
Perhaps the most famous Gnome in Cambria is Boddyknock Ningle who is said to have tutored Lord
Fairchild in his youth and is now tutoring his children.