Capricious and mischievous, the nature-loving gnomes are difficult for other races to understand. Even the elves, who superficially have a great deal in common with the gnomes, find them strange. Whether it is Lauhur’s influence or the Faerie Courts’, the gnome thought process is alien to the other races. One moment they might seem entirely relatable and reasonable; the next they have stumbled upon a deep and fixating obsession that they will risk life and limb to fulfill.

Known for their love of pranks, gnome humour is often directed at some unfortunate individual. While they are unlikely to physically harm someone wandering into their territory, gnomes’ talent for illusions and enchantments can wreak havoc on a victim’s state of mind. Gnomes generally attach little value to possessions, and so feel little compunction against taking those of others if they fail to provide sufficient entertainment. At the same time, they are generally not malicious unless someone tries to physically harm them. If attacked, gnomes quickly go from carefree to cruel, sadistic in their desire to teach their attacker a lesson. Once that lesson is accepted, however, they can just as quickly return to their less harmful forms of entertainment.

Gnomes live in the wild places in the world, preferring the forests, swamps, and jungles to the cities of other races. Possessing a strong link with nature, they easily find a balance with the natural world, making their homes in the hollows of trees, small caves in ravines, or shallow burrows beneath the earth. They do not mine metals from the earth, and do not hunt. They fashion everything out of plants

Never particularly numerous, the gnomes suffered greatly in the creation of the kobolds. 150 years ago, dragons began capturing gnomes and transforming them into the vile kobolds, loyal servants to dragonkind. Once transformed, the dragons sent out parties of kobolds to hunt down and capture more gnomes, creating a larger breeding pool for the kobolds to protect against the effects of inbreeding. This continued for 50 years, until the dragons consolidated their territory in Vorn.

Older gnomes still remember the genocide their kind endured, and they have taken steps to ensure their race is not subject to a repeat. Gnomes have studied their enemies obsessively, and have developed special combat styles to take on dragons and their servants. Every gnome, no matter how unsuited to combat, masters these styles, fearing deep down that someday, the dragons will come for them.

Classes:
Bard: Gnome bards generally take the prankster archetype, epitomizing the gnomish sense of humour and skill with magic. Woe to any who provoke their cruel barbs.
Druid: Already close to nature, gnome druids extend this relationship further, particularly by forming close relationships with animals in their domain.
Sorcerer: Containing more power than their small bodies should be able to hold, gnome sorcerers are beings of passion, easily swinging from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other. Most possess either the fey or verdant bloodlines.
Wizard: While not known for their aptitude at studying, some gnomes’ talents with magic form the basis of their obsessions, leading them to learn as much as possible. Gnome illusionists and enchanters are particularly feared for their resourcefulness.
Summoner: A natural pairing, gnome summoners call upon otherworldly allies to protect them from threats. While the path of the naturalist is widely pursued, some gnomes have found an uncanny talent as story summoners, applying the vagaries of fate to their magic.
Witch: An export from the elves, some gnomes learn to contact the unknown and draw power from their communion. They take great pleasure in cursing their foes, a talent which is celebrated in gnome society.
Kineticist: Occasionally, a gnome’s connection to nature is focused through a single element. These gnomes become kineticists, able to channel their chosen element in highly destructive bursts few would guess a gnome would be capable of channeling.

Standard Racial Traits:
Ability Score Racial Traits: 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 Common, Gnome, and Sylvan. Gnomes with high Intelligence scores can choose from the following: Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Giant, Goblin, and Orc. See the Linguistics skill page for more information about these languages.
Defense Racial Traits
Defensive Training: Gnomes gain a +4 dodge bonus to AC against monsters of the dragon type or subtype.
Illusion Resistance: Gnomes gain a +2 racial saving throw bonus against illusion spells and effects.
Feat and Skill Racial Traits
Keen Senses: Gnomes receive a +2 racial bonus on Perception checks.
Obsessive: Gnomes receive a +2 racial bonus on a Craft or Profession skill of their choice.
Magical Racial Traits
Gnome Magic: Gnomes add +1 to the DC of any saving throws against illusion spells that they cast. Gnomes with Charisma scores of 11 or higher also gain the following spell-like abilities: 1/day—dancing lights, ghost sound, prestidigitation, and speak with animals. The caster level for these effects is equal to the gnome's level. The DC for these spells is equal to 10 + the spell's level + the gnome's Charisma modifier.
Offense Racial Traits
Hatred: Gnomes receive a +1 bonus on attack rolls against monsters with the dragon type or subtype because of their special training against these hated foes.
Weapon Familiarity: Gnomes treat any weapon with the word “gnome” in its name as a martial weapon.
Senses Racial Traits
Low-Light Vision: Gnomes can see twice as far as humans in conditions of dim light.

Alternate Racial Traits:
*Defensive Training and Hatred have been altered from the default gnome entry. Gnomes living in certain regions may choose to switch back to the default specialities against giants, goblinoids and reptilian subtypes.