Gnomes
Gnomes are distantly related to the Dwarves, but noticeablysmaller and nowhere near as stout. Some say they are what might
happen if an Elf and a Dwarf mated, though such a concept is equally
abhorrent to both species. Despite such aversion, many continue to
wonder, as the impish features and ears of the Gnome suggest such
a union. Their hair is also much finer than the Dwarves, and, for
some reason understood by few, if any, it grows white early in life.
Gnomes are more attuned to nature than Dwarves, and they are equally at home in trees, boggy swamps, underground, in stone hous-
es, or just about anywhere else. Being nervous in large groups,
however, they either live alone, or in small groups like Beggens. Gnome
kingdoms are very rare, and those that do exist are not long endur-
ing. Gnomes also love to dabble in magic, and devote much of their
time to scholarly pursuits. Because of their need and love of books,
they are more willing to overcome their social inhibitions, unlike
their distant Dwarven cousins, and may be found in almost any vil-
lage in the known kingdom, in search of knowledge. They seem to
get along with most of the races, and many become wise teachers
and sages later in life.