The warrens and neighborhoods where gnomes reside exude a constant buzz of activity, revealing the essence of their close-knit and vibrant communities. Amidst this lively hum, one can hear distinctive sounds that punctuate the air: the rhythmic grind of gears turning in their contraptions, the occasional burst of a minor explosion from a mischievous experiment, the yelps of surprise or triumph, and, above all, the infectious laughter that defines the gnomish spirit. Gnomes find unbridled delight in every aspect of life, embracing each moment with a profound appreciation for invention, exploration, investigation, creation, and play.
Their boundless energy and enthusiasm radiate from their diminutive frames. With an average height just above 3 feet and a weight of 40 to 45 pounds, gnomes possess tan or brown faces often adorned with broad smiles, nestled beneath their prodigious noses. Their bright eyes sparkle with excitement, and their fair hair has a charming tendency to spring out in every direction, a visual expression of their insatiable curiosity about the world. Gnomes wear their personalities like badges, and a male gnome's beard, contrasting with their wild hair, is meticulously trimmed and styled into curious forks or neat points. Their clothing, though usually in modest earth tones, is intricately decorated with elaborate embroidery, embossing, or gleaming jewels, reflecting their love for beauty and craftsmanship.
For gnomes, being alive is an extraordinary gift, and they make the most of their three to five centuries of life. While humans might ponder the possibility of getting bored over such a long span, and elves savor the world's beauties in their extended years, gnomes harbor a constant worry that there won't be enough time to accomplish all they wish to do and see. Their speech mirrors their enthusiasm, often flowing so quickly that it seems their thoughts are racing to be expressed. They enthusiastically contribute ideas and opinions on a wide range of subjects, yet manage to attentively listen to others, interjecting the appropriate exclamations of surprise and appreciation along the way.
Humor is an integral part of gnome life, and they relish all forms of jokes, especially puns and pranks. However, they are equally dedicated to their more serious pursuits. Many gnomes excel as engineers, alchemists, tinkers, and inventors, embracing a willingness to make mistakes and find humor in the process of perfecting their craft. Bold and adventurous, they take daring risks and dream big, their imaginations ever fueled by unquenchable curiosity.
Gnomes have a fondness for hilly, wooded lands where they construct their homes underground. Unlike their dwarven counterparts, gnomes enjoy ample fresh air and frequently venture to the surface to revel in the beauty of the living world. Their homes are cleverly concealed, employing both skilled construction and simple illusions. Welcoming visitors are promptly ushered into bright, warm burrows, while those who are unwelcome are unlikely to even find the entrances. In human lands, gnomes often take up professions such as gemcutters, engineers, sages, or tinkers. Some gnome tutors become cherished fixtures in human families, imparting a blend of serious knowledge and joyous enjoyment to multiple generations over their extensive lifetimes.