Gnome
The Gnomes are the most historically influential race upon Terra Continenti, with the Gnoman Empire responsible for shaping much of the west of the continent. Gnomes are, however, a species that no one would have bet upon to have formed one the grandest empires in the history of Seniogum.
Gnomes are known for excellent intellect, although in reality there are only minor differences with the average Gnome and other races. The origin of this myth has two components. The first is a sub-species of Gnome that went extinct centuries ago, the Seniorem, (or Elder Gnomes). While it is hard to say for certain, the Seniorem where one of the first races to ever civilise themselves and where notably naturally intelligent, to a frightening extent. Even in the era of pre-history, they were distinct from the common Gnomes of the time, the Gnomans. Where most races lived in racially exclusive tribes, the Seniorem where able to influence the Gnomans into civility and eventually took the helm of the Gnoman people.
Thus the second component of the myth of Gnomish intelligence was born, as the Seniorem ensured each and every Gnome was well educated so they could best serve civilization. This would, of course, become the Gnoman Empire, so prestigious that the Gnoman name is retained by its successor races even to this day.
The Gnoman Empire will not be discussed here in much depth, but the Seniorem are relevant to the development of Gnomes, both physiologically and culturally. Intrinsically linked to these two factors is the Seniorem dissuasion from magic. Under Gnoman rule it was heavily controlled, (a practice continued in the modern Gnomic states), and vast majorities of the Gnoman population would never be exposed to magic, unlike all the other races.
Due to this, and following the Empire’s collapse, the sudden rapid exposure to magic lead to rapid changes in the Gnomans, ultimately creating some of the youngest stable sub-races in Seniogem. These races vary dramatically, with some resistant to magic, some vulnerable to it and others embracing it, becoming more naturally adept in their own right.