Gnomes

Rock gnomes of the Flanaess have their origins as trappers and herders in the remote wooded highlands of the north. Their southward expansion began only a few centuries before the Invoked Devastation, bringing them into lands populated by other races. Their lairds and chieftains recognized the authority of elven or dwarven sovereigns, but discouraged any mingling of peoples until the Suel and Oeridian migrations encouraged cooperation between races. Most gnomes inhabit great burrow communities in the Lortmils and Kron Hills, and east in the Flinty Hills.

The history of the deep gnomes is unknown to others, as they are so isolated and little seen. Their homeland is said to be a vast kingdom within a miles-deep cavern, where they are ruled by a wise and brooding monarch.

Rock Gnomes — Rock Gnomes favor woodlands for their homes, residing in burrows just below the surface in hilly country. These gnomes are rarely taller than three and a half feet, are moderately built, and have skin that resembles the color of wood (from light ash to dark oak), They work well and enjoy merrymaking,

Deep Gnomes — One important but scarce subrace, the deep gnomes (or svirfneblin) live far underground; these have gray, hairless skin and excellent heat-sensing vision, but little else is known of them, Some are rumored to magically command creatures made of living earth and rock. Svirfneblin are believed to be among the few good underground races.