(Cultures)
The
The Gnomes of
Bloodline Basingstoke think of themselves as the original Gnomes because they
live more closely to ancient traditions than any other group. They tend to be conservative, therefore, and
a bit haughty around others of their race.
Basingstoke Gnomes live deep in the woods, in compounds defended by
ingenious pitfalls and snares; a semi-nomadic people, they move their compounds
every three years. The Basingstokes have
a strong emotional relationship to nature, which, because of their relative
size and strength, they consider a rather more hostile than benevolent
force. Most
The Greengair Bloodline
The Gnomes of
Bloodline Greengair cultivate a balance with nature. Unlike their
The Wendwillow Bloodline
The Gnomes of
Bloodline Wendwillow never cease their wandering through the forests of Elanthia,
though individual families halt their travels when they find a place that
captures their hearts. Known for their
hospitality and diplomacy, Wendwillow Gnomes are easy-going and good-natured. They often stop their wayfaring to heal
environmental damage from fire or flood, and many of them are drawn to the
healing profession. Their fickle nature
leads many of them to worship the goddess Zelia.
The Rosengift Bloodline
The Gnomes of
Bloodline Rosengift believe that they have a mandate to subject the forests to
Gnomish rule. Descended from a group of
rangers who hunted with poisoned arrows, Rosengift Gnomes rarely follow any law
but expediency and their own personal code.
They take particular delight in violating the so-called “laws of nature”
by cross-pollinating plants, breeding new varieties of animals and tattooing
their fitness-sculpted bodies. They
delight in sporting contests and competitions of every kind, and they rarely
find time or inclination to marry.
The Felcour Bloodline
The Gnomes of
Bloodline Felcour worship V’Tull (the god of Combat and Bloodlust), and martial
traditions define their cultural practice.
They value honor and physical strength above other virtues. They mark every important decision with a
blood oath, and they wear vicious scars as reminders of the oaths they have
taken and fulfilled. In Felcour society,
status is gained and lost through single combat against other Gnomes or the
beasts of the forest. Rarely will a
Felcour Gnome admit to following any profession but that of war.
The Angstholm Bloodline
The Gnomes of Bloodline Angstholm rarely leave their island fortress home, and when they do they are notoriously private and shy among strangers. They make acquaintance slowly, and even among their closest friends they say little about their homeland. Descended from Wendwillow survivors of a cataclysmic flood, the Angstholm Gnomes remain dedicated to their founders’ pledge to tame the elements through the study of elemental magic. They have long been disdainful of the Arkati, whom they hold responsible for the flood. According to reports, many have turned away from the Arkati altogether to worship the elements directly.