The Gnomes
Gnomes are very short, between 3 and 4 feet tall, and the males universally have fashionable beards. The are know as being clever and somewhat devious. Those in Lawfully dominated areas tend to join and support the Lawful Church, but those in Neutral areas cleave to the Neutral Gods. Unlike their larger Dwarf cousins, Gnomes are quite often users of Magic, but like the Elves are never clerics. They can see very well both at night outdoors and in the darkest caves. Gnomes can be warriors, but are more likely to be Jacks. There are two tribes of Gnomes in the Reach: the Hill Gnomes and the Desert Gnomes. The Hill Gnomes are found in the Dorgstyn and Tunburg Earldoms in several villages, most notably the strategic and wealthy Bridgeton. They are mostly Lawful and loyal subjects of the High King (the late Mayor Marvelous being a notable exception). They are usually ruddy skinned and have grayish beards from an early age. The Desert Gnomes originally lived in rocky oases in the Zarg Desert, but most have moved into the more comfortable town of Wayburg in the barony of Lorn. They are typically darker-skinned as befits desert dwellers. The Arch-duke of these Gnomes dwells in Wayburg in a wee palace. The Desert Gnomes are active and loyal vassals of Baron Lorn and conform to the Neutral faith of the Lorners. The Gnomish language has Hill and Desert dialects, but both are mutually intelligible; members of both clans are likely to speak Common since they live in areas dominated by Men.