Highforge Gnome

Introduction

The gnomes of Highforge have a pleasant, if hard working, community. They have their own laws and customs. They pay taxes only when they sell their goods to the human settlements.

Gnomes enjoy visiting exotic places, meeting exotic people, and playing exotic practical jokes on people.

Gnomes appreciate the work ethic of their dwarven brethren, but do not share it. They like leisure as much as they like their crafts.

Gnomes have a world view that is unique. They have an intense curiosity about how things works. They develop explanations for things and those explanations seem to hold true; sometimes only for gnomes. For example, it is possible for a really strong gnome to pull himself up into the air using Fantasy Physics and the rationale that since the gnome can lift his own weight, then this allows him to lift himself up.

Gnomes love to make machines based upon fantasy physics. This is the one exception to the fantasy physics rule about being applicable only to gnomes. Machines made can be used by non-gnomes! Many people are reticent to try gnome prototypes as they can (and usually do) have design quirks that can cause all sorts of mischief. Sometimes this is done on purpose as a practical joke.

This is not to suggest that gnomes are frivolous; they simply like a good joke. Gnomes can become deadly if threatened. Gnome warriors are highly trained and frequently invent variations on the weapons they are trained to use. They also have a penchant for designing intricate and sometimes deadly traps.

Gnomes share an affinity for the underworlds of Mystara with their dwarven brethren. They love to explore, searching for new raw materials to use in their inventions.

Gnomes tend to worship Garal Glitterlode. Garal, a protégé of Kagyar, created the gnomes in emulation of the dwarves. The gnomes see this as a great honor; they have surpassed the dwarves in inventiveness.

The gnome wizards are few and far between. Those that exist tend to focus on the magic of their inventions.

Gnomes tend to have their hair close cropped and are clean shaven. They tend to like bright colors and flamboyant dress. Common dress is a tunic and trousers with a belt and sandals.

The Peoples of Karameikos, from the view of the Highforge Gnomes

Here is how they feel about the other peoples:

• The Traladarans are a fearful people who mean well.
• The Thyatians are a strong people who mean well, but can be capable of great harm.
• The situation of the Half-breeds is tragic.
• The Darine are an honorable people, steeped in magic and the world.
• The Callarii are powerful, but far too serious in their attitudes; they are not adventurous enough.
• The Stronghollow dwarves are good friends. In effect they provide the brawn while the gnomes provide the brains.
• The Fleetfoot halflings are bizarre and mysterious. Too often they are also thieves.
• The One-Eye Orcs are immensely dangerous and not to be trusted. Despite the fact that they are gaining greater acceptance.

• The dragons of the Kingdom of Argosyll are now allied with Karameikos. This alliance all but ensures the reign of Duke Stefan and his Thyatians. Studying the dragons up close should be fun.
• The bugbears of the Black Fang horde are evil brutes who care nothing for humor.
• The ogres of the Duyar horde are also humorless, they are down right mean.
• The stone giants of the Earal clan are kindred spirits of the earth and seem to like fun things.
• The Frost Giants of the Grokilan clan are evil servants of the immortal Hel, they are said to have a truly wicked sense of humor.
• The elves of the Vyalia clan do not get out much.

To develop a Highforge gnome character proceed.

To return to the Karameikos page.

To return to the Mystara page.

To return to the Borigon home page.