Gnome
The Gnomes are an ancient race related to Dwarves.
Contents
Appearance
They are shorter than Dwarves but have the same cultural background and share many traits but are more dexterous than their cousins. [2a]
Culture
They speak a dialect of Dwarfish language and Gnomes see Dwarfs as stupid and oafish and the Dwarfs think that the Gnomes are mischievous and troublesome.
Gnomes are not evil but they are very short tempered and can be difficult to deal with. In addition, although they enjoy practical jokes they hate being laughed at.[2a] It has been known for Gnomes to imprison other races - especially humans who angered them and they are particularly sensitive about their squeaky voices. [1]
In the Empire, they are respected as smiths and engineers, and Gnome pedlars are not uncommon. The Gnome love of fishing is almost as infamous as their fondness for practical jokes. Although they are often called small or petty Dwarfs, it is very brave person who does it to their face. [2a]
Like Dwarfs, Gnomes live in underground caverns and hate Greenskins.[1]
Gnome settlements are led by a clan overlord, craftmaster, religious leader and a Loremaster. Most Gnomes undertake several different roles and activities which can mean their social status changes depending on what they are doing. [2a]
History
Some scholars contend that the Gnomes were created by the Old Ones working towards the creation of the Halflings. [3a]
Addic is supposed to be the first Gnome to travel amongst the humans using his illusions in a travelling band of players as entertainment. [5]
A gnome was appointed as Court Jester in the empire in 1143 IC and this tradition has continued through the centuries and various emperors including the current Emperor Karl Franz retain a Gnome as their court fool. [2a]
Locations
Permanent Gnome settlements tend to be near a well-stocked river or lake (preferably underground). [2a] They persist in the Worlds Edge Mountains and as a backward remnant of their race in Albion.[4a]
- Glimdwarrow: Largest community of Gnomes in the Empire beneath the Mirror Moors. [2a]
Magic
Gnomes practice the magical arts in a more conventional way compared to the Dwarfs and have a great aptitude for illusions. [2a] However this sensitivity to magic means that they are more likely to fall to Chaos - the Dark Gnomes. [3a] Some clans have specific Spellmasters to pass on their skills and knowledge. [5]
Religion
The chief deity of their pantheon is Ringil, the God of Smiths and Jesters. [2a]
Warfare
In battle, Gnomes fight in infantry and cavalry formations, using ponies instead of horses. They also employ Gnomish wizards that can presumably cast illusion spells. [1]
Gallery
Gnome Warrior
Sources
- 1: Warhammer 1st Edition - Volume 1: Tabletop Battles, pg. 16
- 2: White Dwarf 86 (UK)
- 2a: Out of the Garden, pg. 28-31
- 3: White Dwarf 92 (UK)
- 3a: No Psycho's Needed, pg. 27
- 4: Battle Bestiary, pg. 17
- 5: Realms of Sorcery (1st Edition), Gnome Magic, pg. 17
