Teriss is home to many varied and interesting races. Of late, we've had a strong focus on the Trolls of Teriss, but now for something quite different: Gnomes.

Gnomes originate from an archipelago off of the far south-western coast of the Tourian Continent, near the Blue Pearl Coast and the rogue's port of Kelan. Their islands, known as the Viceni Band, are a crescent shaped assemblage of boat towns, stilt communities, floating markets and island villas. They live as much on the water as on land, and it isn't uncommon for Gnomes to go months without ever setting foot on shore.

Technologically speaking the people of the Viceni Band are remarkably adept at adapting, modifying and jerry-rigging any number of devices out of scrap and raw materials to serve seemingly endless purposes. Water purifiers and desalinators, grow-boxes for crops, steam and alchemical engines, home cooling and heating, the list is limitless. They're considered, next to Dwarven engineers and the Intelligentsia of Nef'Rel's scientific community, to be the most scientifically adept race in the world.

They are also one of the smallest races, with the average male Gnome standing about eight to twelve inches shorter than a Dwarf. Three to three and a half feet is the average height of Gnomes, with their anatomical structures being more closely tied to humans than Dwarves. Their limb length, head size and overall build is akin to a small human rather than the stockier, sturdier build of Dwarves.

The language of the Terissian Gnome is an odd tongue that seems to share roots with Low Common (the most common human language, also used for trade by other races), Dwarf and Tiandili Elven. The word Gnome is specifically a simplification the of Tiandili words "Gnohomre Emillate", which in and of itself is a bastardization of the original spelling and pronunciation for the phrase "Little Ones of the Sea". Gnomes simply use the name Gnome to mean Little Ones.

Gnomes have a preference for simple attire in bright, even gaudy clothing. They use natural dyes crafted from sea plants, shells and fruit pigments from their semi-tropical island homes, bleaching fabrics on racks in the sun so the dyes take as vibrantly as possible. Favored colors are lavender, green, blue and orange. Part of this is because the average Gnome eye and hair color ranges wildly, believed to be a product of both diet and a strong magical connection that causes unusual properties to appear in certain races.

The most common form of jewelry found among Gnomes would have to be their nearly ubiquitous wrist-bands and bracelets. Though partially for ornamentation, these items are also used as an immediate visual identifier for certain facts about the individual. Solid bands indicate a service industry or manual worker, such as a fisherman, merchant or craftsman, while beads indicate entertainers, intellectuals or politicians. Green, in this example, is a Merchant. The middle Gnome shown is a Poet, as indicated by her purple beads. The Gnome on the right is a courtesan, or more likely simply a high-end prostitute as evidenced by the deep red beads.

Glasses are also quite common, as Gnomes are prone to poor eyesight. It seems to be a condition passed down from past generations rather than a developed trait. Gnomes are unusual in that they are almost completely hairless. Males can grow facial hair, though nothing terribly considerable, and some small amount of pubic hair may be present, but otherwise they are completely smooth. This is theorized to be a response to their mostly marine environment, perhaps an evolutionary trait to deal with salt grime and dry skin.

One of the more unique societal traits of Gnomes is the concept of a common and acknowledged third gender as necessitated by cultural restrictions. Gnomes are a race that consists, predominantly, of a two-thirds male to female ratio. Actual studies show that the number of males to females may in fact be even higher than that. It's unclear why this is, but what this means for Gnome females is that there is a constant pressure to find a suitable spouse, while the males are somewhat put out by the shortage of females. Over the centuries a third gender, known by the Gnomes as a Flaunt, has cropped up. Flaunts are males, biologically, who live, work and play as females. They are treated as females on a societal level, and their very existence helps maintain a balance of comfort, pleasure and happiness for everyone involved.

Gnomes have no conception of the idea of hetero-or-homosexuality. Flaunts, despite being male at baseline, are never considered or treated as such. Sexual intercourse between Flaunts, Men and Women is completely normal, and seeing as they serve what is viewed as a dual-purpose in Gnome culture they are regarded quite highly. The most desirable prostitutes are almost always Flaunts, and frequently they are the Gnomes most seen outside of their island home due to their wealthier, more engaging lifestyle permitting travel more easily.

The term "Flaunt" comes from the fact that even among Gnomes they tend to wear more vibrant clothing, preferring silks and finery when possible. One common trait seen among Flaunts is that they tend to have a strange sort of heterochromia, actually a mutation triggered by a common recreational drug used by the sexually active third-gender to help maintain a more feminine vocal range and figure. This color difference in the eyes is often seen as a desirable trait among Gnomes, and is playfully referred to as the Lover's Gaze.

Gnomes are an adventurous race, faring the high seas and exploring islands as they look to expand their holdings. Gnome mercenaries aren't uncommon, as though they may be small they are actually sturdy, agile and scrappy. They also make wonderful researchers, technicians and educators. Their naturally adventurous nature also carries over into their sexual appetites, with Gnomes outside of their homeland frequently marrying other species. It's not uncommon for particularly daring Gnomes to engage partners well above their size. Bragging rights, after all.

Gnomes are politically moderate, keeping a respectful distance from world affairs when possible. They are considered allies to Lerone, and have trade agreements with Kelan, Lerone and Avones. They are in open negotiations with Nef'Rel to open landward trade routes from the Blue Pearl Coast, as well.

Art by  LustBubbles