 The
Basingstoke Bloodline:
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 Basingstoke gnomes worship Imaera, and many of
them choose to honor her in their life’s work.
The Greengair Bloodline:
The gnomes of Bloodline Greengair cultivate
a balance with nature. Unlike their Basingstoke forebears,
whom they liken to a plague of locusts, Greengair gnomes
live in permanent compounds that resemble parks and
gardens. Because of their fixed location, these gnomes
have been known to tinker with the environment, seeking
to maximize the yield of useful plants. Greengair alchemists
also produce natural compounds that have the ability
to modify (for better or worse) a person’s skills
and characteristics. Many Greengair gnomes are vegetarian.
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.
|
HOME
