Just Me Being Racist… Gnomes!

This week we are looking at the inquisitive little folk, gnomes. As I mentioned in the Tavern Post this week, prior to Dungeons and Dragons, the gnomes I had seen/heard of were usually rude or even evil (I think that may have been from Goosebumps as a kid?).
However, the gnomes in Dungeons and Dragons are the exact opposite. Gnomes are happy to be alive. They love to learn, invent, create, and (especially) play. Gnomes live around 350 to 500 years, and they worry that even if they stay extra busy every day that they cannot see all there is to see even with that long life they have. Gnomes also talk as fast as they live. Often to the point there words cannot keep up with their minds. They also love to play. Whether it be games, or pranks (mild or harsh), they enjoy laughing at most anything funny.

Subraces

Gnomes have 2 subraces: forest and rock gnomes. Forest gnomes are quicker on their feet and are stealthier than their rock brethren. They also have a knack for illusions and this his how they keep hidden in plain sight. Forest gnomes are good-hearted folk who view elves as their most important allies. Forest gnomes have access to the minor illusion cantrip naturally and also have the ability to communicate simple ideas to small (or smaller) beasts. They will often keep small animals as pets.

Rock Gnomes are the inventors and innovators. They are hardier than other gnomes. Rock gnomes get to add their proficiency bonus twice when making a history check on magic, alchemical, or technological devices. They also have the ability to tinker. As a tinkerer you can make small object for you to play with. You can make a clockwork toy, a fire starter(lighter), or music box. You can have up to three gadgets active at a time and after 24 hours must either spend 1 hour repairing each gadget or take dismantle it.

Traits and Bonuses

Based on this information, gnomes appear to be the most intelligent of creatures because they are always seeking more knowledge. This lines up with their ability score bonus of +2 intelligence. Forest gnomes get +1 dexterity while rock gnomes get +1 constitution. Gnomes, along with halflings, make up the only two starting races that are not medium size. Because of their small size they only have a speed of 25. They also have darkvision.

Gnome Cunning

Gnomes have advantage on all intelligence, charisma, and wisdom saving throws against magic.

Languages

Gnomes are able to speak, read, and write Common and Gnomish. Gnomish is similar to Dwarvish script, however, Gnomish is highly technical and most technical guides and catalogs of nature are written in Gnomish.

Good Race/Class Combinations

Lore wise, Gnomes would make great druids or wizards. Stat wise they are best for wizards, but can be used for any class that need dexterity as a higher score. However, I have played a game where we had a gnome barbarian how was able to maul most enemies in his path. With his little gnomish rages.

My Opinion

As a Software Dev. grad. major, the concept of always trying to find a new way to do things in the world and tinkering trying to make something new really speak to me. Because of this, I find the gnomes very intriguing (as they would our innovations). Normally, I urge to try something different, but normally even I will stick with a wizard rock gnome or a druid forest gnome.