A Gnomish Guide to Gnomes | S.A. 252

[Norgeth 1894]

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A GNOMISH GUIDE TO GNOMES

Written & Published in S.A. 252 by Cosmorazek Grainstone

 

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Author’s Preface

This document is intended to be educational in nature, recorded by Gnomish hands to provide all Descendants with a brief synopsis of the various kinds of Gnomes and their unique differences, both in culture and in origin.

 

It is my wish for this book to be spread across the lands and given to taller folk, both to provide essential knowledge serving as a basis for future literary works by myself or any other author, and to help dispel the various myths and rumours that have surrounded us Gnomes in contemporary times. 

 

On Gnomish Cultures

The word Gnome is bizarre, likely having originated from outside any known Gnomish cultural group or their respective languages, its true etymological origins being a mystery, though they are likely as ancient as the common tongue of humankind, itself most probably a pidgin of even elder languages designed to ease trade and diplomatic relations. Gnomes, though clumped together by this outside word, are extremely varied in their cultures and histories. Below is a set of brief synopses of the various kinds of Gnome, including their languages and unique origins.

 

ON THE FELTEN CAP

A true oddity of history, the conical felten cap most associated with Gnomes can be seen across nearly every Gnomish cultural group, each with separate and unique reasoning for its origin. Perhaps the felten cap is somehow related to a shared halfling ancestor, or indeed it may be a mysterious divine influence giving the cap tradition to all who call themselves Gnomes; the truth may never be known, though I, as the writer, prefer the latter, after all, the world is a magical place.

 

ON NON-DESCENDANT GNOMES

Gnomes, at times, have been associated with fairies and other otherworldly entities, and verily, some mythical Gnome-like beings have been documented in the past, with their origins most intriguing. These creatures likely interacted with one or several of the Descendant Gnomish cultures sometime in the distant past, being influenced by them somehow. However, let it be known that most Gnomes are indeed Descendants, being not demons, fae, spirits, or otherwise.

 

ABOUT RUMOURS

Gnomes have in recent times been subject to many a demeaning rumour, most rooted in superstition, bad experiences with individuals, or both. Many of these are likely inspired off of the real illness known as the Madcap Affliction, a terrible curse of both body and spirit, leading to madness and bouts of uncontrollable violence. The Madcap Affliction is very rare and only seems to affect those pitiful Gnomes with already nasty personalities, another reason why most Gnomes swear by the whimsical, joyous lifestyle.

 

It is unjust to judge all Gnomes as one, especially given our most varied nature, so I, as the writer, do encourage all who read this to do some fact checking and to not be soured by one or two bad actors, for most Gnomes are whimsical, kind people who hold no malice or hate toward anyone of good will.

 

OBLAZEKI

ORIGIN AND HISTORY

Originating somewhere in the early times of both human and dwarf, when the progenitors to the halfling race were but petty thieves and pickpockets, the ancestors of the Oblazeki were led out of this dismal state by a prophetic figure known as Oblazek, a wiseman who had been given visions and divinely inspired wisdom from the Creator, him leading them to create a hidden civilization far from all others upon the island continent of Obblegon, a land untouched by the ruinous hate of the Betrayer. Oblazeki history continues with the eventual destruction of this civilization, a long period of mournful wandering, the rediscovery of Obblegon and the ensuing war over its fate, and now a peaceful age of rebuilding.

 

LANGUAGE

Oblazeki language is split into two categories: the incredibly complex Old Oblazeken, and its simplified, modern descendant-tongue known as Oblazeki Jargon. Old Oblazeken is itself thought to be derived from a combination of the many ancient languages of Highlandic Humans, with a noticeable superstratum originating from an elder variant of Dwarvish. Both of these related languages spoken by Oblazeki are harsh-sounding when compared to contemporary common, though Oblazeki Jargon is typically more rounded and easier to listen to.

 

DUNNFOLK

ORIGIN AND HISTORY

Having documented origins in the late 15th century of the Imperial calendar, the Dunnfolk, or Haeseni Gnomes, were born from the unexpected union between Adunians and Halflings. Their history continues with their isolation from most Descendants, and eventual affiliation with the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, with this relationship seemingly maintaining itself until the destruction of that nation-state on Aevos. I, as the writer of this guide, cannot claim to be a true expert on Dunnfolk history or customs, and thoroughly encourage you to look into finding a copy of an old manuscript titled “Hearth and Cap” by Stephen Carolus. It goes into fantastic detail, which, while outdated, will provide a much better understanding than this document alone.

 

LANGUAGE

Through their historical influence by the Haeseni people, Dunnfolk have come to speak a creole of both Old Raevir, New Marian, and the Adunic tongue known as Thuaidian. This pidgin is known to linguistic scholars as Dunnic Botch and is commonly mixed with Common words when spoken. The language is imposing to the ears, though almost melodic and enchanting to hear. It is clearly related to the above-mentioned tongues, with New Marian holding the most influence over its word structure and dictionary.

 

WILD GNOMES

ORIGIN AND HISTORY

The Wild Gnomes are a much varied grouping, less of a singular culture and more of a catch-all term used to loosely define any Gnome who is either descended from both Oblazeki and Dunnfolk or neither. They are most typically most at home in nature, with city life being confusing and jarring to their more honest existence otherwise. Wild Gnomes exist in a state of limbo, though being thoroughly considered Gnomes by their own volition, they do not solely count for either of the previously mentioned cultures. Wild Gnomes are one of the only Gnomish groups that occasionally forgo wearing Felt Caps, trading them in for large mushrooms or other fungi and flora.

 

LANGUAGE

Wild Gnomes speak many languages depending on where they grew up and have lived throughout their lives, though most typically, Wild Gnomes will speak whatever tongue is most prevalent in the land they are living in, even if they know more languages. This is not to say that a more specific group of Wild Gnomes would not have their own secretive language, though certainly they are not telling.

 

About the Author

 

I, Cosmorazek Grainstone, an Oblazeki Gnome, am the 36th Archward of the Wisenward Order, being a lifelong scholar of Gnomish studies and a veteran of the Whimsical War. To send inquiries about this publication, please send me a letter via aviary or seek me out in person, though I can be found in many places and may be difficult to find quickly. 

 

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CREDITS
 

Spoiler

Writing by Norgeth_

Dunnfolk by Gnomistry

Oblazeki by Norgeth_ and Titanium430 with additions by Siglms and Astrophysical

Wild Gnomes by Siglms 

Art by Artigas

 

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