Gnome

• Requirements: Minimum CON 9, minimum INT 9
• Ability modifiers: None
• Languages: Alignment, Common, Dwarvish, Gnomish, Kobold, the secret language of burrowing mammals

Gnomes are a race of short demihumans with long noses and beards. They are cousins of the dwarves and the two races are on friendly terms. Gnomes prefer to dwell in underground complexes in forests or foothills. They love mining, precious stones, and machinery—from miniature marvels of clockwork to great construction engines. Gnomes are also famed for their penchant for pointy, red, felt hats. Gnomes are typically around 31⁄2’ tall and weigh around 100 pounds.

• Assassin: 6th
• Cleric: 7th
• Fighter: 6th
• Illusionist: 7th
• Thief: 8th

Armour must be tailored to gnomes’ small size. Likewise, gnomes can only use weapons appropriate to their stature (as determined by the referee). They cannot use longbows or two-handed swords.

Due to their small size, gnomes gain a +2 bonus to Armour Class when attacked by large opponents (greater than human-sized).

As expert tunnellers, gnomes have a 2-in-6 chance of being able to detect new construction, sliding walls, or sloping passages when searching.

Gnomes have infravision to 90’ (see Darkness, p220).

Gnomes have a 2-in-6 chance of hearing noises (see Dungeon Adventuring, p222).

Gnomes are naturally resistant to magic, gaining a bonus to saving throws versus spells and magic wands, rods, and staves. This bonus depends on a gnome’s CON score, as follows:

• 6 or lower: No bonus
• 7–10: +2
• 11–14: +3
• 15–17: +4
• 18: +5

Gnomes often keep burrowing mammals such as badgers and moles as pets. They know the secret language of such creatures.