Gnomes are polarizing. This article starts strong but introduces incongruous elements that fuel the trope of "annoying gnomes just playing their character."
What’s it about?
Roger begins by describing gnomes as a happy medium between dwarves (focused on mining) and elves (nature-loving). They live in underground complexes near the surface, mingling with woodland creatures. Then, things take a turn with humor: gnomes feel unjustly persecuted by all and start with a suspicious attitude (cue the poor race relations table). Their response? Practical jokes—because clearly, pranks win people over. When enemies are killed through practical jokes, the perpetrator is celebrated.
Even if you're friendly with the local gnome community you aren't spared their pranks, so everyone has to "practice humility." This chaotic portrayal contrasts awkwardly with their supposed lawful good alignment. Gnomes are also described as happy drunks who joyfully insult everyone bigger than them, giving them a Napoleon complex.
The article explores the source of gnome-kobold enmity and introduces the idea that gnomes can form platonic, lifelong bonds with humans, demi-humans, or animals (think Han and Chewie). Roger cites Three Hearts and Three Lions and Enchanted Pilgrimage as inspirations, but I don’t recall this sort of stuff appearing in Poul Anderson’s work, I haven’t read Enchanted Pilgrimage.
Anything insightful?
- Gnomes were criticized for lacking uniqueness. This article rebrands them as pranksters, and later editions make them tinkerers. I’ve yet to read a gnome version I like.
Should I share this with my players?
Probably not, as this take on gnomes doesn’t sit well with me. The beginning, where gnomes are framed as forest dwarves—a balance between dwarves and elves—works better. Skip the jokes. This one doesn’t make the "best of" list.
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