Gnomes

There are no dwarves, elves, halflings, goblins, or orcs in the Weird Opera world, at least not in a traditional Tolkienesque sense. “Elf” and “goblin” are terms for the pagan nature spirits dwelling in the invisible world: Oakwoman, Firesprite, Father Forest, etc. “Dwarves” are often grotesque humans of normal birth. Short, deformed, and hunchbacked, but humans nonetheless. The supernatural dwarves from fairytales are called gnomes. They steal babies from their cribs, play riddle games with very high stakes, and strike bargains involving your firstborn. And they’re a player race.

 

Gnomes

Requirements: DEX 9, INT 9

Ability Modifiers: STR -1, DEX +1

Gnomes are the mysterious, supernatural little men from dark fairytales. They generally dwell in dark forests and caves. They are very diverse in appearance, much like humans, and average about 3 feet and 60 pounds. They often have skin, hair and eye colors in earth tones.

Due to their short height, gnomes cannot use two-handed weapons or longbows. However, they can use any other weapons or armor allowed by their class. Because they are so small, gnomes gain a +2 bonus to armor class when attacked by creatures greater than human sized.

Gnomes are very talented users of magic. They gain the following spell-like abilities: auditory illusion, curse, dancing lights, speak with animals. The caster level for these effects is equal to the gnome's level. They get a +4 racial saving throw bonus against illusion spells or effects, and a +2 against all other spells or spell-like devices.

Gnomes have an uncanny ability to disappear in the wilderness. In bushes or other outdoor cover, gnomes can hide with 90% ability. They can also hide in shadows or behind other forms of cover when underground in dungeons or caverns on a roll of 1-2 on 1d6, but they must be silent and motionless. Gnomes can see in the dark with infravision up to 60 feet.

Gnomes speak the common tongue, gnomish, giant, goblin, rat, and their alignment language.

Gnomes may select from the following classes, with the indicated level limits.

Gnome Classes Available
Class	Level Limit
Assassin	8
Fighter	6
Illusionist	11
Magic-User	9
Thief	12

Gnome thieves receive the following bonuses and penalties to thief abilities:

Gnome Thief Skill Adjustments
Skill	Adjustment
Pick Locks	+5%
Find and Remove Traps	+7%
Move Silently	+5%
Climb Walls	-15%
Hide in Shadows	+5%