The gnomish race is separated into sub-races. There are multiple ways to adapt to any given environment, each sub-race has developed along differing lines. Though all sub-races consider themselves gnomes, they also consider themselves to be different from the other sub-races. Their over-riding language remains unchanged, but the dialect of each sub-race differs from that of the others.

   The most common of the races of gnomes, rock gnomes can be found under the surface of the island of Gnorsh, mainly in the central foothills. They are ruled by the King and Queen of Gnorsh, who live in the underground city of Gar's Mound. The city extends well below the surface, reaching nearly to the deep gnomish settlements.
   Rock gnomes are about 4' in height and weigh around 100 pounds. They are distingushed by their over-large noses and excessive wrinkles. They are accomplished miners and make the most exquisite items of stone found outside the mountain dwarf cities.
   The rock gnomes carry picks and crossbows and are daring fighters. Rock gnomes are resistant to magic, like the dwarves, but are able to become spellcasters, in fact, some of the greatest illusionists come from this race. They are seldom found outside their kingdom, but many gnomish illusionists have travelled the lands to return home with new magicks to study.
   All the races of gnomes follow Gargin, the gnomish diety. He is called by many names, but his devotion to the virtues of justice and charity is universal.

   In the northeastern forests of Gnorsh live the forest gnomes. They are the only race of surface-dwelling gnomes. They live in the trees and live in harmony with the natural surroundings. Any outsider is shunned, if gnomish, or attacked. They allow no interference in their business, not even bending to the will of the King and Queen of the island.
   Forest gnomes stand slightly taller than the rock gnomes and are slightly thinner. They are adept hunters, trackers and are capable of disappearing into any natural cover. They generally carry shortbows, slings, and long daggers, preferring these weapons, though spears, short javelins, and staves are not uncommon.
   The forested hills of northern Gnorsh is the only known location of the reclusive gnomes. Little is known of their customs and history, but they are true devotees of Gargin and have built shrines to Uny and Lashall.

   The most curious of the gnomes are the Tinker Tribes. Both in that they are very strange little creatures and they are also interested in every type of magic, science, and discovery. They inhabit the western mountains of Gnorsh and allow no visitors. Their warren is a huge honeycomb of tunnels and caverns in which they do their 'experiments.'
   They appear much as rock gnomes, having been a part of that race long ago, but are very different in mindset. Their curiosity is their only vice. The tinker gnomes each have a 'purpose' in life, called their 'quest.' Each quest is different, but they have one over-riding theme; to unite magic and science in one invention.
   To this end, the tinker gnomes are constantly studying and experimenting deep within the mountains. The other races of gnomes avoid the mountains themselves, due mainly to the often heard explosions as another experiment goes critical. The rockslides and cave-ins don't deter the determined tinkers, but do keep all outsiders away.
   Tinker gnomes almost never leave the mountain tunnels, preferring to tamper with the overwhelming power of their spells and mechanics rather than travel. When a new discovery comes along that pertains to a tinker's invention, they often send for whatever information is available. Should they be unable to learn the information from their location, they will go to the site of the discovery to learn what they need to know, then return to the mountain to test the new information.

   Deep gnomes, or svirfs as they are affectionately known, are very common in the Deepndark. Though centered in the northern expanses of the underground regions, the svirf have expanded into nearly every corner of the subterranean realms. The svirf kingdom, known as Gneer, is located under the island of Gnorsh, bit it's colonies and settlements extend under the northern half of the continent.
   The deep gnomes are the same height and weight of the other gnomes, being only slightly more wiry than the rock gnomes. Their main difference in appearance is their skin, which is a deep purple hue, and their hair, which is normally snow white or very light gray.
   They carry picks and shortswords, along with slings and light crossbows. Their sling-bullets and bolts come with a variety of nasty surprises, including knock-out powder, false fireballs, and blinding flashes of light. They are hunted by every evil subterranean race and have adapted to survive in the harsh realm.
   They follow the tenents of Gargin the Gem-Sky and are one of the few races of good creatures below the surface. Though they avoid the other races of subterranean creatures, they maintain friendly relations with their cousins, the rock gnomes. In the southern reaches, they have also become allies to the deep elflings and the few families of halflings exploring life in the Deepndark.