This subrace of gnomes is not so common as the others, but its members fill an important niche in their environment. Forest gnomes are shy and reclusive, and often the mere arrival of human settlers within their wooded domain is enough to send them migrating to a new, unspoiled home. Nevertheless, they have been known to aid adventurers from other races and fight monsters invading the forests they inhabit.
Personality: Forest gnomes prefer a life in which no one knows who they are or where they live. They dwell in large swaths of woodland, and – unlike the other gnomish subraces – prefer to dwell in houses that are at least partially above ground. They are creatures of nature far more than any of their cousins, and to those rare folks who meet them they can prove to be steadfast allies and delightful companions.
However, forest gnomes have not totally abandoned the love of gemstones that is so inherent to all gnomes. The emerald is the favored gem of the forest gnomes, no doubt because it most accurately reflects the healthy green of their verdant homelands. While these gnomes can make excellent gemsmiths and jewelers, their work tends to be reverent images of the flora and fauna that are such a key part of their environment.
Physical description: The tiny forest gnomes are the smallest of the gnomish subraces. They share the stocky physique of the rock gnomes and the bulbous nose which is so characteristic of the race in general. They are the only gnomes inclined to wear long beards and hair.
The skin of a Forest Gnome tends toward a greenish cast of tan, rather like bark. Their eyes are generally brown or blue, but green eyes are not unheard of. Their hair color is usually brown, often becoming gray or white in old age.
Relations with other races:
Forest gnomes prefer to live alone without contact to other races. They are friends with the elves who cohabit the forests. They hate orcs, goblins, and lizardmen and tend to attack these races which often invade the forest gnomes' homes.
Alignment: Usually true neutral
Religion:Forest gnomes often worship nature gods such as Katia and Aeridin.
Language: Common, Gnome. Player characters must have a minimum intelligence of 12 to be fluent in another language.
Names: Forest gnome names are similiar to other gnomes with the exception that their surnames often including something nature-related. For example: Male: Burgell, Dorag. Female: Lyiss, Jaree. Surnames: Redtree, Greatleaf.
Adventurers: Forest Gnome adventurers are extremely rare, even more so than the race. The reason for one to adventure outside the forests they live in would have to be a very special one.
NWN syntax entered into Subrace Field: forestgnome, Forestgnome, ForestGnome
As standard gnome except as follows: +2dex, -2str (ESA +2dex, -2con) +4 Hide and Move Silently Checks +2 Dodge modifier to AC -1 Attack penalty Must be Neutral ECL: 1
