Gnome

Gnomes have historically lived in the World Crust, burrowing plain but extensive colonies into the rock. So far from Sola, they mainly consisted on a diet of fungi and farmed insects. When the first traders from the Island Ring arrived, the traders quickly realized the gnomes had access to a vast supply of ores and metals. The more scrupulous traders taught the gnomes about mining and basic crafting. Unfortunately, scrupulous traders were in the minority, and so most of the gnome population are now serfs, literally scraping out a living for their islander overlords.

Having delicate, quick fingers and a small (slightly less than half a human-sized) form, gnomes were perfectly suited to working with machinery. As the traders trained them to repair their airships, some gnomes naturally branched out into other industries. Gnomish clocks are particularly prized. Gradually a class of mechanical craftsmen emerged. From their ranks, an even smaller number rose to become merchants.

Due to the severe limitations on professional opportunities for gnomes, in the Island Ring they are rarely seen outside of trading hubs or large cities. Most islanders outside these places have only heard of them by reputation. Even among the urban dwellers, a stigma exists against gnomes for their perceived inferiority.