Chambers of Astinus

Gnomes

In the early days of Krynn, Reorx attempted to teach his blacksmithing skills to a group of humans. These 'Chosen of Reorx' became known as the Smiths. However over time the humans became proud and boastful of their skills. In disdain, Reorx cursed the humans and turned them into small tinkers whom would not be able to control their inventive urges. Thus was born the race of gnomes. All gnomes are reputed to live for around 350 years. The gnomes have split into two sub-species over time: the gnomoi and the minoi.

Minoi

The minoi are also traditionally known upon Ansalon as 'tinker gnomes.' They are the original strain of gnomes who are still affected by the curse of Reorx. These gnomes are known to be completely free of almost all common sense and have a mad obsession with all things technological. Tinker gnomes are predominant in many parts of Ansalon and their major residence is in Mount Nevermind, on Sancrist. Minoi are also in large numbers in Taladas also. Minoi strive to complete 'Life Quests' which are essentially missions they set for themselves, in which they attempt to test and discover new devices and innovations. Most of these devices are doomed to failure and possess some kind of flaw or another. Minoi are strongly against magic, believing it to be unscientific. In Taladas, the minoi comprise the bulk of the military forces, serving as fighters in the gnomish armies. Minoi are also notoriously fast talkers, being able to rattle off their name and history at a ridiculously rapid rate. In minoi society it is not considered rude to interrupt a gnome while talking; it is common practice.

Gnomoi

The gnomoi are also known as the mad gnomes. They are the gnomes lucky enough to be free of Reorx's curse. Upon Ansalon, gnomoi are considered the lowest rung in the gnomish caste. They are cast out from regular gnomish society and labelled as 'mad' since their inventions usually work and are not tested thoroughly in the eyes of the minoi. Gnomoi are known to be very sensible creatures, who are quite the opposite to their minoi brethren in all matters of logic. In Taladas, the gnomoi rule large areas of land and are respected and work together with the minoi. The Taladan minoi still consider many gnomoi to be 'mad', but respect them enough to live side by side. Gnomoi do not fear magic, some of them even dabble in it slightly. Gnomoi are truly the wisest of the gnomes. They create the best and most reliable inventions that Krynn has ever seen, and can even hold a conversation with a human, without gasping for breath, or rattling of their name for five hours.

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