Editing Durgaz's Stuff he knows (section)

====Gnomes====
The gnomes are a clever and resourceful race. Though
it is well known that they share ancient kin with the dwarves,
even the Kurgun do not like to claim responsibility for the lineage.
Gnomes are barely taller than halflings, with only a
slightly stouter build. They are bronze skinned but pale eyed,
with jet black hair that they keep short as they are constantly
in and out of the water.
Gnomish culture and history are characterized by their
adaptable nature. Their nimble outlook on life allowed them
to first move from mountain life to that of the coastal hills of
the Ebon Sea, and from there to become adroit seafarers and
river runners. Though forced to flee before the onslaught of
the Dornish invasions, their solicitous demeanors and mercenary
hearts allowed them to return to their conquerors bearing
little ill will and offering their services as merchants and
guides. The gnomes even welcomed the Sarcosans, knowing
that they could stand to make a profit as the newcomers’
liaisons to the fey.
Through all these years and new trading partners, the
gnomes always knew that their conquerors longed only for
land and goods. With the coming of Izrador, this is not the
case. They cannot fool themselves into believing that the orcs
and their dark god will be content to let the survivors of the
wars live their lives in peace; whatever the eventual goals of
the Shadow, the gnomes know that Eredane cannot survive
the heavy-plated burden of his orcs and the dark mantle of his
legates. But the river fey’s strength was not in war. So, as
always, they bowed before their new masters and offered to
serve.
Or so it seemed.
Though the race has been subjugated along with the
halflings, gnomes continue to enjoy a sort of freedom. Even
the forces of the Shadow need to transport cargo and soldiers,
and the river barges of the gnomes suit this purpose well. The
orcs and legates suffer the existence of the gnome barges so
long as they move only cargoes in Izrador’s name, while the
traitor princes and the false sussars give them free reign so
long as they receive the first pick of choice goods from afar.
Most other races see the cost of this semi-freedom as
the worst kind of enemy collaboration. What few realize is
that the gnomes fight the dark god in their own way: as consummate
spies and smugglers. It is their secret trade that
keeps weapons, magic, and information flowing among the
free races of Eredane.
Gnomes wear loose pants and garish vests marked with
the trader seal of their family. Rafters carry sharp daggers
hidden in their belts and use small crossbows to spear pike or to protect their crews from hungry river eels. When they get
the odd chance to turn their crossbows on the occasional orc,
the weapons prove both stealthy and lethal.