Gnomes are one of the peoples of the Shrouded Lands.
Ninbolm
Ninbolm is a gnomish city carved into a giant petrified stump. It is ruled by the Hierophant, who merged with the stump, and hosts the subversive illusionist school, the Indigo Academy.
Gnomes from Ninbolm built the Glass Eye (01.23). Five gnomes from Ninbolm accompany Iocannus, the astrologer hoping to reverse-engineer the Eye.
One of the twin towns of Olgam and Oskill was founded by migrants from Ninbolm fleeing the Hierophant’s “tyranny”. Both towns were destroyed.
Dust Walkers
Dust Walkers are secretive gnomes in The Devil’s Fingers who make significant use of sandalwood - including making sandals out of it. Bare toes are a good sign that a person is not an illusion, as getting toes just right is tricky for illusionists.
Giants’ Mortar/Gnomes and the Shuttered City
Giants’ Mortar is a term for constructions that include gnomes living within the building. This makes the construction seem miraculous, since it is always kept excellently repaired.
Gnome ghosts inhabit the walls of Shuttered, cursed by deep dwarves to build up the walls that they let fall at a crucial moment.
Gnomes serving as Giants’ Mortar also let Loguiso’s Wall fall, although that was because Shuttered reneged on their promised payment.
There is a Gnomish Quarter in Shuttered; one of its key features is the Temple of the Labyrinth - of whom a gnome is the High Priestess.
Other
- The Giant and the Gnome is a reference to a gnome pirate (possibly legendary) who fell in love with a stone giant.
- The deep dwarves hate gnomes and gouge their eyes out, due to their grudge related to the gnomish betrayal of the Shuttered City.