Gnomes are the chosen species of Imanzir. Gnomes originated on Jinap Island off the east coast of northern Xersia, and sailed from there to settle much of the world. They tend to gravitate towards places with frequent thunderstorms or high mana concentrations.
Early gnomes were tinkerers and creators. They learned about the world, documenting and experimenting with its design. Their ancient cities were wonders to behold, immense mechanical contraptions powered by mana and other natural forces. Though many remain mostly as ruins, cities like Oyokoto and Topul could feasibly be repaired and function much like they once did.
Many other species consider gnomes to be scholarly, impulsive, and infinitely curious. Many gnomes obsessively catalogue their discoveries, and gnomish libraries often contain generations of knowledge that's been passed on. Unfortunately, many tomes have been destroyed or lost throughout the Behemoth Era, but gnomes have adapted to passing on knowledge through many elaborate stories, songs, and art.
Gnome physiology is similar in most aspects to humans. The gnomish body consists of a head, neck, and torso, with two arms and two legs. Gnomes are hermaphroditic: every gnome is born capable of reproducing with either sexual organ, but not asexually. Most adult gnomes are between 69-84 cm (2'3"-2'10") tall. Gnomes reach adulthood at around 50 years old and have an average lifespan of 217 years.
Gnomes are omnivorous, capable of eating a wide variety of plant and animal material with their molars and a few short canine teeth, and can survive for up to twelve days without food and two days without water. Gnomes are generally crepuscular, meaning they are most active around dawn and dusk. Most gnomes prefer taking several short naps throughout the day and night rather than one single long period of rest. Gnomes tend to have 2-4 children per birth, and pregnancy/childbirth is usually relatively safe. Gnomish children are completely dependent on their birth parent for the first few years of their life, after which they continue to be raised by their birth parent for many years, slowly gaining independence and pursuing their own curiosities.
Like all creatures, genes and the environment influence biological variation in visible characteristics, physiology, disease susceptibility, mental abilities, body size, and life span. Though gnomes vary in many traits, any two gnomes are at least 99% genetically similar.
Culture
Gnomes are stereotypically known for wearing tall pointed hats, commonly referred to as gnome caps. Gnomes have taken to wearing these hats when in the presence of other species due to their short stature, as not wearing one significantly increases the likelihood of getting stepped on. The hats are usually not worn when in the presence of just other gnomes.