Crag Gnomes are native to secluded mountain regions. Natural selection and forced evolution, along with generations of conflict with hostile neighbors, have made them agile and tough, though somewhat brutish. Though they still maintain the general stature of their race, untold years ranging across the hostile peaks has formed them into a hardy, durable group, able to fend for themselves quite deftly, quickly moving along treacherous peaks and across maws of jagged rock that would leave many with no option but retreat. The ability to range through their domain quickly, strike at their foes, and retreat once again to defended positions in the stone labyrinths of their environment has earned an unusual nickname among the giants they constantly harass- “Tickandeklippe” or “Rock Ticks”. It is a name laden with derogatory intent, but is accepted by the gnomes themselves readily, as they feel it defines their capacities and strengths thoroughly.
Crag Gnomes are somewhat more wiry and muscular than typical gnomes, possibly a result of a touch of dwarven misogyny sometime in their far past, likely a necessary choice by their distant ancestors in a desperate bid to avoid the slow death of their tribe as they fell victim to cold, falls, and slaughter by their more ferocious neighbors. They have grayish flesh tones ranging from pale to rather dark, as well as dark grey to black hair, typically kept long & straight, usually in a single ponytail. This neutral coloring serves them well when seeking to avoid attention of their foes, or their prey. Accustomed to their chosen climate, they wear limited clothing, and are comfortable in low, even sub-freezing, temperatures.
They have the gnomish sense of joy and amusement, but untold years in hostile climes has all but wiped out the “prankster” aspect common in more typical gnomes. Though not terribly intelligent or wise compared to most races, they do maintain the gnomish tendency to tinker, and love to do things in new and unusual ways.
Crag gnomes commonly wear light armor, if any, and have developed a light form of scale mail called 'Dervish Scale' that is uniquely suited to their tastes and needs.
Alignments vary, but typically tend towards chaotic good.
Often adept at magic, spontaneous casters are the norm for both arcane and divine.
The Crag Gnomes pantheon reflects the Norse pantheon, though they are considered to be gnomish in nature, not human.
Crag Gnomes possess the following racial traits.
As a coming-of-age ritual, each crag gnome ventures out into the world, traveling as he sees fit until he finds something of merit to bring back to the tribe. This can be an item, a skill, or even a class. There is no set period for this endeavor. Many never return home. Due to their long life-span and limited birth rate, there are few Crag Gnome tribes remaining. This has made the Finding Time one of the most important aspects of Crag Gnome culture, with feasts and celebrations marking each gnomes' separation from the tribe.
Climbing Knife: 5 gp, 1d2(s), 18-20(x2), 10'R.I., 1/2 lb., piercing. Essentially a short metal rod, sharpened to a strong, sharp, three-faced chisel tip. Gives +1 circumstance bonus to Climb checks.
Crag Axe: 20 gp, 1d3/1d4(s), 19-20(x2)/20(x2), 2 lbs, piercing or bludgeoning. A short-shafted ice axe with a jagged pick blade opposed to a small hammer face, which is typically worn with a leather wrist strap. It takes some kind of action to wrap, but once so attached, it provides a +4 vs being disarmed. In mountainous and/or icy terrain, the axe can also be used to provide a +2 circumstance bonus to Climb checks.
Dervish Scale: 30 gp, AC bonus +3, Max Dex +3, Armor check penalty -2, Arcane Spell Failure 10%, 30' move, 20 lbs (10 lbs for small) A series of light scale plates overlapping in critical areas with light chain for remaining coverage and to hold the scales in place. Crag Gnomes utilize this gear with no underlayment, maximizing freedom of movement and limiting weight. Small accents in Adamantium and Mithril are typically found in Crag Suits, and suits fashioned entirely from such materials is not unheard of.
Weapon style feat 'Chain Dervish' - Allows a spiked chain to be used as a double weapon vs. adjacent foes. Prerequisites: 17 dex, weapon focus (spiked chain), weapon finesse.