Gnomes: Monster or PC (Poll)

[Kzach]

I optioned for ambivalent.

The information provided in the MM is MORE than the information provided in the PHB if you include their monster entries. I don't see what people are whining about. The whole 'core race' argument is lame. This is a game of the imagination and people are complaining that they can't do something 'cause a rule tells them to. What's worse, is that by the rules, they can do what they're complaining they can't do because of the rules!

I think some people just like to complain, period.

 

[AtomicPope]

Gnomes have never been a popular PC race. I've seen more Tieflings or Drow than Gnomes or half-orcs. I've played D&D for over 20yrs and Gnomes are by far the rarest PC race played. Since Tieflings became available in 2e they've seen a larger following and I'm OK with that (never played one myself though).

There is something that your OP is missing: Gnomes are not exclusively monsters. Adding Warforged (Eberron), Drow (everyone), or Minotaurs (Dragonlance) allows players to choose from a campaign specific list while providing less support to the less popular races. Page space is a limited resource. When the editors are faced with cutting material (as all editors are) they cut the material that is least likely to be used.

Gnome rage exists only because it provides more ammunition to H4ters. Few people play them but everyone complains. I'm running a 4e campaign now and people said, "so they got rid of gnomes eh?" Nope. Open up the MM and they're in the back, you can play one if you like. "Naw, I'll play a half-elf instead." What about you? "Human." Hmm...

 

[Twiggly the Gnome]

Gnomes are going to be in PH2, so this poll is pretty much pointless.

 

[Corjay]

Gnomes are going to be in PH2, so this poll is pretty much pointless.

Where did you read that?

 

[AtomicPope]

Gnomes are going to be in PH2, so this poll is pretty much pointless.

Really? Where do you hear that?!


My hope is that they carve a well-defined niche for Gnomes in 4e (something they've sorely lacked). If they're going to devote some time to it I pray they do it right.

 

[Corjay]

There's been speculation that Gnomes are going to be one of the two "G's" in the PHB2, but I don't recall any WOTC release info stating such.

 

[Twiggly the Gnome]

Where did you read that?

http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=16211988&postcount=4607

Well, the FRCG and FRPG actually anticipate the PH2 to some degree -- so there are mentions of bards, druids, gnomes, and barbarians sprinkled throughout the two FR sourcebooks.

 

[SSquirrel]

My vote goes with "I'm a monster, RAWR!"

 

[AtomicPope]

Thx Twiggly

 

[Obryn]

Read my snowflake answer as, "Just why am I supposed to care, again?"

-O