Tiny Gnomes -- how to balance?

[Nifft]

Then how do you explain Rats giving a Fort bonus - see tiny = good con

ALL Familiars are Tiny, and only ONE gives a Fort bonus -- sounds like the trend is WEAK and lame Con!

-- Nifft

PS: That's my ruling and I'm stickin' to it.

 

[Sir Whiskers]

Nifft, I see the argument that Tiny gnomes should not have the normal gnome bonus to Con, but if you take that away, I really think something has to be added - the original suggestion was giving Tiny gnomes +2 Cha, which would fit the new favored class. Personally, given how abstract the DnD system is for hit points, constitution, and so on, I don't have a problem with a Tiny creature having a bonus to Con - it just reflects that their tougher than normal when compared to other creatures.

The problem with 0' reach is another reason why I would not recommend this class for any of the fighting classes, even monk. Wizard or sorcerer would be best, followed by bard, druid, rogue (in no particular order).

 

[Tonguez]

working on the theory that a Str adjustment is worth double any other adjustment you have a Attribute -10 deficit for this race.

Me I'd give +6 to Dex and +2 Reflex save and +2 Fort (what do you think Tiny Gnomes eat? -whatever it is its rarely very appetising)

 

[Gez]

ALL Familiars are Tiny

Some are Small (not those of the PH, though). Especially with Improved Familiar.

 

[Nifft]

Gez: yeah, I'm talking about Core Familiars. Didn't think it worth mentioning.

Tongues: Giving a +6 to Dex is unbalancing for a non-ECL race. I can't justify that in my campaign.

Sir Whiskers: yeah, I agree that 0' reach stinks. If I played a Tiny Gnome -- and as DM, I'm sure that I will -- I'd use a Reach weapon, and stock up on mobility-type Feats. Gnome PsiWarriors would be kinda cool, since they get to boost their speed...

Above are my changes: Str -4, Cha +2, no Dex adjustment -- that's what Halflings and Elves are for.

Any comments? Flames? Praise?

-- Nifft

 

[Tonguez]

Tongues: Giving a +6 to Dex is unbalancing for a non-ECL race. I can't justify that in my campaign.

-- Nifft

Yeah Str -4 I can live with without giving Dex adjusment

That Dex+6 was to counter your Str -6 (which is a HUGE disadvantage) but -4 is cool...

 

[Ravellion]

Well, I modelled my as far yet unplaytested or even beyond first draft Gnomes from Rien Poortvliet's "The Gnome (De Kabouter)" books, which are effectively Forest Gnomes.

I came out with a Diminutive race though, since according to the books these gnomes are only 6 inches tall and weighh 275 to 300 grams.

6 inches tall and weighing less than 1 pound, Gnomes are creaures who tend after the forest and are in tune with the life of nature itself. Their lives are almost as long as those of dwarves and they spend them with animal friends and themselves. They usually tend to avoid other intelligent creatures. they tend to be friendly and good natured.
· -8 Strength, +6 Dexterity, +2 Constitution, +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, +2 Charisma
· Diminuitive size. This grants a +4 size bonus to Armour Class and Attack Rolls.
· Gnome base speed is 10 feet.
· Low-light Vision: Gnomes can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. They retain the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.
· +4 dodge bonus against all creatures of Medium size or greater.
· +2 racial bonus on Listen checks.
· +2 racial bonus on Handle Animal checks.
· Automatic Languages: Gnome and Common
· Bonus Languages: Sylvan, Giant, Goblin, Orc, Elf.
· At will a forest gnome can use "Speak with Animals" [per the spell] as a spell-like ability to speak with any animal (the gnome is considered a 1st-level caster when he uses this ability, regardless of his actual level).
· Favored Class: Druid
· Effective Character Level: +2


This keeps their weapon selcetion to either the Diminutive short sword doing 1d3 damage, or Fine Daggers (finessable) dealing 1 damage.

I am wondering whether I could drop the ECL a bit or not.