What is THE iconic Gnome Class?

[Gnome]

In 1e, I thought thge perfect Gnome class combo was the Illusionist/Thief: the ultimate trickster. In 3.5, I thought the Illusionist/Rogue/arcane trickster fit the bill best, though it was harder to qualify for since favored class changed from illusionist to bard.

Now, with thew PHB II, I definately feel that the beguiler is the best option: the ultimate trickster rolled into one base class. I disagree with the poster who said that they fit the bill flavor-wise only and not rules-wise: the +2 to CON and +1 to save DCs for illusion spells makes them an effective choice, I think. Whisper gnomes are even better, but that's because the race is overpowered.

 

[Zander]

I voted illusionist but druid would be a close second. IMHO both should be favoured classes for gnomes.

 

[Psion]

Since I don't use/allow beguilers (though it's not a bad fit) and think illusionist too narrow, I'll revert to my 2e house rule that says "any specialist wizard."

Bard would work if it was as flexible as I want it to be. Until the bard is revised or house ruled appropraitely, I'll also throw in the possibility of Jester from Dragon Compendium.

 

[Sir Brennen]

Travel Agency spokesperson.

My extensive 1E experience with gnomes was a couple of players who formed the "Black Gnome Suicide Squad". One was a thief and the other was an illusionist (though I think he multi-classed into Time Lord, from an old Dragon article.) Both were epitomes of chaotic neutral gnomish behaviour.

What I really think would work best would to have the Arcane Trickster made into a core class and have that be the favored of gnomes.

 

[Ashrem Bayle]

Here is my write-up for Gnomes in my home campaign:

Gnome – Like their cousins, the dwarves, gnomes tend to hail from the mountains. Unlike the dwarves however, they fought alongside the other races during the Rupture. While their small stature was a liability on the battlefield, their sharp minds and magical talents lent themselves well to the creation of weapons, magical tools, and espionage related pursuits. The gnomes are well aware that their efforts are more appreciated behind the front lines, and they apply this philosophy to nearly everything they do.

Gnomes are responsible for the largest merchant’s guild on the planet, the Rolling Forge Trade Company. However, this is not exactly public knowledge. The gnomes often employ people of other races to work for them, fronting the money while others do the labor. In addition to the profits made in legitimate sales, the RFTC also acts as a front for smuggling illegal materials and substances. It seems the gnomes have their thumbs in a lot of pies, but few know just how many. And that’s they way they like it.

In addition to selling items, many gnomes have a knack for creating them. They are a very creative race, and are responsible for all manner of useful devices, both mundane and magical.

While almost all other major races have learned to like, or at least tolerate the gnomes, they are universally considered lazy and deceitful.

Gnomes have the standard stats found in the Players Handbook, but with these changes: Gnomes do not get the ability to use Speak with Animals. At character creation, a Gnome may select a bonus feat from the following list: Exotic Weapon Proficiency, Deceitful, Magical Aptitude, Negotiator, or Persuasive. They have two favored classes: Beguiler and Artificer

 

[Dragonhelm]

A third vote for Tinker Gnomes. Dragonlance really helped to give the little guys a niche all their own...

Agreed. The Tinker Gnome is my favorite interpretation of gnomes in D&D history. They were big in Dragonlance and influenced Spelljammer quite a bit. Now we see them in d20 Modern somewhat too (in Urban Arcana, IIRC). This has spilled into other settings outside of WotC as well.

I voted artificer above as it most closely resembles the tinker.

Anyone can be illusionists, bards, or beguilers. It takes a gnome to be a proper tinker.

 

[Sejs]

Beguiler.

Bard, Druid, and Wizard all get honorable mention, though.

 

[Snapdragyn]

Tinker. Artificer in a pinch.

If any race had to have bard as a favored class, I think it should be halflings; after all, what better class for a race of nomads than the face class? Of course, a face rogue build works well too, & does have other (crunch & flavor) advantages.

 

[smootrk]

Gardener.

IMO they are not really very interesting or suited for anything particular. They exist only for garden decor.

On a more serious side, if I actually had to include them into my campaign, then the most suitable class would be Beguilers. It seems the best fit with previous editions and their temperment historically... but I still don't like them.

 

[Gez]

To me, it would be druid. But a druid with the divination and illusion spells from the wizard's spell list that the druid does not already have.