When did gnomes fall from grace?

[MonsterMash]

Gnomes are those eccentric little rapid-patter whoosimawhatsits with squeaky voices and a kind of wooly-headedness about them ... think "Oxford Don meets Mork from Ork." They're all about whimsy and wordplay, which is a very different feel of fantasy than axe-bearing brutes and chainmail bikini babes, but a long-acknowledged and well-regarded branch of fantasy nonetheless.

-The Gneech

What makes you think Oxford Dons have much difference between them and Mork?


I personally prefer to drop halflings rather than gnomes - and from the top of a mountain too!

 

[LordMelquiades]

Comparing the halfling stats to the dinosaur riders in Eberron, I'd say picking on the one little gnome ability is a bit much.

Can't say I see any real disjunction between a halfling's mechanics and its Eberron flavour:

• Extra Dex, less Strength
• Bonus to Climb, Jump, Listen and Move Silently
• Saving throw bonuses
• Bonus with thrown weapons and slings

None of that seems irrelevant to a nomadic dinosaur-rider.

But basically you are right, it's a personal thing, I shall try and be quiet now. This thread is a bit like an accident - I know I should drive on, but I can't help rubber-necking...

 

[LordMelquiades]

On behalf of all rodents everywhere, I resent that.

Fair do's, Mousy, no offence intended. I love rodents, I really do. You're probably right, and I shall seek out the nearest gnome to translate as I discuss with a local rat the socio-political dimensions in modern literature.

Or something.

I love rats!

 

[Vocenoctum]

Can't say I see any real disjunction between a halfling's mechanics and its Eberron flavour:

• Extra Dex, less Strength
• Bonus to Climb, Jump, Listen and Move Silently
• Saving throw bonuses
• Bonus with thrown weapons and slings

None of that seems irrelevant to a nomadic dinosaur-rider.

But basically you are right, it's a personal thing, I shall try and be quiet now. This thread is a bit like an accident - I know I should drive on, but I can't help rubber-necking...

No animal handling, no ride bonus... which is okay, since Rogue's don't even get Ride. I'm not sure why Climb is really useful in a big open field, or why Move Silently is useful when you're mounted...

I would not have minded if gnomes had been changed in Eberron, though I think Halflings need it more. That was my entire point really.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I love rats!

Remember, it's OK to love rats, just don't LOVE rats.

 

[LordMelquiades]

Vocenoctum - they're small creatures, those halflings, and it's a long way up to the top of a dinosaur. Of course they need climb! And it's easier to mount a dinosaur if you creep-up on it first - those dinos just love surprises!

Hey, you've got me. Anyway, how did you manage to side-track me into defending halflings? They are next on the list of dopey PC races - you change them all you want, you won't see me sticking up for them. Hairy-footed fools (or savage nomads with filed teeth, whatever).

Whizzy - a good point, thanks for catching me. I was just trying to ingratiate myself with Mouseman. If I did LOVE rats, would you send your dire hedgehog after me?

 

[Vocenoctum]

Hey, you've got me. Anyway, how did you manage to side-track me into defending halflings? They are next on the list of dopey PC races - you change them all you want, you won't see me sticking up for them. Hairy-footed fools (or savage nomads with filed teeth, whatever).

I think Eberron made a lot of interesting choices, but keeping the same stats with them is a little silly, that's my only real point. Dwarfies are fine statwise, but they're also the most similar to their PHB source. Half orc & half elf too I suppose. Elves were easy enough to adjust without the stat's getting in the way, but gnomes and especially halflings needed a little more justification IMO,

The Alignment thing is also something I think was a good idea, but doesn't work well in Eberron, but that's enough about Eberron I suppose.

 

[Staffan]

(Assuming sarcasm) Well, you know, according to my new favorite webpage - (http://www.enchantedlearning.com/coloring/Underground.shtml - rodents aren't burrowing animals. Or at least rats aren't. But I admit my knowledge of fossorial creatures is limited.

OK, put it like this instead: gnomes talking to burrowing animals brings a whole new meaning to the phrase "I have a mole on the inside."

 

[LordMelquiades]

<Chuckle>

That's good.

 

[Kaodi]

Hmmm...

Maybe someone should make a " Build A Better Gnome " thread on the Rules Forum.