Gnome Studies 3:

Gnome Religion

The gods of the gnomes have a distinctive relationship with their followers. They place less emphasis on traditional veneration, and instead encourage gnomes to ask questions about the world. They do not claim omnipotence, or to be the most powerful beings in the multiverse. They do not make special claims of primacy over the gods of other races. Gnomes are taught that other gods, both good and bad do exist, and that the gnome gods are just one particular group of these beings.

This teachings help foster a very tolerant attitude among gnomes about the beliefs of others. Gnomes do not proselytize when abroad or care much about the particular faith that others hold. This does not mean that they ignore evil acts, or are naive about religion. They are quite aware that evil faiths exist, and will not go along with actions that support these causes.

This tolerance exists to the point that gnomes will place the gods of allies alongside their own gods as equals. Many gnomes even venerate the occasional human or elven god above others, with the notable exception that Garl Glittergold is the highest guardian of the gnomes themselves.

Gnome priests are rarely a part of an extended heirarchy of clergymen. They don't give weekly sermons. They are occasionally asked to call on a group of youngsters, or other interested gnomes, to share their faith, but, for the most part they wait until a gnome comes to them. They then help the gnome with their troubles or questions as best as they can. Gnome communities pay special respect to advisors, but it is because of their service to the community and their wisdom, not because of their more direct connection to the gods.

Because gnome communities are so small, and gnome villages tend to spread apart from each other in a wide area, each town usually constructs it's own shrine to the gods. The details differ greatly from town to town. In some towns, it may take the form of an ancient tree, carefully engraved with the symbols of gnome gods, while in another, the shrine may be a more traditional building and alter (which might share space with another public space, like a town hall.)

Gnomes have close ties to nature, and many follow the path of the druid. Unlike the druids of larger races, gnome druids are very commonly tied to a particular community. They are not viewed as divine agents, instead they are seen as understanding the ways of the natural world very clearly. The typical gnome druid is just as likely to venerate gnome gods as any other gnome.

The powers of gnome rangers seem to spring from the same source as those of the gnome druid.

Paladins are rare among gnomes. Thier martial nature and mindset is not common among the race. When one is called to serve however, it is more likely that they serve an ideal, rather than a divine power directly. It is generally held that when another diety calls a gnome for service, he must ask Garl Glittergold for permission, and so gnome paladins have the full blessing of Garl, whether they serve him directly or not. This means that gnome paladins called by other gods usually hold Garl in equal esteem with thier own divine lord.

Gnomes mark few purely religious ceremonies on their calender, and for most events any elder gnome may officiate, whether they are a member of the preisthood or not. Naming ceremonies, weddings, and deaths are universally marked by ceremonies, as are thanksgiving, summer and winter solstice, and spring and autumn equinox.

I think that I've pretty much covered the gnome now, so I don't expect another article to follow this one soon.

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