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Gnomish history before the Fall is sketchy as it is very hard to get a straight answer from the gnomish. In fact the word 'Gnome' is actually a human word taken from mythology as to the humans it seems appropriate.
Gnomish history before the fall speaks of great trade routes, of sailing vessels that soar thru the skies with which they bring joy and produce to the many peoples. They talk of a great journey and having to flee the demons and having to rest whilst the war raged. They talk of calling down the dragons to protect them and paying them with vast treasures of gold and gems.
According to some Gnomish legends dragons sleep deep in the mountains guarding their treasure.
The gnomes have always lived a nomadic lifestyle moving where ever trade is best.
Gnomish gods deal primarily in finance and the joys that success can bring. Gnomes believe in a heaven where every position must be bought. Gnomes are nomadic and as such do not build great temples. They do build road side temples along trade routes that will offer shelter to any that enter at a reasonable price. Gnomes are required to pay a considerable tithing but in time of need they may borrow money for business at reasonable rates.
Gnomes use the technology available in the region they are mindful of public opinion and if it would tarnish their business reputations they will avoid whatever is necessary.
Gnomes function equally well within Undercities however humans still hold the upper hand. Humans being quite racist even amongst their own kind at times find it hard to deal with another species.
The gnomes hold many trading companies, they are more interested in trade and marketing and as such rarely venture into manufacturing. Mostly human companies manufacture and gnomish ones advertise and market. Gnomes will fund research on occasion but normally this is a human business practice.
Gnomish draws from all languages and is constantly growing and evolving. It is a quite language that is nearly whispered and a lot can be said in only a few phrases. The written form is phonetic made up an alphabet of 30 letters. The basics are easy enough to learn and speak but it is hard to understand, a lot of meaning is implied in the tone of voice and refers to religious philosophical passages to complete its meaning.
The numeral system is unusual, it includes its own methods of calculation, the written numbers functioning as a slide rule. Gnomish mathematics is studied in depth at Vlarden university for its ability to calculate quite effectively with out the use of adding machines.