Classes and Subclasses of the Gnome in Dungeons and Dragons 5e

Gnomes are a popular race in Dungeons and Dragons because of their inventive nature and penchant for discovery. The gnome’s curiosity can make them good candidates for classes that focus on exploration and arcane magic. They also make excellent warriors, with their natural strength and the ability to tinker to create armor and weapons that can benefit their allies on the battlefield.

While gnomes are generally peaceful, their innate curiosity can cause them to get involved in conflicts with other races. In the Feywild, gnomes often find themselves at odds with goblins and kobolds over resources and territory. They are also wary of fomorians, who sometimes enslave gnomes and treat them as little more than tools.

The gnome’s ingenuity and creativity also makes them an ideal candidate for many classes and subclasses. They can use their intelligence to make a mark in the world as a folk hero, defending the weak and innocent, or they can channel their creativity into the world of science and invention, developing new gadgets, gizmos, weapons, and armor that may help save the day on the next adventure.

In addition to the usual ability score increases, languages, and proficiencies, gnomes gain the following racial features:

Tinker: The gnome gains an extra racial skill point and learns to prepare alchemical mixtures as spells. These spells can be thrown, drank, or applied to the gnome’s body as they wish. The gnome can only prepare a limited number of these spells per day, but they can carry them with them in a small potion bottle.

The gnome also gets a bonus to Craft checks related to clockwork devices, and the DM rolls on the gnome’s Intelligence (history) when appraising items or objects for their value. An unmodified roll of 1 allows the gnome to sense an item’s true value and whether it is imbued with magic. On a critical fail, the error is multiplied by 10.

Rock Gnome: The rock gnome adds a +1 to Constitution and can hide underground as well as above ground (GM roll). He knows one extra language.

Forest Gnome: The forest gnome can communicate with small animals and beasts as if they were humanoids, which can come in handy when hunting or tracking down a target. This racial trait also gives the gnome a +1 to Dexterity and knowledge of the minor illusion cantrip.

Criminal: The gnome’s jolly nature and tendency to be creative can lead them down the path of crime, and they can be as dangerous as any other criminal. This class gives the gnome a mix of skills that let them take on heists, and it’s up to the player to decide how they want to approach these heists.

Gnomes are the most versatile and fun to play of all the D&D races, but they can be a bit tricky to pick for your party. Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas for your next gnome character. Happy adventuring!