Probably the most iconic of all D&D races, gnomes are a small, inquisitive people with a knack for invention. Gnome dnd is all about the minutia of detail and the little bits of gizmos and gadgets that make life just a little bit easier. They have a natural grasp of the arcane and a talent for illusion. Gnomes love to look at the technical side of things and tend to gravitate toward careers as engineers, alchemists, and tinkers.
This is a race that often gets involved in the folk heroism of their communities, whether it be saving a village from some threat or putting the pieces together to create something new. They can also be quite skilled in combat if they choose to be, though they are often more interested in the tactics and strategy of a fight than the raw brutality.
Gnomes tend to be very resourceful, and their inventiveness extends to the realm of magic. They are able to cast wizard spells in the form of alchemical mixtures that must be thrown, drank, or otherwise invoked as needed. A gnome can prepare the number of such spells that match their level (though they are subject to any normal spellcasting rules).
While many gnomes avoid adventures because of their aversion to large groups, there are those who embrace them. Their inquisitive nature can easily lead to a desire to understand the workings of other cultures, and their innate understanding of arcane magic can often open doors that would be closed to other races.
As with all races, a gnome has strengths and weaknesses that are important to consider when choosing a class. Their diminutive size can be a disadvantage in certain situations, especially when fighting monsters or other players of larger stature. They are also very good at using melee weapons, but they aren’t as adept at ranged or caster spells.
They are also adept at hiding, granting them a bonus to their AC when in dense forest areas, low hill lands, or other natural underground formations. Additionally, gnomes get a bonus to their armor class when fighting creatures that are at least twice their size.
This article has color coded certain options to give you an idea of how well they’ll work in your campaign, but the final choice is yours to make. The options are based on a variety of factors including player feedback, class balance, and general fun. We hope this guide helps you on your journey to becoming a Gnome in D&D 5e!