For those who know the setting lore...(Gnomes and Halflings)
Kneller
Member Posts: 438
I'm building a Stalker/Cleric for a saga run that essentially exclusively uses Staves and Slings. I also despise all things Elven (and have usually played shorties in PnP, particularly gnomes and halflings). I haven't played in the FR setting for quite a while, but I'm trying to decide between Halfling and Gnome. Based on the setting, I'm not sure which would be more RP appropriate. My take on it from reading the FR wiki is that Halflings are very "Hobbit"-like, whereas Gnomes are more quirky, nature-loving.
So, my take is that a gnome would be a more realistic choice. Anyone know the lore have additional input? Thanks!
So, my take is that a gnome would be a more realistic choice. Anyone know the lore have additional input? Thanks!
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As for power, though, I'd actually like to go with the less powerful option. the Stalker/Cleric is already getting an upgrade by not being elf, so I don't want to take too much of an advantage with the situation.
Halfling has a bonus to Save vs Death that can't be replicated with spells. Doesn't come up as much as the other saves but it's still handy.
Let me cite the 2nd Edition AD&D (Baldur's Gate's version of AD&D) Player's Handbook (page 22):
"Kin to dwarves, gnomes are noticeably smaller than their distant cousins. Gnomes, as they proudly maintain, are also less rotund than dwarves. Their noses, however, are significantly larger. Most gnomes have dark tan or brown skin and white hair. A typical gnome lives for 350 years. Gnomes have lively and sly senses of humor, especially for practical jokes. They have a great love of living things and finely wrought items, particularly gems and jewelry. Gnomes love all sorts of precious stones and are masters of gem polishing and cutting.
Gnomes prefer to live in areas of rolling, rocky hills, well wooded and uninhabited by humans. Their diminutive stature has made them suspicious of the larger races - humans and elves - although they are not hostile. They are sly and furtive with those they do not know or trust, and somewhat reserved even under the best of circumstances. Dwelling in mines and burrows, they are sympathetic to dwarves, but find their cousins’ aversion to surface dwellers foolish."
But that’s probably just my own head canon. Not sure I could find much actual material to back that up.
It depends on gnomes. 😉
Deep gnomes (swirfneblins) are close to dwarves and could get STR=18/XX imho. 😎
Garden gnomes, close to leprechauns, should have STR=14 maximum. 😜
Makes sense.
Nvm, let's all go with a fighter/ilu gnome with 18/00 or more str and Halberds + Composite Long Bows.
An idea for the next playthrough‽ 😹 IIRC, in IWD there is a Giant Halberd (Vale of Shadows, loot) requiring STR=18. 😜
https://icewinddale.fandom.com/wiki/Giant_Halberd
The halberd will carry a gnome attached 🤣.
This reminds me of a character I made in Neverwinter Nights 2, a halfling using the Monkey Grip feat to wield a bastard sword in each hand. Each blade was longer than he was.
🙃🙃