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Gnome

Kin to dwarves, gnomes are noticeably smaller — and, as they proudly maintain, less rotund. Most have dark tan or brown skin, white hair, and rather large noses. Their humour runs to clever practical jokes; they love nature, gems, and jewellery in equal measure.

Two racial subdivisions exist within the Realms: rock gnomes and deep gnomes (svirfneblin).

Traits

  • +1 Intelligence, –1 Wisdom.
  • +2 bonus to saving throws vs. rod/staff/wand and spells, with additional bonuses based on Constitution.
  • Infravision — see warm bodies as red shapes in darkness.
  • Thieving skill bonuses: +15% Pick Pockets, +15% Open Locks, +15% Find Traps, +15% Move Silently, +10% Hide in Shadows, +10% Detect Illusion, +5% Set Traps.

Strengths

  • Only race that may multi-class as a specialist Mage — the gnome Fighter/Illusionist combination.
  • Save bonuses against magic.
  • All-around solid thieving bonuses.

Weaknesses

  • Wisdom penalty hurts priest spells per day.
  • Smaller class roster than humans, half-elves, or elves.

Source: bg2ee/original_manuals/baldurs_gate_2_ee_mastering_melee_and_magic.pdf — "Gnome".