Gnomes are a very interesting race on
Golarion, seekers of new experiences. This week’s random rolls gave us a
charismatic, intelligent gnome who was lacking in wisdom and dexterity.
Although her parents were entertainers the deity which she followed was a hero
god of spears which seemed more martial to me. So this week I went with
fighter, in particular the Polearm Master. It works best with traits
that give Knowledge (History) and Diplomacy as class skills.
Iria Hightassel
Iria was born in a
small gnomish settlement in the Forest of Veils in the south eastern county of
Varno. One of many defense forests
within the counties borders, the gnomes of the region go mostly unnoticed by the
human inhabitants. Conte RisotmaurTiriac extremely hands off approach to
governing leaves the humans as well as the gnomes to their own devices mostly,
a situation the gnomes appreciate.
The regions – some say
unnatural – weather variations give the county lengthy periods of plenty,
followed by just as long periods of drought. During the times of plenty the
inhabitants natural suspicions calm and in these times many of the gnomes
choose to travel. Iria’s parents would take to the roads to bring their theatre
troupe to the masses. Her older brother joined the group when he was of age,
and Iria spent a lot of her early childhood traveling with them.
In times of famine
those gnomes who still had the bug for wanderlust would follow their feet
far from the borders of Varno. One such gnome was Iria’s uncle Farstalarament.
Mostly he was called Farstrider because he would leave home for extended
periods and travel the length and breadth of Golarion. Uncle Farstrider was by
far Iria’s favorite relative and she looked forward to his visits home.
On occasion Uncle
Farstrider would stay an extended period. During one such visit during a season
of bounty Iria opted to stay home with her uncle instead of travelling with her
parents. This time around he returned from a trip to archipelago of Iblydos.
Like the human populace of Varno the gnomes were exceedingly pious, on his trip
Uncle Farstrider converted from the worship of Desna to the worship of one of
Iblydos' Hero-Gods Psomeira.
She spent the years
with him learning at his feet. Iria trained in the traditional spear style that
the Psomeira faith used. She also studied topics ranging from history to
religion. Uncle Farstrider became the most enduring influence on her life.
Eventually the favored uncle returned to his travelling roots.
When the gnomish
community became insular during the lean times relationships had a tendency to
grow. Iria had eyes for another young gnome named Harttlethop. The two became
almost inseparable. Although Iria loved
him his often riotous nature would clash with her need for order. After one
of his many off the cuff attempts at adventure she exploded. She destroyed a
locket which had a picture of his mother. Harttlethop was as always forgiving,
but to this day on occasion Iria feels the pangs of regret for her outburst.
After many years Iria
was expecting a return of Uncle Farstrider. In his place however, an elf
entered the small village bearing her mentor’s spear and seal. The elf claimed
to be a companion of Iria’s uncle and regreted to inform her that he fell as they
were fighting demonic forces in the jungles of the Mwangi Expanse. Uncle
Farstrider had always said that if he perished his belongings should be
returned to Iria.
Her uncle’s death tore
at Iria’s soul. Were it not for Harrtlethop she would have lost herself. Among
her uncles belongings were his spear and a number of books. The tomes included
notes of his own travels and a prayer book to Psomeira. In honor of her uncle
Iria converted to the worship of the Hero-God and promised to take up his spear
and continue his journey.
Iria set out to head
from home. Her first stop would be the city of Aelyosos, in Iblydos so that she
might officially be recognized by the church. Always up for something new
Harrtlehop choose to travel with her on her adventure. Even her brother who longed
for the road and a chance to learn from the great acting masters decided to tag
along. And thus three gnomes left the Forest of Veils for adventure.
My interpretation of
these bits of information isn’t the only way to build this character. What class
did your gnome choose? How did he come to worship Psomeira a minor and still
mortal deity so far from home? Who was the relative that he was so close to?
Which relative died? Was it her mentor?
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