grey gnomes

Grey elves refer to gnomes who have culturally assimilated into the culture of the Elven Empire, which is largely synonymous with grey elf culture.   Gnomes make up approximately 6% or 7% of the total population of the Elven Empire. About 80% to 90% of them are at born into the Elven Empire and are at least three generations in. They are the "grey gnomes" or "imperial gnomes" as opposed gnomes that just happen to be living and workin in imperial territory.   The grey elves have made a niche for themselves as middlemen, especially between the elven and human citizens of the Empire. Gnomes are disproportionately represented among the Empire's middle class so they often serve as middlemen between rich and poor elves or less commonly, rich and poor humans.  

History

  During the Second Unmaking , gnome refugees ended up joining forces with anyone who would accept them.  A lot of them ended up with the ancestors of the grey elves.   When the spillover effects of the Second Unmaking were largely over, many gnomes spread about Scarterra in a massive disasphora, but not all did.  The gnomes in the lands of the Elven Empire claim they have lived among the grey elves since before they were even called grey elves.   As the Elven Empire gradually became less elven, gnomes were often called upon to be impartial mediators between elves and humans , usually with the gnomes acting in an informal capacity. A small number of gnomes took on official roles within the government.   Recently, current Empress has decreed that more non-elves should be appointed to high positions. This was intended to provide enfranchise more humans and half-elves, but a the dragon's share of these new positions have been given to grey gnomes.   Many of the Empress’ governors and vassals oppose giving the human and half-human rabble more power and since the decree only states “non-elves must be appointed,” gnomes were often appointed to exploit this loophole in the wording.   Not every gnome appointee was put in because of this technicality, many are appointed on their merit.  Given their natural social skills and long life spans, gnomes often legitimately merit these posts. Thus, they have power disproportionate to their small numbers in the Elven Empire.  

Little Sea Legs

  Relative to other gnomes, grey gnomes are far more likely to know their way around a sailing vessel.   Lots of grey gnome fishermen believe their profession helps them commune with Mera and Korus simulataneously but most of them have a house on dry land by the sea.   That said, grey gnomes tend to love the sea less than their human and elven countrymen. Or at least, grey gnomes don't love big sailing ships as much as other imperial citizens.   Grey gnomes generally like working with humans and elves but prefer to sleep alone or near other gnomes and that is rarely an option on sailing ships. The Elven Empire has a small number of ships with all-gnome crews but such ships are fairly rare and are generally limited to larger fishing vessels.   Also, Scarterran gnomes generally like to put down roots, and grey elves do not usually deviate from the mold. It is hard to put down roots if you live on a ship. So most grey elves are more "grounded" than their human and elven brethren.   There are always exeptions. Some gnomes love being the small man out on a sailing ship of tall folk. Sometimes their small size is an advantage when manuevering rigging and the like and their ability to read social cues makes them beloved by their crewmates.   Scarterran gnomes frequently fall into the role of being a sidekick or advisor to a powerful or elf and it is relatively common for ship's captains to have a gnome as their First Mate.