Gnomes

Gnomes are to dwarves what pixies are to elves. That is to say, they are smaller, smarter, less-strong cousins. Where dwarves are known for their mental dullness but great wisdom, gnomes are known for quick minds and a very analytical nature. They are nowhere near as strong or hearty as dwarves are, but are much the same, being creatures of earth who can't swim (and thus drown easily like dwarves) and have eyes attuned to seeing in the dark. Where a dwarf would see a mine shaft and it's glittering jewels, though, a gnome notices the girders and struts and supports within the mine and contemplates ways to make them better. Gnomes love technology, metallurgy, and any other form of science. This makes them natural mages, possessing mental powers that rival elves. They are not, however, a stealthy race like elves, goblins, or halflings. They are engineers, architects, artisans, and sometimes workers of great magicks.