Pictus are distant relatives of the fey, and their history tells of a time when they lived in the fey's mysterious realm, a place where colors are brighter, the wildlands wilder, and emotions more primal. Unknown forces drove the ancient pictus from that realm long ago, forcing them to seek refuge in this world; despite this, the pictus have never completely abandoned their fey roots or adapted to mortal culture. Though gnomes are no longer truly fey, their pictus heritage can be seen in their innate magic powers, their oft- capricious natures, and their outlooks on life and the world.
Pictus can have the same concerns and motivations as members of other races, but just as often they are driven by passions and desires that non-pictus see as eccentric at best, and nonsensical at worst. While such apparently fickle and impulsive acts are not universal among pictus, they are common enough for the race as a whole to have earned a reputation for being impetuous.
Physical Description
Pictuss are one of the smallest of the races, generally standing just over 3 feet in height. Despite their small frames, however, gnomes are extremely resilient, and not as weak as many of their foes assume.
The coloration of gnomes varies so wildly that many outsiders assume gnomes commonly use dyes and illusions to change their skin and hair tones. This assumption is usually highly accurate. Normal colors though are dark brown with golden, black and white marking.
Society
Many pictus feel a bond with nature and strive to live in harmony with the natural world. Pictus have an innate gift for craftsmanship and artistry, especially when working in wood, bone, ivory, or leather.
Relations
Pictus understand that character is often less a product of race than of life experience. As such, they are often open to friendships and alliances with other races, and less likely than most to rely on first impressions when forming opinions of new acquaintances.
Alignment & Religion
Although pictus have sometimes inscrutable motives and equally confusing methods, their hearts are generally in the right place. What may seem a malicious act to a non-gnome is more likely an effort to introduce new acquaintances to new experiences, however unpleasant the experiences may be. Pictus are prone to powerful fits of emotion, and find themselves most at peace within the natural world. They are usually neutral good, and prefer to worship deities who value individuality and nature.
Adventurers
Pictus' desire to master odd or esoteric skills and languages make them natural adventurers. They often become wanderers to experience new aspects of life, for nothing is as novel as the uncounted dangers facing adventurers. Many pictus see adventuring as the only worthwhile purpose in life, and seek out adventures for no other motive than to experience them. Other pictus desire to find some lost lore or material that has ties to their chosen vocation and believe only dragon hoards and ancient ruins can contain the lore they need, which can result in gnomes who think of themselves as bakers or weavers being just as accomplished adventurers as those who declare themselves to be mages or scouts.
Pictus are physically weak compared to many races, and see this as a simple fact of life to be planned for accordingly.
Pictus
Found in Asante
+2 Int, +2 Cha: The pictus is noted for its strength and intelligence
Small:
Speed: The race has a base speed of 30 feet.
Low-Light Vision: Pictus can see twice as far as a race with normal vision in conditions of dim light.
Fey Damage Resistance:Pictus have a strong connection to the fey realms and as such gain DR 5/cold iron.
Silver Tongued: Pictus gain a +2 bonus on Diplomacy and Bluff checks. In addition, when they use Diplomacy to shift a creature's attitude, they can do so up to three steps up rather than just two.
Envoy: Pictus with an Intelligence score of 11 or higher gain the following spell-like abilities: 1/day— comprehend languages, detect magic, detect poison, read magic. The caster level for these effects is equal to the user's character level.
Bite: Pictus have a natural bite attack, dealing damage equivalent to 1d8+ str. The bite is a primary attack, or a secondary attack if the creature is wielding manufactured weapons.
Scent: Pictus have the scent special ability .
Languages: Members of this race start with Common, Pictus . Furthermore, if you have a high enough intelligence you may select from the following languages as bonus languages: Felarian, Song, Nubian, Kemetian, Oryx, Vulpini, Draconic