Gnomes

Gnomes are a particularly mischievous relative of the dwarves, denoted for their whimsical nature and fondness for gardening. Gnomes are among the smallest sophonts known in the galaxy, with adult individuals rarely exceeding 24 inches in height. "Miniature" variants found in subterranean tunnels and urban slums are even shorter, typically ranging between 4 to 6 inches from head to toe. To compensate for their size and their fragile bodies, gnomes have become highly adept at material sciences such as mechanical engineering. Capable of reaching tight areas no other sophont could possibly access, gnomes are known for their reliable and skillful labor when handling machinery.

Gnomes are believed to be the descendants of dwarves that settled on the high-gravity world of Noam. The dense crust and crushing gravity of Noam made traditional dwarven subterranean life very difficult, resulting in the residents adopting a surface-dependent way of life. Countless generations under the planet's conditions resulted in shorter individuals faring better in the environment, and eventually most of the population had regressed to a most diminutive size.