Gnomes: Gearbound & Feybound

Gnomes: Gearbound & Feybound is a monster supplement for 5e that presents gnomes as a divided cultural lineage rather than a single whimsical archetype. Instead of treating gnomes as generic small inventors or forest illusionists, this book explores two fully realized doctrines: the Gearbound, who abandoned the deep woods in pursuit of industry and human progress, and the Feybound, who remained rooted in ancient pacts and slow-growing magic.

The intent of this product is mechanical clarity and encounter variety without CR inflation. Each ladder progresses from child and commoner through increasingly specialized battlefield roles, capping at CR 6 to remain settlement-scale threats rather than world-ending powers. These gnomes are intelligent, disciplined presences designed to influence encounters through positioning, preparation, and doctrine rather than brute escalation.

Cultural lore, motive, and political tension between the two paths are intentionally minimal. Whether this divergence was philosophical disagreement, gradual drift, or ancient fracture is left to the GM. Use these stat blocks as tools. Why gnomes chose steel or root is yours to decide.

The Gearbound

The Gearbound Gnomes abandoned deep woodland life in pursuit of progress, structure, and innovation. Drawn to human cities and the promise of industry, they replaced living roots with forged frameworks and deliberate engineering. Their settlements are organized, their workshops disciplined, and their warfare prepared well in advance.

Gearbound encounters emphasize devices, constructs, battlefield positioning, and reaction-based defenses. They do not rely on wild magic or chaos. Instead, they solve problems with preparation, reinforced mechanisms, alchemical precision, and coordinated mechanical support. A Gearbound force feels methodical and engineered rather than impulsive.

The Feybound

The Feybound Gnomes remained within ancient groves and lingering fey crossings, preserving slow magic and generational pacts. Their power is patient, rooted, and often unsettling. Where the Gearbound build outward, the Feybound deepen inward.

Feybound encounters emphasize terrain control, layered charms, subtle enchantment, and gradual battlefield dominance. They reshape the ground beneath enemies, restrain through living growth, and influence combat through quiet inevitability rather than spectacle. A Feybound force feels ancient and deliberate, bending space and will without haste.

Gearbound Gnome Roster

Gearbound Gnome Child — CR 0  
Workshop-raised youth already drawn to tools, structure, and mechanical curiosity.

Gearbound Gnome Commoner — CR 0  
Practical urban citizen comfortable among stone streets, guild halls, and industry.

Gearbound Gnome Tool Runner — CR 1/8  
Agile courier who repositions quickly and supports allies through logistical precision.

Gearbound Gnome Gearwright Apprentice — CR 1/4  
Junior engineer deploying simple snares and compact mechanical tricks.

Gearbound Gnome Tinker Adept — CR 1/2  
Battlefield device specialist using smoke, adhesive, and prepared contraptions.

Gearbound Gnome Urban Mechanist — CR 1  
Disciplined engineer who deploys small turrets and reactive defenses.

Gearbound Gnome Alchemical Engineer — CR 2  
Chemical tactician combining volatile mixtures with battlefield stabilization.

Gearbound Gnome Clockwork Marshal — CR 3  
Construct commander coordinating mechanical allies with deliberate precision.

Gearbound Gnome Master Gearwright — CR 4  
Senior engineer reinforcing devices and strengthening construct formations.

Gearbound Gnome High Technologist — CR 6  
Settlement-scale technological authority empowering machines and controlling mechanical forces.

Feybound Gnome Roster

Feybound Gnome Child — CR 0  
Woodland youth subtly marked by lingering fey influence and natural affinity.

Feybound Gnome Grove Tender — CR 0  
Caretaker of sacred glades and quiet forest boundaries.

Feybound Gnome Mosskin — CR 1/8  
Stealthy woodland scout blending seamlessly with natural terrain.

Feybound Gnome Root Whisperer — CR 1/4  
Minor plant shaper restraining foes through grasping growth.

Feybound Gnome Glade Speaker — CR 1/2  
Emerging spellcaster weaving charms and subtle battlefield magic.

Feybound Gnome Thorn Warden — CR 1  
Defensive warrior who punishes aggression with living briars.

Feybound Gnome Dreamcaller — CR 2  
Subtle enchanter influencing minds and battlefield momentum.

Feybound Gnome Briar Seer — CR 3  
Curse-weaving tactician shaping combat through foresight and control.

Feybound Gnome Circle Guardian — CR 4  
Circle defender creating sanctified terrain and layered protections.

Feybound Gnome Archglade Emissary — CR 6  
Powerful fey conduit reshaping large areas of terrain through verdant dominion.