One of the underlying themes of
Gnome Wars is the rather sudden industrialization of the German gnomes. In a basic outline of my
history of the German gnomes, industrialized tinkering emerged from the ashes of the Nomepoleonic Wars, which has forced all the nations of the world to reconsider their cottage industry and craftsman-dominated commerce.
While the gnome leaders and scholars are trying new things to mount a cannon or machine gun, the average gnome peasant in rural and small village communities are still rather conservative and basic in their lives.
Homes and Construction
It's not uncommon to find poorer gnome/gnomes on the frontier still living in underground dwellings, hand dug, and expanded over the years. They are usually climate controlled, although clay and moss-insulated walls do not prevent moisture in certain regions.
The construction of traditional gnome mushroom homes, and similar building materials, is usually the the sign a gnome or community has risen above abject subsistence poverty. Mushroom houses are a result of noted Mycologist scholars, in direct competition with certain schools of surviving magic (the myconomancers), providing safe, sustainable, and sturdy construction materials.
In regards to all gnome homes, even as gnomes construct larger buildings out of wood and stone, the furniture remains predominantly handmade from local wood. Many pieces featuring intricate carvings and a high level of craftsmanship, although even the fanciest of the German oligarchs homes feature some primitive pieces. Tables, chairs, and beds are sturdy and built to last for generations.
Agriculture and Gardening
While gnome tinkerers are making advance in war technology, gnome races still practice small-scale, sustainable agriculture. They use hand tools like hoes, spades, and sickles made of wood and metal. Crop rotation and natural fertilizers (compost and manure) are essential to maintaining soil fertility.
From the poorest dirt farmers, or peasants living on a well-run estate of a gnome lord, communal farming is an accepted (and necessary practice). Farmers work on each others lands, sharing time, equipment, and many times, splitting profits to ensure the base of a successful harvest the following season.
Almost every gnome household, even most in towns and cities, maintains an herb garden, growing medicinal and culinary herbs such as thyme, sage, and chamomile. These gardens are meticulously tended, often featuring stone pathways and decorative elements.
Clothing
Most gnome clothing is still made from natural/local fibers, such as wool and flax. In most smaller communities, some peasants have enough equipment to spin and weave their fabrics by hand. While technology has improved in cities and for the war effort, it is still only providing increased production in basic output. Dying the fabric and all the intricate craftsmanship are still the purview of skilled individuals producing small batches. Gnomes are skilled weavers and knitters (the French do crochet), creating practical yet beautifully patterned garments that provide warmth and durability.
A note on traditional dress: While German peasantry is known from their alpine hats and lederhosen, and leprechauns for their full coats and derbies. the traditional frock coat and conical hats are still culturally appropriate dress, although, as gnomes move up the economic ladder, this garb is pushed further and further back in their closets and armoires. (Yes, the Japanese kasa are simply traditional gnome conical hats that have simply evolved to be shorter with wider brims.)
Crafts and Tools
Blacksmithing and woodworking: Local blacksmiths and woodworkers craft essential tools, from farming implements to kitchen utensils. Blacksmiths forge nails, horseshoes, and tools, while woodworkers carve everything from spoons to intricate window shutters. While not tinkers by trade and training, they are known to show off tremendous ingenuity to make items customized to the gnome's/community's needs.
Even with the war effort, the modern assembly line still eludes most gnome production. When thinking of mass production, refer to Eli Whitney more than Henry Ford.
Transportation
The casual observers sees the steamshps, steam tanks, and trains, and forgets that most gnomes, transportation means using small, animal-pulled carts. These are often drawn by rabbits, foxes, and smaller domesticated animals, and are used to transport goods to and from the market or fields.
As travel is largely by foot or by cart, most gnome communities maintain a network of extremely narrow footpaths through the forests and fields. Stone or wooden bridges span creeks and rivers, often featuring carvings and gnome motifs. No not be surprised by waist high stone walls lining the paths, providing trouble for two carts coming at opposite directions, much less modern troops movements.
