The Gnomish Tinkers

The Gnomish Tinkers are not a singular race, but rather a collective of highly skilled artisans hailing from scattered, semi-nomadic settlements deep within the Iron-Grip Mountains. Unlike the stoic and tradition-bound dwarves of The Dwarven Abbey, the Gnomish Tinkers embrace innovation and experimentation with reckless abandon. They possess an insatiable curiosity and a knack for dismantling and reassembling anything they can get their hands on. Their settlements are often found near sources of unusual geological activity, such as the Glimmering Caverns, from which they mine rare minerals and strange energies. They are masters of Resonance Weaving, although their approach is far more empirical and less ritualistic than that of the Order of the Azure Hand. The Tinkers' creations range from intricate clockwork mechanisms and self-propelled mining carts to volatile experimental weaponry that often results in spectacular, albeit unintended, consequences. They have a particular fascination with Aetherium Conduits, seeking to understand how they function and potentially harness their power for their own purposes. This pursuit has occasionally brought them into conflict with the Order of the Azure Hand, who view the Tinkers' tinkering as sacrilegious.

They trade with the Cobalt Corsairs, exchanging ingenious gadgets and navigational tools for rare sky-metals and forbidden knowledge. It is rumored they even supplied the Corsairs with the technology that allows them to fly their ships, but this has never been confirmed. The Tinkers are said to possess a hidden workshop, known only as the Cogsmith's Anvil, where they gather to share knowledge and collaborate on their most ambitious projects. Archivist Theron has made numerous attempts to befriend the Tinkers, hoping to gain access to their knowledge of Auric Resonance, but their distrust of outsiders and their eccentric nature has made him a difficult target. They seem oblivious to the threat of the Shadow-Goblins, believing their contraptions can easily repel any attack. But perhaps their greatest mystery is their connection to the Forgotten Smith, from whom they might have inherited a legacy of craftsmanship. Perhaps they will try to reverse-engineer the artifacts found in the Lost City of Umbral. They possess a collection of maps that rivals the Crimson Cartographers.