Lufschtagg

The Lufschtagg are a people without a home—by choice and by penance. Once, they were masters of alchemy and invention, rivaling even the Valdeschtauk in their ingenuity. But when their homeland was threatened by the Kaldjari Empire, they resorted to a terrible weapon in their final act of defiance. What was meant to be a strategic victory became a catastrophe, and their once-thriving lands were left permanently blighted by the devastation.

Horrified by what they had done, the surviving Lufschtagg vowed never to claim another homeland until the land they had destroyed could be healed. They became wanderers, taking to the roads and never settling in one place for too long. Over centuries, their nomadic ways shaped them, turning them into master survivalists, traders, and storytellers. They adapted to the prejudices of those who distrusted them, learning how to navigate society's margins with cunning, charm, and sometimes, deception.

To this day, the Lufschtagg are known for their sharp tongues, sharper wits, and an almost instinctual ability to disappear when needed. They are often found among traveling caravans, offering entertainment, trade, or services best not spoken of in polite company. While many have come to see them as tricksters, they are not without honor. Among their own, loyalty is sacred, and their sense of justice—while unconventional—is absolute.

Since arriving on Thaedros, the Lufschtagg have found themselves at a crossroads. Some among them whisper that perhaps it is time to break their ancient vow and claim a new land. Others refuse, believing that their exile is far from over. This division has deepened their already secretive nature, and while Lufschtagg gnomes can be found throughout Yldan and beyond, they rarely reveal their true allegiances to outsiders.

Those who earn a Lufschtagg's trust, however, will find no truer friend. Just don't expect to find them in the same place twice.

Racial Traits

Special Abilities

Gnome Cunning You have advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic.

Fade into the Crowd You have proficiency in Stealth, and you can attempt to hide even when only lightly obscured by creatures or objects one size larger than you.

Silver Tongue Once per short rest, you can reroll any Deception or Persuasion check. You must use the second result, even if it is lower.

Basic Traits

Darkvision You can see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Speed Your base walking speed is 25 feet.

Size Gnomes are between 3 and 4 feet tall. Your size is Small.

Languages You can speak, read, and write Common, Gnomish, and one additional language of your choice.

Backgrounds

Wanderer of the Roads

You have spent your life moving from place to place, learning the ways of different cultures and how to survive in ever-changing circumstances. No door stays closed to you for long, whether through charm or guile.

• Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion, Survival
• Tool Proficiencies: Cartographer's Tools
• Languages: Two of your choice
• Feature: Roadwise - You always know the safest routes through cities and wilderness alike, and you can usually find shelter among fellow travelers or sympathetic locals.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Charisma, +1 Wisdom

Trickster's Apprentice

You grew up in a world of schemes and clever hands, where truth is a tool and deception is an art. Whether you were a street performer, a con artist, or something in between, you learned how to get what you need and vanish before the consequences catch up.

• Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Sleight of Hand
• Tool Proficiencies: Thieves' Tools, Disguise Kit
• Languages: One of your choice
• Feature: The Long Game - When you successfully deceive or disguise yourself, creatures remain fooled for twice as long as normal unless given reason to doubt you.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Dexterity, +1 Charisma

Keeper of the Lost

You have taken on a different kind of wandering: one of uncovering secrets. Whether you track down lost relics, stolen knowledge, or the hidden past of your people, you are drawn to mysteries—and to those who wish them buried.

• Skill Proficiencies: History, Investigation
• Tool Proficiencies: Forgery Kit
• Languages: One of your choice
• Feature: Whispers of the Past - You can spend one hour studying an object or location to learn a significant piece of hidden history about it (DM's discretion). This might be a past owner, an event that took place there, or a concealed property of the object.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Intelligence, +1 Dexterity