Valdeschtauk

The Valdeschtauk are a people of invention, competition, and calculated chaos. Where other gnomes approach curiosity with measured patience, the Valdeschtauk throw caution to the wind, always eager to test the limits of what is possible (and often what shouldn't be). Tinkering is not just a skill among them—it is a compulsion. They build, dismantle, and reassemble with reckless abandon, treating every problem as a puzzle to be solved with the perfect application of gears, gunpowder, or a well-placed explosion.

On Encara, the Valdeschtauk were the finest engineers, gunsmiths, and artificers in the world, constructing elaborate mechanisms that pushed the boundaries of science and magic alike. But their greatest strength was also their greatest weakness. Their experiments frequently spiraled into sabotage and subterfuge, with rival inventors attempting to outdo or undermine each other in a constant battle of wits. A Valdeschtauk engineer may produce a brilliant invention one day, only for it to be stolen, improved upon, or dramatically detonated the next. They embraced this, turning competition into tradition—where breaking into a rival's workshop and pilfering a schematic is not only expected but respected.

The loss of Encara was a tragic blow to the Valdeschtauk, yet they wasted no time in setting up new forges, testing new weapons, and turning their attention to the unknown resources of Thaedros. While many of the world's peoples struggled with their new reality, the Valdeschtauk saw opportunity: new materials to experiment with, new dangers to prepare for, and new devices to invent. They have since established themselves as the premier weaponsmiths and engineers of Yldan, their creations sought by adventurers and mercenaries alike.

Yet, their more clandestine traditions persist. A Valdeschtauk gnome is as likely to be a master demolitions expert as they are an elite saboteur, and their presence in Yldan's black markets is nearly as pronounced as their presence in its foundries. Some say that if you need an impossible vault cracked or an enemy's fortress undone by a well-placed blast, it is best to make friends with a Valdeschtauk.

They will, of course, charge extra if you ask them not to talk about it later.

Racial Traits

Special Abilities

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

Explosive Ingenuity You have proficiency in Tinker's Tools and Alchemist's Supplies. When using gunpowder, alchemical compounds, or mechanical devices, you can double your proficiency bonus for crafting or disarming them.

Saboteur's Reflex If you trigger a trap or an explosion within 10 feet of yourself, you can use your reaction to impose disadvantage on the damage roll against you.

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 and Gnomish.

Backgrounds

Mad Inventor

You were trained in the chaotic and competitive foundries of the Valdeschtauk, where only the fastest thinkers and the most reckless minds thrive. You've spent years crafting, dismantling, and modifying machines—sometimes before the blueprints were finished.

• Skill Proficiencies: Investigation, Arcana
• Tool Proficiencies: Tinker's Tools, Smith's Tools
• Languages: One of your choice
• Feature: Prototype Mastery - You can create or modify simple mechanical devices, like timers, spring-loaded mechanisms, or small explosives, in half the normal time and at half the material cost.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Intelligence, +1 Dexterity

Demolitionist

You specialized in destruction—blowing open doors, collapsing tunnels, and reducing obstacles to dust. You have worked in demolitions for construction, warfare, or profit (not that you ever asked too many questions).

• Skill Proficiencies: Stealth, Athletics
• Tool Proficiencies: Alchemist's Supplies, Mason's Tools
• Languages: One of your choice
• Feature: Blast Whisperer - When setting or detecting explosives, structural weaknesses, or rigged mechanisms, you gain advantage on Investigation checks to determine how to optimize or sabotage them.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Dexterity, +1 Intelligence

Saboteur

Whether in war or espionage, you learned how to break what needs breaking, slip into restricted places, and leave behind nothing but smoke and confusion.

• Skill Proficiencies: Sleight of Hand, Deception
• Tool Proficiencies: Thieves' Tools, Forgery Kit
• Languages: One of your choice
• Feature: Ghost in the Machine - When planting traps, picking locks, or disabling security, you can cover your tracks, making it nearly impossible to determine how an intrusion happened unless the investigator rolls higher than your original check.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Dexterity, +1 Charisma