Bleachlings

Bleachlings are gnomes who have survived the “Bleaching”. This is a lethal, supernatural wasting disease unique to their race. While most gnomes who succumb to the Bleaching simply fade away and die, a rare few undergo a physical and mental metamorphosis, emerging as something entirely new. They are Gnomes who are refugees from the First World (the realm of the fey). To remain tethered to the mortal plane, their spirits require constant “color”—new experiences, intense emotions, and constant learning. When a gnome becomes bored or falls into a repetitive, mundane life, they begin to lose their pigment. Their hair turns white, their skin pales, and they fall into a deep, soul-crushing depression. Most gnomes die during this process. Those who survive (Bleachlings), have effectively come to terms with the lack of novelty. Their souls have hardened and adapted to the mortal world.

The hyperactive, whimsical nature of the gnome race is completely purged from a Bleachling. They are calm, somber, and profoundly patient. They rarely laugh and never rush matters. They tend to focus on “The Long View.” While other gnomes chase the next shiny object, Bleachlings study the slow growth of forests, the movement of stars, or the rise and fall of empires. They are often revered, but also feared in communities, which usually propels them into elder and advisor roles or they live in solitude as hermits.

Their skin is stark white or ash-gray, their hair is colorless (silver or white), and their eyes are often a flat, piercing gray or milky white. Once a gnome becomes a Bleachling, they stop aging physically. They become essentially immortal by natural means, often living for many centuries. They are also known for an unblinking, intense gaze that many find unsettling.