Gnome (starting race)
You can play NetHack as a Gnome: G. You will see yourself as @ (unless you have showrace turned on), but you are actually considered to be letter G for other purposes.
Racial benefits and restrictions
Gnomes have infravision and can use uncursed touchstones as blessed, like an Archaeologist. As a gnome, you will also find the gnomish inhabitants of the Gnomish Mines to be generally peaceful.
Gnomes are always Neutral. They can be Archeologists, Cavemen, Healers, Rangers or Wizards. From an attribute perspective, they are mostly average, with moderate strength and high intelligence. The following table outlines their maximum (unaided) attribute levels.
| Race | Strength | Dexterity | Constitution | Intelligence | Wisdom | Charisma |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gnome | 18/50 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 18 |
Gnomish items
Gnome Rangers start with a crossbow instead of bow, and crossbow bolts instead of arrows. These are listed below. The weapon damage figures are copied from weap-343.txt.
- crossbow - d2/d2
- crossbow bolt - d4+1/d6+1
SLASH'EM
In SLASH'EM, gnomes can also be Flame Mages, Ice Mages, or Undead Slayers. Gnomes start with the Vanish technique. At level 5, they gain Stealth. When they reach level 7 they gain Tinker, which allows them to upgrade certain items.
