The second species to join the Citadel, Gnomes are native to their home world Surkesh.
They are known for their observational capability and non-linear thinking. This manifests as an aptitude for research and espionage. They are constantly experimenting and inventing, and it is generally accepted that they always know more than they are letting on.
The Gnomes also played a significant role in the advancement of the Orcs. The Gnomes provided Orcs with advanced technology and a new, tranquil home planet (in order to manipulate them into eradicating the Rachni for the Council). The peaceful home planet and better technology put less strain on the Orcs as a species; they no longer had to worry about simply surviving on a dangerous planet with primitive technology, as they did before contact with the Gnomes. This comparatively easy life, combined with their exceedingly high birth rate, allowed the Orcs the time, numbers, and energy to spread through Citadel space, aggressively claiming formerly allied planets as their own. In order to end these “Orc Rebellions,” the Gnomes then provided the Tieflings with the genophage, a biological weapon that effectively sterilized the Orcs, resulting in almost all Orcs pregnancies ending in stillbirth.
Though their military is nothing special, the Gnomes are currently seen as the premier intelligence and information-gathering arm of the Council. As such, they are well respected, but some races, including a few humans, see the Gnomes as manipulators.