Gnomes are a type of dwarf that dwells underground, guarding their treasures. Gnomes make efficient workers, due to their stubbornness and will-power.
Occasionally these gnomes were employed by agencies such as the Bank of Zork, the Great Underground Highway Toll System, and Bozbarland.
Mines of Zork[]
When Bivotar and Juranda followed a path towards Flood Control Dam #3, they encountered a gap. A gnome, wearing a loud outfit of bright green and orange, appeared, and asked if they have trouble; he offered to help them pass with his magic but asked their Sword as a reward. The gnome looked impressed when they said that it belongs to their uncle Syovar, but he insisted. The boy agreed, but on the condition that he will give the Sword once they are "on the other side". The gnome then began chanting in some twisted tongue waving his arms wildly, his hair flying in some invisible wind and smoke poured from his ears. A bridge appeared over the gap. The gnome fell down exhausted. The three started crossing the bridge, but once the kids were across, the gnome expected the sword. The boy however said that they are no longer on the "other side" because it became now "this side". Angry with the cheater, the gnome prepared to take the Sword by force, but the bridge vanished below him (as the spell lasted only for 30 seconds). The gnome plunged into the abyss shouting "Frobnoid".
Castle of Zork[]
Two identical twin gnomes worked in the stable of the Castle of Zork, and were loyal enough to stay, even when the castle was deserted.
FrobozzCo[]
The bureaucrat representative of the Frobozz Magic Wizard Escape Potion Company. Although the users might wish to escape quickly, the process takes some time, as "95% of all litigation is caused by undue haste".
A gnome dressed in a three-piece suit and with a thick briefcase is a representative of the Frobozz Magic Wizard Escape Potion Company. When someone uses a Frobozz Magic Wizard Escape Potion, he appears in a loud pop, to insure that the user's escape is fast, safe, and legally correct. He inquires the intended destination (must be in a listing from his briefcase), the name of the wizard they are escaping from, and the user's name, which he writes on a legal pad. Later he provides release forms in 7 copies, to sign on 13 places, clearing the company from any future obligations other than the escape.
Cavern of Doom[]
A passage leads to an iron gate guarded by this hairy and fat gnome. Reaching that point, a traveler is trapped as a stone door falls behind them. The gnome, asks for some bauble, usually a ruby, to let the traveler pass, otherwise they have to go left or right (ending up in certain death). In his vest he has a jeweler's loupe to examine the gem's quality and value but as he is greedy he might ask for more.
He claims that his colleague is Tholl the Toll Troll, whom he will summon if anyone attempts to climb the gate.