gnome

I decided to start with a gnome for the bard class. Gnome is the only core race with the bard class as its favored class, so I thought it would be fitting.

Male gnome bard 3: CR 3; Small humanoid; Hit Dice 3d6+6; 16 hp; Init +2; Spd 20 ft. (4 squares); AC 16 (13 touch, 14 flat-footed); BAB/Grapple +2/-3; Atk Masterwork rapier +5 melee (1d4-1/18-20), or Whip +4 melee (1d2-1 nonlethal); Full atk Masterwork rapier +5 melee (1d4-1/18-20), or Whip +4 melee (1d2-1 nonlethal); SA bardic music, spell-like abilities, spells; SQ bardic knowledge, low-light vision, weapon familiarity, +2 racial bonus to saving throws vs. illusions, +1 bonus to DCs of illusion spells, +1 racial bonus to attack rolls vs.

Gnome Fighter

The gnome fighter NPC presented below is far from ideal. Of all the core races, gnomes are arguably the least suitable for the fighter class; although they gain a bonus to Constitution, they also take a penalty to Strength, and especially at low levels this hurts their capacity to deal straight damage. Additionally, gnomes' small size category makes them susceptible to bull rush, trip, and grapple attacks, all of which are a substantial hazard to melee fighters.