Bleaching

Description
The Bleaching is the name given to the physical decolorization and aging of a gnome, and is caused by a lack of exposure to new and exciting experiences. This bleaching of color is accompanied by a psychological decline first into depression and apathy, and eventually into madness and death. Gnome efforts to fend off the Bleaching only serve to fuel their racial curiosity and whimsy, giving it somewhat of a manic edge. Some claim that the Bleaching is a result of the gnomes' leaving the First World thousands of years ago. Rare gnomes survive the Bleaching, and develop an enigmatic wisdom and connection to the natural world, earning the name, "bleachlings."