Because Shroomwood is exclusively populated by gnomes, it's demographic data looks vastly different from a typical fantasy setting. Rather than tracking different species, Shroomwood's census measures the global population through regional subcultures, guild vocations, and physical age milestones (which are heavily tied to the sizes of their hats).
The total global population of Shroomwood is estimated at approx 1.2 million gnomes, all living completely in sync with the forest floor.
Global Population Breakdown by Regional Subculture:
The Golden Spore Syndicate: 42%. Primary habitat; The Chaterelle Canopy. Temperament and traits; Bustling, social and entrepreneurial. They make up the largest demographic block, managing the global trade, snail transit, and culinary networks.
The Bounce-Core Alliance: 28%. Primary Habitat; The Puffball Plateaus. Temperament and traits; Athletic, boisterous, and highly active. These are the farmers, glider pilots, and structural builders who provide Shroomwood's food and textiles.
The Order of the Cosmic Spore: 18%. Primary Habitat; The Biolume Deepwoods. Traits and Temperament; Nocturnal, quiet, and deeply analytical. They represent the academic, alchemical, and scientific backbone of the gnome population.
The Keepers of the Acoustic Root: 12%. Primary Habitat; The Whispering Morels. Traits and Temperament; Monastic, serene, and artistic. The smallest demographic group, acting as environmental druids, musicians, and oral historians.
Age Milestones & The Hat Lifecycle
Gnomes in Shroomwood have an average lifespan of 350-400 years. Their societal roles and demographics are visually categorised by traditional felt or velvet hats they wear, which grow alongside their wisdom.
The sproutlings (Ages0-50)/15% of population: Young gnomes who wear no hats at all or tiny clover-caps. They spend their decades in play, learning how to climb mushrooms and ride infant land-snails.
The Trowels (Ages 51-150)/45% of population: The primary workforce. They wear crisp, straight, pointed hats (usually bright red or yellow). They are the active bakers, engineers, leap-harvesters, and conductors running the daily operations of Shroomwood.
The Weavers (Ages 151-300)/ 30% of population: The managers and artists. Their hats begin to curve or slouch slightly from the weight of added decorations, badges, and patent-pins. They run the business and write the scrolls.
The Moss-Elders (Ages 301+)/10% of population: The revered leaders and advisors. Their hats are massive, velvety, and completely lsouched, often naturally growing patches of real forest moss and tiny glowing foxfire fungi.
Universal Demographics & Physical Traits
Average Height: Stably uniform across all regions at 90 cm to 105 cm (approx. 3 feet tall).
Dietary Habits: 100% vegetarian. The global diet consists of spore-teas, roasted nuts, berry nectars, and glow-honey pastries.
Crime Rate: Practically 0%. Disputes are strictly civil, usually regarding "patent theft" over a new waterwheel design or boundary arguments over who owns a specific bracket-fungi balcony. These are settled entirely via pie-baking contests or riddle duels.