Pumilo

Pumilo is a genus of extant hominid that encompasses the species of Pumilo pumilus (modern dwarves) and Pumilo gnomus (modern gnomes), in addition to a number of extinct species that are classified as being ancestral or closely related to modern gnomes/dwarves, depending on the species. Pumilo, together with the genus Homo, is considered to form a sister clade to an archaic hominin that have split from the Cercopithecidae. Today, their populations range from modern-day Ryzan to parts of Eldham.

The genus emerged with the appearance of Pumilo habilis over 53,000 years ago. This species evolved in the cold climate of lands north of Eldham and Rathnir during a Regolithic ice age. Archaeological evidence suggests that a long interglacial period would divide the P. habilis, forming distinct species of the Pumilo genus. Around 20,000 years ago, a group will begin a migration west into Rathnir. After thousands of years, this group would adapt to the warmer environment, evolving into P. pumilus. By 4,500 to 5,000 years ago, the modern dwarves would reach modern-day Ryzan. The P. gnomus would evolve around 15,000 years ago, emerging from several groups of P. habilis that ventured south into Eldham.

Species inside this genus are recognized by their height. The tallest species from the Pumilo genus is the P. pumilus, which averages around 1.1 m (3 ft, 7 in). Dwarves would typically possess a robust physique, bulky hands, large muscles, abundant hair coverage. On the other hand, gnomes typically possess wider faces, abnormally larger ears, and bushy hair features.

Evolution
Since lands outside of Rathnir and Eldham are usually inaccessible, it is unclear what the ancestor of the Pumilo lineage is. Some anthropologists propose that Homo erectus is the ancestor or sister to the Pumilo lineage due to similarities between the species. H. erectus has morphological features that may align with the Pumilo lineage but there is no consensus as to what gave rise to Pumilo. It is very possible that those from the Pumilo lineage started to possess more humanoid features after interbreeding with archaic elves and humans.

Pumilo habilis
Pumilo habilis emerged 53,000 years ago.