Gnomes are from European folklore, and typically guard treasures hidden beneath the earth
They are usually dwarfish creatures, mixed with a goblin or earth spirit.
In some folklore, they are said to be alchemists

The Gnome Scavenger, I like to imagine, is scavenging for a specific type of mushroom that glows
While she scavenges for the rare mushroom, the other gnomes are protecting an ancient treasure that has been in their village for generations. One of the humans have come very close to gaining this treasure, and they want to try everything to protect it. The magical mushroom only grows in the nether, but many have ventured there to never return. Will this young gnome turn like the others? Or will she be able to get the mushroom before it is too late...