Isaac Newton: (b. 1643, age 70) Newton is the inventor of calculus, the major force behind the new understanding of magic, and one of the major notable non-humans in Europe. The other gnomes mostly shun Newton, as they see him as being responsible for the further expansion of human power by way of the academies. Newton graduated from Cambridge in England. Due to his consumption of quicksilver (mercury) to improve his health, Newton has gone slightly mad. He is Master of the Royal Mint, and President of the Royal Society. It is believed that he knows far more about the aether than his published works would let on, but either way he is undoubtedly the most powerful magician in the world. He also believes that he is able to divine the future through examination of the Bible.
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz: (b.1646, age 67) Leibniz is Newton’s German counterpart, though generally considered a much lesser magician. Leibniz is, however, much more diverse in his studies. He created the binary number system, anticipated parts of the Turing machine, and created the Stepped Reckoner, which was capable of doing some simple arithmetic operations. He also invented library science, founded the Berlin Academy of Sciences, was the first to study Chinese writings, spoke more than seven languages, and accomplished many other things. Despite this, his reputation is in decline, mostly because of his deep feud with Newton.
Thomas Newcomen: (b. 1664, age 49) Newcomen is an Englishman, Baptist preacher, and the forefather of the coming industrial revolution due to his invention of the Newcomen steam engine. The engine is currently being used in the coal and tin mines of England, and sporadically in other areas of Europe. See the Adventure Hooks page for more information.
