Autognome Name Generator

Autognomes are the clockwork constructs introduced in Spelljammer: Adventures in Space, built by rock gnome tinkers out of brass, springs and enchanted cogs. Because they are made rather than born, an autognome's name is usually chosen by its creator, and that shapes the sound. Many simply get a gnomish name like the one their maker would give a child: short, bouncy, full of double consonants and -ick, -ock, -le endings (Fizwick, Nimbletock, Pocklin), often paired with a tinker's clan name such as Brassgear or Springwinder.

The other common approach is the workshop label. A gnome who builds a dozen helpers may name them after their parts (Mainspring, Escapement, Gimbal), the noise they make (Clank, Ticktack, Sputter), or their place in the production run (Mark Seven, Third Draft, Spare Parts). These designations have a lot of character once an autognome outlives its maker and keeps the name out of loyalty, irony or habit. Some rename themselves after going independent, which is where descriptive nicknames like Half-Wound, Dented Dorrin or Nine Gears come from.

When choosing, think about who named the character and why. A cherished creation gets a full gnomish name; a mass-produced deckhand gets a number; a runaway picks something that says what it wants to be.