How it works

A few friendly rules keep every gnome safe and every story fair. Here they are in plain words.

🔑 The codes

• Claim code: on the adoption card that comes with a new gnome. Type it on the gnome's page and the gnome is yours, right away.
• Gift code: an owner makes one to pass their gnome to a friend. It also works right away.
• Find code: on a tag left with a gnome that was hidden out in the world. Using it sends a request to adopt, not an instant handover.

Whoever owns a gnome gets a private owner code. Keep it safe: you need it to add chapters, rename or pass the gnome on.

🔍 Found a gnome?

Hooray! Enter the find code and a username. You get a private claim-status code to check on your request later.

The gnome's previous owner then says yes or no. If they say yes, the gnome is yours. If they say no, the find code works again for the next adventurer.

⏳ If nobody answers

A request waits for 14 days. If the owner doesn't answer in that time, the request lapses, and we start a whereabouts check-in: the owner gets another 14 days to tell us where the gnome is. They can answer:

• “Still with me.” Nothing changes.
• “It moved on to @username.” The owner gets a one-time handoff code that only that username can use.
• “Held hostage!” 🧸 All in good fun. (Ransom demand: one cookie.)

No answer at all? The gnome's page says whereabouts unknown 🧭. The owner can still check in later.

🏷️ Names and stories

• Every gnome can earn one new name in its whole life, and the new name needs its story.
• The original story is permanent. Owners add new chapters after it, but can't edit or delete them.
• Places stay rough, like a town or neighbourhood. No street addresses, phone numbers, emails or real names.

⭐ Special editions

Special editions are one-of-a-kind gnomes named by Nicole. Their names are part of their story, so they can never be renamed, but their owners can still add chapters.

When someone finds one of Nicole's urban editions out in the world, Nicole herself approves the claim. She does the same for gnomes that nobody has adopted yet.

Questions, or something on a gnome's page doesn't look right? Use the 🚩 report box on that page, or write to hello@gnonsense.com.