Eldron Gnackle
Eldron Gnackle is Rock Gnome from Drendeven. An elderly gnome somewhere north of 400 years old. Long alabaster hair crowning his otherwise bald head and mutton chops framing aging face wearing small reading glasses. Good natured and quite easy going but tends to be a perfectionist when it comes to his craft. He has a habit of going on long tangents and stories to whoever is willing, or unwilling, to listen. Eldron likes to believe in the goodness of people and will always give someone a chance to prove just that. Years of running a workshop of his own and impatience born from advanced age has led to Eldron sometimes being a bit too pragmatic in his approach to problems. Though there are clear lines he will not cross. Eldron has little appreciation for the Gods and other religions. He finds the ideas and principles too far from his life and views the 'Gods' simply as beings of immense power. Power to be respected obviously, but to be worshiped is a wholly different case.
Quick Reference
| Name: | Eldron Gnackle |
| Race: | Rock Gnome |
| Class: | Wizard, School of Conjuration |
| Background: | Guild Artisan |
| Hometown: | Drendeven |
| Relatives: | Ebanezer Gnackle (Grandfather)†, Alver Gnackle (Father)†, Selna Gnackle (Mother)†, Ebamila Miecks-Gnackle (Sister), Marri Gnackle-Bucks (Wife)†, Brandon Gnackle (son) |
Personal History
The story of Eldron Gnackle starts over 400 years ago as the son of Alver and Selna Gnackle. His earliest memories were that of his grandfather’s Cook Cook Clock. Even is a young boy he marveled at the ingenuity of it’s design and the little bird that came out chirping each time the clock struck true.
Eldron’s grandfather, Ebanezer Gnackle, was one of the Gnome Sages working for the Dwarven Empire of Baltur. Ebanezer had retired just before the Collapse and moved away from the research and politics to the town of Drendeven in the land of Loveria. It is in Drendeven that Eldron was born. He grew up in a happy family with his parents and his younger sister Ebamila. He quickly showed signs of having inherited his grandfather's smarts and appreciation of fine craftsmanship. Even as a young boy he would go around fixing various things around the house. He mended farming tools, kitchenware and the toys of other children. He would occasionally take apart more complicated trinkets from his grandfather’s collection, which didn’t always go over well.
When he became of age he left the town of Drendeven and traveled to the nearby city of Korint in search of an apprenticeship. Here he joined the Merchant Guild run by Thal Lithel, a branch of one of the great Elven mercantile Maern Elassidil. Through the guild he came to apprentice under a Dwarven artisan who taught Eldron the finer things of tinkering, alchemy and some basic magic.
After his apprenticeship Eldron went back to Drendeven to open his own workshop. As the town grew he was commissioned the build of a clocktower on the market square. A tower that would later be dubbed Robin Tower, a feat that gained the Gnome some fame in the local area. During the build of Robin Tower Eldron met a Gnomish woman named Marri Bucks and married her after the build was completed. Later they had a son named Brandon. Brandon seemed to have inherited the Gnackle intellect but also some of the restless nature more prevalent in the Bucks family. Although Brandon did enjoy helping his father at his workshop the boy dreamt of bigger things and an even more glorious future. As soon as he was of age he left Drendeven behind and joined the Companions of Elric.
As the years went by Marri’s health began to decline. Eldron retired from his workshop to take care of his wife. It was shortly thereafter that the dreaded letter from the Companions of Elric arrived at the Gnackle household. Brandon had gone missing. This news broke both Eldron’s and Marri’s hearts. Another burden upon Marri’s body. One that she could not handle anymore and she passed away. On her deathbed Eldron swore his wife he would find their son. He would find Brandon even if it would cost him his life.
The Missing Son
Finding his missing son has become Eldron's main purpose for adventuring. Taking jobs and collecting loot more for financing his search than anything else. Due to the nature of Brandon's frequent travels it was hard to retrace his steps. The Companions in Korint didn't know more than him having gone west.
It wasn't until his travels took him to Stjordvik that he finally found a real clue. An older dwarven woman by the name of Shymra Hykoshold knew Brandon and told Eldron about the rumors surrounding the Stjordvik Companions leaders. She also told Eldron that before he left, he spent a lot of time on Korfalt Lane and at the docks. After some investigating Eldron found that Bradon had boarded a ship named 'the Honeysuckle' and had sailed even further west.
Campaign History
The Dig
During his time at the dig he would marvel at the ruins and artifacts that were dug up. He spent quite some time with Angerone Godfroy because of shared interests. The loss of his wife and son had made him somewhat lonely so he was more than pleased to have people to talk to and listen to his stories. When the dig was struck by a weird magical phenomenon Eldron quickly curbed his curiosity to get himself to safety, only to be glad to not have been the only one that survived.
The trek to civilization
The journey back to Korint was not without challenge for the elderly Gnome. He often started feeling his age and occasionally needed assistance overcoming the more physically challenging obstacles. He readily bonded with Red as they traded stories of the past. When Red felt his time was near he entrusted Eldron with his signet ring and a request.
Back in Korint
Eldron, together with the party, left the Waypoint Inn for Korint as soon as they were rested. Keen to close the disastrous chapter of the Dig and get their payment from House Ditta. Once there they were questioned about what had happened at the Dig. As the party told them of events Eldron showed the signet ring that Red had given him too give some validity to their story. The people of House Ditta were visibly shaken by the news and the showing of the ring. Eldron requested the ring be returned to him as a memento to a departed friend. The news of Red's death brought some further inquiries, this time under magical means. The party also learned of Red's true identity as the Grof Ratik Meloi, son of Prince Zorl Meloi. In the end the party were paid their dues and Eldron had received the signet ring back.
After their visit to House Ditta, Eldron went by the Companions of Elric to inquire if there was more information about his son, Brandon. This unfortunately lead to a dead end.
When the party met in the evening and began discussing their next step Eldron told them of the box that the Ratik Meloi had given him upon his death, and the request that went with it. Eldron declared his wish to see this through aware of the sheer distance between Korint and Ide Volcar. A journey that would take a considerable amount of time and a considerable amount of money. Luckily Korint had some some jobs available.
As Eldron and his companions were planning their next move they were offered the chance to buy a treasure map. Although Eldron himself had little interest in such a shady investment, the others were quite taken, though with a healthy dose of suspicion, by the opportunity. As they were haggling Angerone, apparently devoid of such suspicions, bought the map. The location on the map was roughly in the same direction of another job posted by a local restaurant. They were to gather a specific type of mushroom from Nitiki Forrest. The party procured a cart and donkey and ventured towards the location on the treasure map, Vresto Mansion, an abandoned mansion south west of Korint.
The parties journey was interrupted by a group of horsemen who immediately made a show of the disparity in power between the groups. Eldron and the others were hooded and taken to another location. Here Eldron was separated from the others and questioned by someone with a dwarven accent. Questions about the Dig and what had happened. At first Eldron tried to talk his way around the issue unaware of how far these people were willing to go to get the answers they wanted. The following hours would entail somethings Eldron had never experienced, nor would he ever had thought the would experience. After the first round of torture the elderly Gnome told them of his job at the dig and the fire that spread after leaving only a handful of survivors. After more of the torture he revealed the fire was the result of a magical phenomenon that he had not seen. But when they came at him with more specific questions he confirmed what they knew. When he was finally released from hood and bonds they were left on the road close to where they were picked up. The old Gnome took care of his friend's bonds in silence before they found their cart and donkey lazily grazing on the side of the road. Though he expressed his worry about his friends, Eldron himself had a hard time dealing with what happened.
Once they arrived at Vresto Mansion they found it already occupied by a group of ruffians. Eldron and Angerone pleaded for a nonviolent approach and the party decided that they would pay them 15Gp to leave the mansion, which they took. While searching the place for the treasure they found a shrine to Nerull accompanied by a puzzling text on the wall. They eventually managed to uncover its secrets and reveal a hidden door. Both he and Jhalril went first into the dark tunnel. After circumventing some of the traps the party found themselves in a more cavernous environment. Following an already trodden path they were soon surrounded by Giant Spiders. Trying to keep his cool Eldron joined his companions into the fray, but quickly succumbed to a vicious spider bite and its venom.
Myconids and a visit home
Eldron wakes up still in the cave underneath Vestro Mansion sore but without the threat of spiders. Thanking his companions they make their way further into the cavern coming onto a rope bridge. Although the mechanisms surrounding the bridge are fascinatingly well made, one can't say the same of the bridge itself. Carefully the party makes its way across with the elderly Gnome sweating a bit more than he would like to confess. The cave seemed to end with a stone door blocking their path. This door was again adorned with Deathspeak. Using the translations on the map it says Curse Caluth Widows. Eldron may not necessarily be a religious man by any means, but being confronted by a language used by evil gods for a second time does make him uncomfortable for what's behind the door. As Jahril manages to open the door the inside is what Eldron fears. Although barely furnished a large heptagram lights up on the floor. A horrifying visage appears and let's out a terrifying wail. If not enough the lines of the heptagram begin to glow as it seems more of these specters appear at the points. Eldron tries to deface the heptagram in the hopes to stop more of them from coming but to little effect. It did however give the others an idea how to stop more from attacking them. Eldron fell to one of the specters but was brought back into the fight by Teresa. The fight ended without more casualties but left a few of them in a rough state. They took a moment to themselves and investigated the rest of the room finding quite the haul including some minor magic items, several potions and poisons and a ominous bone dagger.
The party left Vestro Mansion and continued their journey towards Nitiki Forest to do some mushroom picking. Though the forest was dark and thick with fog the Sprite Members gave out quite the smell and sure enough they found a ring of sixty of them. With gold on their minds they wanted to proceed with the picking but were stopped by a voice. This telepathic voice belonged to a large walking mushroom. It informed them that these Sprite Members were part of their society and picking them would be like taking their children. Some of the party wanted to negotiate for something to compensate their losses with Teresa opting to just leave these Miconids alone. In the end Teresa was gifted a small box containing a Blemmigan. A small mushroom-like creature with amazing penmanship. Something that Eldron found rather curious and interesting.
As they made their way back to Korint Eldron suggested to make a stop at his hometown of Drendeven. Before they reached the town they found a body spread out over the rocks. Eldron called out to see if the person was alive and conscious. The man stumbled from the rocks and introduced himself as Julian Jaconti from Skirow and didn't seem to know how he got here. Julian joined them on the road towards Drendeven under thinly veiled suspicion from the party. Once they came upon Drendeven Eldron happily showed his companions around town. He was especially appreciative of Angerone seeming interest in things like Halfling ale and other things that sparked conversations between the two. He enjoyed seeing her become more comfortable and come out of her shell. The next morning the party discusses the possibility to let Julian join us on the road to Korint, which ended with some of the party being to uncomfortable with the man and they leave without him.
The journey towards Korint was rather uneventful but when the gates come in to view they see extra carriage checks being performed. Luckily Jahril knows some alternative way inside the city and takes the contraband the party has on them. Eldron summons his new friend Francis, a small red robin familiar, and sends it with Jahril so he could keep an eye on him in case something happens while he was away from the party. Once inside the city they reconvene with the young Half Elf and come across a young girl being chased by a shop-owner screaming "Thief!" Both Eldron and Richar try to stop the young thief from getting away, with the latter actually managing to stop her. As she was apprehended by the guards Eldron perceived some non-verbal communication between her and Jahril. This little interaction together with Jahril's skillset and knowledge of the city layout has Eldron a little bit concerned with the young Half Elf.
Sugar Canes and Hobgoblins
Eldron and his friends decided to use the headquarters of the Companions of Elric as a base while they were Korint. Not only were they graced with their hospitality, they were also granted access to the Companion's library. Something both Eldron, Angerone and Teresa appreciated greatly. Eldron passed his time here helping Angerone with researching her strange magical powers. One morning Richar shared a note with the group that he had slipped underneath his door during the night before. It stated a reward for removing a band of Hobgoblins but with a name or any indication to the identity of the sender. A curiosity that didn't go unnoticed by the group nor made it trust its origin or content.
While the party was staying in Korint Eldron noticed Angerone's interest in the newly founded temple to Istus as she would daily attend its congregations. Although Eldron is not a religious man, he does care for his new found friends and wishes to support them in their en devours as though they were his own (grand)children. He joins her one afternoon to see what the temple is all about.
After a few days the party decided to take a job for House Revol and see about the Hobgoblins on the way. Villagers seem to disappear from House Revol's sugar cane plantation in the village of Vessa. Not much information was given nor found through other channels. Once they reached Vessa the party found the plantation foreman who informed them of the dubious circumstances surrounding the disappearances, or rather the lack off. With the help of Eldron's new familiar, Francis the red robin, they managed to find the culprit. While they were examining strange mounts just outside the fields a humongous bug-like creature attacked. The group managed to subdue it but a moment to catch their breath was still far away. As they were examining the creature villagers started to assemble around the corps only to be attack again be a similar creature. Luckily the party vanquished this one just as quickly and without the loss of helpless villagers. Believing the problem solved they sent a messenger to House Revol in Korint while the party went on a Hobgoblin hunt.
During their travels towards the Hobgoblins they came across a familiar sight. Julian Jaconti, passed out and probably drunk. Encountering him again in the same fashion cultivated some suspicion within the group. As the party was conversing with him, Eldron decided to use a detect magic spell either ease or confirm his suspicions. It turned out Julian didn't carry any magical items, but was radiating magic himself. He asked them man some questions to see if he could get more information out of him, but came out empty. After they Julian farewell they continued further into the woods in order to find the Hobgoblins.
As the party was following the instructions in the letter, it didn't take them very long to come across a patrol of them. The group quickly prepared an ambush. One that turned out quite successful. After they dispatched of the patrol Jahril went scouting ahead to find their lair. Only to find a well defended cave. The party planned to lure some of the Hobgoblin guards into the woods and attempt another ambush. But as young Half Elf fired an arrow it went straight through one of the Hobgoblins as if it were never there. After a bit of reconnaissance fails the group had no other choice but to lead a head on siege. Although this proved to be quite the challenge our heroes prevailed. As they caught their breath they were approuched by a band of Kobolds. Their queen Yusdrayl revealed herself to be the sender of the mysterious letter that led them to this place. Apparently this cave was the Kobolds home before they were chased out by the Hobgoblins.
End of Summer and Falling Stars
As summer came to a close our heroes found themselves at Thessaly Hall, The home of Lady Tadien Thessaly. As preparations of the End of Summer Ball were full underway she wanted to hire the adventurers to find a missing necklace as well a her missing daughter. Eldron did notice who Lady Thessaly emphasized the necklace over her dauther Mia, but the old Gnome had heard enough rumors of the goings-on of big city nobles. After some investigating our heroes found that it was Mia had runaway herself taking the necklace. In the end both the necklace and daughter were returned to Thessaly Hall.
While the heroes were putting the ordeal at Thessaly Hall behind them and looking for the next means to make a living they decided to help make Korint a bit safer by looking into some glow-ice smugglers. But before they could make some decent headway with this particular scourge, Vardan Brekker approached them about a job. A large rock, the size of a small castle, had fallen from the sky about a day east of Pefki and Angerone was asked to investigate before other interested parties would beat them to the punch. While traveling to the crashsite they met a halfling druid by the name of Ranna Amethystall. A somewhat curious and eccentric appearance who became fast friends with Teresa. The party wasn't the first to arrive at the Fallen Star. Members of the Abjura Dolana were already present as well as an old acquaintance Velkor Oberlee.
Our heroes left Ranna outside as they made their way inside of the Fallen Star. Something that might have been more than they bargained for. The alien interior was inhabited by strange and violent creatures that almost managed to chase the party into the afterlife. They rushed back outside to recuperate and try again the following day. Though the young Jharil did take some convincing to join.
The further the group traveled inside the more alien the Fallen Star became. They found a strange chair-like device with an unknown purpose. Eldron vouch for caution with such eldritch contraption. A wariness Angerone didn't share as she activated it. Her torturous screaming only confirmed Eldron's suspicions to stay far away from it.
When they finally reached the centre chamber they found their quarry. As Eldron enters the room a ball of energy turns in his direction and unerringly hits the small clockwork device he carries, turning it into the Tompion Amulet. The party made way with a strange orb as the members of the Abjura Dolana and Velkor grabbed some of the other items inside the Heart Chamber. They all quickly returned outside each by their own means to find people from the Kasarian Embassy. After a short stand off they Kasarians went to explore the Fallen Star themselves.
It was then that Marinda Winterwies made her presence known. She told the party she was sent by Vardan to help and joins the party on their way back to Korint. It was back in Korint that the Jharil decided to stop traveling with the group because of other responsibilities.
To Sormark
What amounted to a couple of uneventful days in Loveria's capital for Eldron was a different story for other members of the group. After a strange fire near the Kasarian Embassy Angerone urged her friends to leave Loveria as soon as possible. While this left Eldron rather perturbed he was planning on leaving eventually. So no time like the present it seems. Though the journey was not without strife. As they followed the Copis river towards Sormark they were recognized at the border by some bounty hunters. Rather than duking it out the party choose to run and fight another day. Racing through alleys and round corners hoping for their pursuers to loose the trail and with apparent success. After losing the bounty hunters the group decided to check out the town of Hollenvik, of which they had happened on its deed.
During their quest to find this Hollenvik they found a strange ship in the middle of the hills. The Brazen Coke Remit was filled with treasures and undead, complete with spectral bagpipe players and all.
The party's travels had led them to the town of Jurva where they tried to find some more information on Hollenvik. it was here in Jurva that they heard about a new god that had made itself known to the people of Sormark. Eldron himself never had much sympathy for the gods but some of his new friends showed interest in this Ancev.
They also helped a local baker with his stolen starter. It might be considered something pedantic to some, but Eldron felt for the baker as one craftsman to another. Their search eventually led into the forest outside Jurva where the starter was found by some myconinds and had turned into the sentient being known as Usnea. It seemed Usnea and Teresa connected on a far deeper level than one would expect. Though Eldron is somewhat fascinated by the connection it is far beyond his area of expertise and needless prying is frowned upon between friends.
Relationships with Companions
Teresa Liliidae
Teresa was considered a bit of an odd duck by Eldron while at the dig site, but she really proved herself as a great asset during their trek to Korint. During their adventures Eldron has gained a great appreciation for her good heart. While Eldron can sometimes be a bit too pragmatic in his approach her moral compass can guide the group towards a more noble outcome.
Tiny Tim Cratchett
Aaahhh, the ever-exciting headache that is Tiny Tim. Eldron sees Tiny as grandchild as he does with the others. This one, however, might be in need of some special attention. But all kidding aside, Eldron is certainly glad to have Tiny on the team. As annoying as his simplicity and rash nature can be, they are far outweighed by his loyalty and reliability.
Maybell Tuberosum
Especially the combination of Maybell and Tiny Tim can be vexing for Eldron. Though he can see the humor of their shenanigans. Eldron does find it curious how her physical age and personality don't wholly line up, but hasn't found the need to further burden the girl with his own curiosity. Especially after her breakdown on Nolla Isle. Her regaling her tale and some quick math using the average lifespan of Halflings Eldron sadly predicts more heartache in her future.
Angerone Godfroy
Eldron bonded with Angerone during their work at the dig and takes the way she tends to carry herself with a grain of salt. Although he believes that she has her secrets he respects her enough to leave her to her own devices. Her use of unfamiliar magic during the battle at the ruined fortress didn't go unnoticed. Just like her own reaction didn't go unnoticed. The more time spent with this curious woman the more Eldron enjoys her companionship. He appreciates her variety and depth of knowledge and piecing together her mysterious magical prowess. Her current dive into religion was kind of a surprise to the old Gnome, but as he sees her a friend he decided to support her in her choice. Though he does tend to keep open a sceptical eye.
Jhalril Glannyth
Eldron hasn't had many exchanges with Jhalril during their work at the dig site but respects him and views him as someone capable and was surprised to learn his young age. After an encounter with a young thief in Korint Eldron noticed the recognition between Jharil and the thief. Although he trusts Jharil he would like to see the youngling not to stray too far into lawlessness. The young Jhalril seemingly decided to retire the adventuring life after the dealings at the Fallen Star and was called upon by the organisation behind him. Eldron understood the responsibilities of the young Half-Elf and whished him well. Silently hoping the youngling wouldn't fall too far into darkness.
Richar Moerin
Eldron has great respect for members of the Companions of Elric and Richar is no exception.
Marinda Winterwies
Though Marinda was a unexpected addition to the team she was a welcome one. Her maturity was a nice contrast to the youthful Richar, rural Theresa and chaotic Angerone.