Ramblegem

The old gnome Ramblegem had wandered far and wide over his days, seeing sights unseen and exploring the deepest crevices of the lands. Ramblegem was a priest of Segojan Earthcaller, the Lord of the Burrow and Earthfriend. Welcomed anywhere that his kin held their grottos, he took great pleasure in his travels.

So it was that he ended up on the distant land, and frigid shores of, Skaljard.

Ramblegem was a bit of a loner, but like most of the rock folk, he was possessed of a naturally friendly disposition. It did not take him long to make many a friend on the barren chill lands, most notably his roguish kin friend Quietshadow.

Quietshadow told Ramblegem much of the surrounding islands, especially of the land of Arelith. He spoke of the ports of Cordor, the Golden Halls of Brogendenstein, and even of the gnome filled Grotto which lay beneath.

Adventure awaited there, new memories, new places to explore.

It didn't require much convincing for Ramblegem to sail toward these new shores, where he hoped to find these new adventures; he hoped to find more of his own people.

In time, Ramblegem settled into his new life in the Grotto. His new home was welcoming and the old priest became known as somebody who could be trusted for his counsel. He was even and fair in all his dealings, it was as if Segojan himself spoke through him.

Yet he was a restless gnome, Ramblegem couldn't remain in one place for too long. Against his own better judgement, he began to wander. The tunnels surrounding the Grotto were yet known to him. Initially, despite the risks, he was met with success. Ramblegem discovered many previously unknown places and witnessed a great many amazing, wonderful, things in those caves. In his mind, he'd made the right choice. He had come to Arelith to make new memories, to find adventure, and he had found it.

However, unknown to the elderly gnome, it was not only the gods who walked with him in those dark tunnels. A tribe of kobolds came to learn of Ramblegem's presence. These creatures, who are vile and cruel, of low wit, but possessing a wicked cunning, began to plot their next move. Initially, they followed from afar, careful to keep their distance. And this continued for a time, they were patient. When the trap was finally sprung, Ramblegem was completely caught off guard.

Though a pacifist by nature, the priest was quick to recognize his predicament. Ramblegem called upon Segojan to aid him in battle against his assailants. Many a lizard was felled, but they were too many.

Ramblegem was captured.

The kobolds took him back to their mucky lair, located deep within the heart of Andunor. Few knew of Ramblegem's ill-advised wanderings. Only one within the Grotto knew, his old friend Quietshadow.

Being a bit of a reprobate, Quietshadow had many connections in low places. Therefore, perhaps with Baravar Cloakshadow's assistance, Quietshadow was able to piece together what had occurred. The whispers spoke of an old priest who was on the edge of life and death. This old priest's captors understood him to be a holy man. This meant he was destined to be a dark sacrifice to their brutish deity.

Quietshadow, knowing he could not rescue his friend alone, hastily turned to others for aid. A dwarven warrior from Brogendenstein, a hin illusionist from Bendir, and some gnomish warriors from the Grotto banded together with Quietshadow to save Ramblegem.

Together, they used a little known tunnel system to sneak into the belly of Andunor. Each understood that, despite the risk, time was of an essence. The location of the kobold's lair was not revealed until the cycle of Ramblegem's sacrifice was announced, thus they could only save him in the moments before his death.

Skulking through the streets of Andunor was no easy task. There were many close calls as around every corner was a watchful eye. One single mistake, one single slip up, would undoubtedly result in the entire city falling upon the small party.

When they finally reached the kobold's lair, half the group entered while the others remained outside. They found Ramblegem within, emaciated and visibly wounded. Around him an entire tribe of kobolds, in the final stages of initiating the dark deed. Quietshadow understood brute strength would not win the day. They were far too few to hope for victory in open combat, and the geography was against them; this was the kobold's home.

So it was that they took a page from Cloakshadow's book of tricks. The hin illusionist created a copy of one of the kobolds that was not present at this dark ritual. The illusion declared that an enemy war party was spotted approaching the city. Gnomes! The other half of the group, yet outside, shortly thereafter began to mimic a commotion.

When a good number of the kobolds has departed to investigate, and with their general attention now elsewhere, the group cast invisibility upon Ramblegem. The party, now including Ramblegem, swiftly slipped away.

A chase soon took place as the kobolds pieced together what happened. The rescuers, having planned for this, split up into smaller groups to confuse their hunters. In the end, all involved successfully escaped, returning to the safety of the Grotto.

Ramblegem, though now home, could not be healed of his more grievous injuries. He nevertheless thanked Quietshadow and the others who'd come to his rescue, telling them that it would not be the last time they would meet. Surrounded by friends, by his community, his soul and body preserved from the kobold's depredations, Ramblegem closed his eyes for a final time atop Segojan's altar.

Ramblegem would complete his final journey, leaving for the Golden Hills.

Originally told by Gimdar Chiselfinger during the fourth Day of Stories. Recorded, written and embellished by Minto T Cloudpaw.