Gnomengarde

Gnomengarde is an ancient settlement of gnomes dating back to the historic days of the Pact of Phandelver. It is highly regarded as a sanctuary of invention, magic, and mechanical genius.

History and Location

The coordinates and existence of Gnomengarde were restored to modern maps by the ancient dwarf Gotrek and the banshee Agatha, who marked it alongside other historical sites of the Pact of Phandelver (such as Axeholm and Highthorn).

Located beyond a subterranean waterfall, Gnomengarde exists in a close, symbiotic relationship with a nearby colony of Myconids, whose underground network extends into the Wave Echo Cave area. While scouting the cave in spider-form, the fairy Nalini shared senses with the Myconid colony and learned of the passage to Gnomengarde beyond the waterfall, prompting her to instruct her party to meet her there.

The settlement was traditionally closed to outsiders by royal decree, guarded by a prominent warning sign at its entrance: “No visitors! On order of King Karbaz.” Despite this isolationist stance, a party of adventurers known as the Magnificent Five traveled to Gnomengarde alongside the dwarf Gotrek, the academic Dusty, and the monks Jaque and Zoe to seek the gnomes’ assistance and magical inventions to combat the white dragon Cryovain.

The Doppelganger Crisis and Royal Madness

Upon reaching the settlement, the adventurers were met by a cheerful female gnome who offered hospitality and wine, but allowed only three members of the party—Nalini, Gilmore, and Farwald—to enter. The remaining companions, including Hope, Dusty, Gotrek, and the monks Jaque and Zoe, were forced to camp outside. Inside the caves, the visitors discovered that some companions became easily intoxicated, and that the magical Weave within Gnomengarde is unstable, causing bizarre side effects for any spells cast.

During their tour, the party met two eccentric gnomish inventors named Dimblestib and Dabbledob, who spoke of strange occurrences. The source of the trouble was discovered in the throne room, where King Korboz (also referred to as King Korbuz) had succumbed to extreme paranoia and terror, even tying up his beloved co-ruler, King Gnerki.

The cheerful gnome hostess was revealed to be a disguised doppelganger working with a second shapechanger hidden nearby. A fierce battle erupted in the throne room. Nalini was severely injured by the doppelgangers, nearly falling unconscious from their attacks, and Farwald briefly turned on his friends under the influence of a suggestion spell cast by the escaping impostor. The party successfully slew one of the doppelgangers, though the second fled deeper into the caves or beyond.

Aftermath and Celebration

In the quiet aftermath of the battle, Gnome Guards and Inventors rushed into the throne room to scan for further intruders. A young gnomish girl named Linxie quickly tended to the wounded adventurers, healing them and dispelling the lingering dark magic.

Though the stoppage of trade had left the settlement’s coffers low, the Gnomish Kings expressed immense gratitude for restoring safety. They hosted a celebratory gathering featuring their famous Gnomish fireworks, and offered the party a discount on their remaining artifacts, inventions, and gizmos. The adventurers spent the night resting in sleeping bags at the local gnomish tavern, The Uppanddown, before continuing their journey toward Wave Echo Cave.

Industry and Craft

The gnomes of Gnomengarde are legendary for their unparalleled craftsmanship, specializing in the creation of complex magical items, ingenious contraptions, and unique devices. When the frontier town of Phandalin began preparing for various regional threats, local leaders noted that seeking out the gnomes and their advanced devices could provide a crucial advantage against their enemies.