King Gnerki

King Gnerki is a sovereign ruler of the gnomish settlement of Gnomengarde, reigning alongside his beloved partner, King Korboz. Gnomengarde is highly regarded throughout the region of the Sword Coast for its ingenious residents who craft all manner of magical items, clever contraptions, and unique inventions. The settlement, which lies beyond a roaring waterfall, exists in a peaceful symbiosis with a neighboring colony of Myconids. Visitors to Gnomengarde must contend with an unstable magical Weave, which causes erratic and unpredictable side effects for any spells cast within its caves.

The Doppelganger Crisis

King Gnerki’s safety and rule were severely threatened when a pair of shape-shifting doppelgangers infiltrated the caves of Gnomengarde. One of the shape-shifters disguised itself as a cheerful gnome woman offering hospitality and wine, successfully deceiving visitors. When a traveling party arrived to seek aid against the white dragon Cryovain, the disguised doppelganger lured three of them—Nalini, Gilmore, and Farwald—inside, while their companions (Hope, Dusty, Gotrek, and the monks Jaque and Zoe) remained camped outside.

As some of the visitors became intoxicated, the inventors Dimblestib and Dabbledob warned of strange occurrences in the dark caves. The presence of these unseen impostors sowed deep discord and panic within Gnomengarde. The crisis escalated to a point where King Korboz was driven into a state of extreme paranoia and terror. Paralyzed by fear and unable to discern ally from foe, Korboz went so far as to tie up his beloved King Gnerki within their quarters to “protect” him.

Rescue and Resolution

The dire situation was resolved when the adventurers intervened to aid the monarchs. Confronting the doppelgangers in King Korboz’s throne room, a chaotic and bloody battle ensued. Nalini was severely injured and nearly knocked unconscious, while Farwald fell under a suggestion spell cast by one of the shape-shifters, briefly turning on his allies. Despite these trials, the adventurers successfully killed one of the doppelgangers, while the second fled deeper into the caves.

Following the battle, gnomish guards and inventors rushed to secure the room, and a young gnome girl named Linxie tended to the party’s wounds and dispelled the lingering hostile magic. King Korboz was freed from his terror and united once more with King Gnerki.

Aftermath and Celebration

Deeply grateful for the exposure of the impostors and the rescue of King Gnerki, the joint monarchs thanked the party. Because a recent stoppage of trade had severely depleted Gnomengarde’s coffers, the Kings were unable to offer a grand monetary reward. Instead, they threw a celebratory feast for the adventurers—complete with famous Gnomish fireworks—and offered them generous discounts on their remaining magical artifacts, inventions, and gizmos before the party set out to face the threat of the Spider.