darrenhardman

Dreep Doubletree

Bramblewood, a small town, lies on the edge of what the locals call Eldergrove Forest. The forest lies at the foot of the great Glimmerstone mountain range. Back in its earliest days Bramblewood started out as a small village. The villagers never really took to expansion or outsiders. It’s growth came from those that first arrived and the few lost souls that stumbled onto the village, earned their trust and became part of the village. Today Bramblewood is a vibrant place where humans and gnomes coexist, their lives enriched by the blend of cultures. They still cling to the small-town lifestyle. The town is famous for its skilled artisans, lively markets, and the annual Harvest Festival that celebrates the harmony between its diverse inhabitants.
During the early growth of this village is when a small family of gnomes from the Eldergrove forest appeared. They were forced from the forest due to a savage war between Gnolls, goblins and orcs and those that protected the forest and its inhabitants such as gnomes, and various Fey creatures. Facing starvation and the complete depletion of their supplies they came upon a small human village. Fearing rejection and hostility, they dug a burrow beneath a young oak tree with two trunks on the outskirts of the village to serve as home until they knew if they would be accepted as neighbors. As time went by, they were accepted by the village. The village even gave them the last name of Doubletree. The oak tree with two trunks that they had made their home under. The Doubletrees became valued members of the village due to their knowledge of herbs and their medicinal qualities. They ran a small apothecary that supplied the town with rare herbs and potions.
Gnomes live a life of simplicity and self-sufficiency. They don’t partake in extravagance; however, they do have an insatiable thirst for shiny objects. In this burrow where many generations of his family have lived throughout the ages is where Dreep Doubletree was born 40 years ago. He grew up learning the herbalist trade. During this time, he realized he had an insatiable curiosity and a deep connection to nature. He often ventured into the surrounding forest, exploring its hidden secrets and befriending the creatures that called it home. What happened next ignited the spark in his soul to begin his journey as a ranger of the Eldergrove Forest.
Dreep Doubletree whistled a merry tune as he trotted through the dense underbrush of the Eldergrove Forest. The gnome’s tiny frame blended effortlessly into the surroundings, and his keen eyes scanned the area for interesting flora and fauna. The sun cast dappled shadows on the forest floor, creating a mosaic of light and dark. Suddenly, a soft whimper reached his ears, breaking through the serenity of the forest. Dreep’s heart quickened as he followed the sound, curiosity and concern urging him forward. Within moments, he stumbled upon a dire wolf pup ensnared in a hunter’s trap. The tiny creature’s leg was clamped tightly by the metal jaws, its shadowy fur matted with dirt and blood. Dreep’s heart ached at the sight. “Hold still, girl. I’m here to help,” he murmured, approaching slowly to avoid startling the injured animal. He spoke soothingly, his gentle voice weaving a calm spell over the dire wolf. With practiced hands, he released the trap, freeing the tiny wolf from its painful grip. The pup yelped, but soon settled as Dreep cradled it in his arms. “You’re safe now. Let’s get you home,” he murmured, already forming a plan to nurse the pup back to health. He hurried back to his cozy burrow, careful not to jostle the injured pup.
For the next several weeks, Dreep devoted himself to the pup’s recovery. He named her Stormshadow, inspired by her sleek, shadowy fur and the fierce spirit that shone in her eyes. Dreep cleaned her wound daily, fed her nourishing meals, and offered constant reassurance with his gentle presence.
As days turned into weeks, Stormshadow began to heal. She grew stronger and more playful, often tugging at Dreep’s trousers or pouncing on his toes with boundless energy. The bond between the gnome and the dire wolf pup deepened, a testament to the power of kindness and care. This act of bravery and kindness earned Dreep the admiration of both humans and gnomes in Bramblewood.
One sunny afternoon, as Dreep sat on the porch, Stormshadow bounded up to him, her leg fully healed and her eyes bright with affection. She nuzzled his hand, her soft fur brushing against his skin. Dreep chuckled, stroking her head gently.
“You’ve become quite the companion, haven’t you, Stormshadow?” he said with a smile. The dire wolf pup wagged her tail, her loyalty and gratitude evident in every gesture.
From that day on, Dreep and Stormshadow were inseparable. The dire wolf pup grew into a powerful and graceful creature, always by Dreep’s side as they explored the mysteries of the Eldergrove Forest. Together, they faced challenges and adventures, their bond unbreakable and their friendship a testament to the strength found in compassion and trust.
Dreep is a figure of great fascination and affection. The gnome’s insatiable thirst for shiny objects is well-known among the villagers. Unlike a thief, his collections are driven purely by his love for the glittering and the extraordinary. His curiosity is legendary, often leading him into uncharted territories and, occasionally, into a bit of trouble. His adventures are the stuff of local lore, with tales of him uncovering hidden caves, befriending forest creatures, and stumbling upon long-forgotten relics. His inquisitive nature, however, comes with a penchant for disregarding personal space—a trait that the villagers find both endearing and exasperating. Though his quest for shiny objects may seem frivolous to some, those who know Dreep understand that his heart is as precious as the treasures he seeks. His unpredictable nature and lively spirit bring joy and excitement to all who cross his path. Whether he’s sharing tales of his adventures, helping a neighbor in need, or simply brightening someone’s day with his infectious laughter, Dreep’s presence is a cherished one. Children are drawn to the gnome’s whimsical charm, often begging him to show off his latest discoveries. And though Dreep can be a bit scatterbrained, always flitting from one curiosity to the next, he never fails to remember the faces and names of those he holds dear. In the eyes of the villagers, Dreep is a beloved, if somewhat eccentric, member of their community. His unyielding curiosity, coupled with his heart of gold, makes him a figure of fascination and affection—a true gem in the tapestry of Eldergrove.
As Dreep continued his spirited and unpredictable life in Eldergrove, he often found himself pondering deeper questions about his place in the world. While his curiosity had led him to many adventures and discoveries, an underlying feeling of unfulfilled purpose began to gnaw at him.
Dreep and his parents were very close. His father fell gravely ill from a diseased rodent. The symptoms were not of a disease known to the village. His father’s condition worsened despite the best efforts of his mother and the village healers. On his deathbed his father called Dreep to his side. With a weak yet determined voice, he shared his final wisdom and expressed his pride in Dreep’s growth and potential.
“Remember, Dreep,” his father whispered, “the world is vast and full of wonders beyond our village. Your heart is pure, and your curiosity is a gift. Seek your purpose in the world, protect the forest, and always follow the path of compassion and understanding.”

His father’s passing left a profound impact on Dreep. His father’s final words resonated deeply within him. Dreep felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to honor his legacy by embarking on a journey of self-discovery and fulfilling the purpose his father had seen in him.
With a heavy heart but a determined spirit, Dreep bid farewell to his friends and mother and set off on a journey of solitude and self-understanding. He delved deep into the forest, learning its secrets and forging a connection with the land that went beyond mere curiosity. His loyal companion, Stormshadow, remained by his side, providing comfort and companionship.

As Dreep embraced the life of a ranger, he discovered a newfound sense of purpose. He became a vigilant protector, patrolling the forest, deterring threats, and preserving its natural beauty. His journey of self-discovery not only transformed him into a skilled ranger but also deepened his bond with the natural world. He left home and built a cozy, hidden cabin deep within the Eldergrove forest, where he could better protect the forest and its inhabitants.
Dreep’s legacy grew, and the tales of his bravery and dedication became an enduring part of the village’s folklore, inspiring future generations to cherish and protect the world around them.
One day Dreep was enjoying his usual exploration through the heart of the Eldergrove Forest when he sensed that something was amiss. The air felt heavy with an unfamiliar tension, and the usual sounds of the forest were eerily absent. His keen eyes scanned the surroundings, and he followed a faint, acrid scent that led him to a devastating scene.
A swath of ancient trees lay felled, their majestic forms reduced to splintered stumps. The stream that once flowed crystal-clear was now murky and polluted, its banks littered with debris from reckless poachers. The lifeless body of a deer lay by the water’s edge, its once graceful form now a haunting reminder of the forest’s fragility.
As Dreep’s heart sank at the sight, his attention was drawn to a figure lying nearby. It was a being he had never encountered before—a small, green-skinned creature with sharp features and tattered clothing. The creature bore wounds that appeared to be from the deer’s antlers, and it was clear that it had struggled to survive.
Dreep approached cautiously, his compassion overriding any fear. “Hey Greenskin,” he murmured, giving the creature a name based on its appearance. He knelt beside the goblin, his gentle hands working quickly to assess its injuries. Despite its fearsome look, Dreep saw only a being in need of help.
With surprising care, Dreep tended to the goblin’s wounds, using his knowledge of forest herbs to create healing poultices. He spoke soothingly, his voice a balm to the injured creature’s weary spirit. Though the goblin was a stranger to him, Dreep’s heart of gold and unwavering kindness knew no bounds.
As Dreep worked, he couldn’t help but reflect on the broader implications of what he had seen. The destruction wrought by the poachers was not just a violation of the forest’s beauty, but a threat to all its inhabitants. His resolve to protect the Eldergrove Forest and its diverse denizens grew stronger, fueled by the knowledge that even those he had never met depended on his vigilance and care.
After Dreep’s tireless care, the goblin, whom he had dubbed “Greenskin,” slowly regained his strength. Throughout the healing process, Stormshadow, Dreep’s loyal dire wolf companion, kept a watchful eye on the goblin, sensing the tension beneath the surface.

One evening, as dusk settled over the Eldergrove Forest, Greenskin finally recovered enough to stand and move about. Dreep, ever hopeful, tried to bridge the gap between them, offering kindness and conversation. However, it soon became clear that Greenskin harbored no gratitude. His eyes glinted with malice, and his demeanor remained hostile.
As Dreep prepared a meal, Greenskin made his move. He attempted to snatch a handful of Dreep’s precious shiny objects, believing the gnome distracted. But Stormshadow, ever vigilant, reacted swiftly. The dire wolf positioned herself between Greenskin and Dreep, a low growl rumbling from her throat.
Greenskin froze, his hand hovering over the trinkets. The standoff was tense, the air thick with unspoken threats. Dreep, realizing what was happening, stepped between the two, his heart heavy with disappointment.
“Greenskin,” Dreep said softly. Not sure if the “Greenskin” spoke yet alone speak the common tongue. “Dreep helped because it right thing to do. Dreep sees now you not nice or thankful.”
The goblin sneered, his eyes narrowing. “Kindness is weakness,” he spat, backing away slowly, wary of Stormshadow’s menacing presence. Dreep’s jaw fell wide open at the ease of which the greenskin spoke.
While Dreep stood there in complete amazement at how easily the greenskin spoke broken common words the Greenskin turned and fled into the shadows of the forest, his heart still consumed by hate. Dreep watched him go, a mix of sadness and resolve in his chest. He knew that not every creature could be changed by kindness, but it wouldn’t deter him from continuing to do what he believed was right.
Stormshadow nudged Dreep gently, her loyalty and affection unwavering. Dreep smiled, grateful for his steadfast companion. Dreep’s encounter with Greenskin had left its mark, but it also strengthened his resolve. He would remain the guardian of the Eldergrove Forest, guided by compassion, courage, and an unyielding commitment to the natural world. Dreep had an uneasy feeling that he should return to the village after all these years and let the village elders know what he had found and to learn what this creature truly was.
Dreep found himself deeply troubled. The goblin’s hostile nature and lack of thanks weighed heavily on his heart. He knew he had to return to the village and consult the elders to understand more about this enigmatic creature and the implications of its presence.
With Stormshadow by his side, Dreep made his way back through the forest, each step filled with urgency and purpose. The path was familiar, yet Dreep’s mind was clouded with unanswered questions and a growing sense of responsibility.
Upon reaching the village, Dreep stood on the outskirts thinking about when the last time was that he had stepped foot in the village. After a short calculation he determined it had been 15 years. His mind flooded with questions. Would his old friends and the townsfolk remember him? How was his mother? Was she even still alive? Though gnomes live very long lives well into 400 years anything could have happened. He now realized how selfish he was to just up and leave so suddenly. His guilt would have to wait. He needed to get to the elders. Putting it all aside he went straight to the Elders’ Hall. The village elders, wise and experienced, were gathered there, discussing matters of importance. Dreep approached them with a respectful bow, his face serious.

“Elders, Dreep find creature in forest with greenskin. It hurt by deer. Dreep saw Ancient trees cut and dead deer in stream. Dreep fix greenskin. It hateful. Tried to steal Dreep’s shiny’s. Stormshadow stop it. Dreep call it Greenskin. Dreep never see animal like it before. What is it?”
The elders exchanged concerned glances before the eldest of them, Elder Thalrin, spoke. “Goblins are known to be creatures of darkness and malevolence, often driven by base instincts and a deep-seated mistrust of others. They are rarely seen in these parts, and their presence usually signifies trouble. In Fact, it has been since the time of my grandfather’s grandfather that we have encountered them.”
Another elder, Elder Bryndol, added, “Your kindness and compassion are commendable, Dreep, but it is important to be cautious. Goblins are not easily swayed by acts of goodwill. We must be vigilant and ensure that no further harm comes to the forest and its inhabitants. Especially the village.”
Dreep nodded, absorbing their words. “Dreep understand! Dreep watch and protect village and forest. Dreep now knows that greenskin is goblin and dangerous.
Elder Bryndol continued, “Dreep there are also other green skinned beings that are much larger than dreep. They are the size of humans and much more hateful. They destroy everything in their way. Sometimes including their own kind. Be vigilant and careful old friend. It is good to see you again. Once you see your mother please dine with us this evening.” The elders thanked Dreep for his vigilance and urged him to keep them informed of any further developments. With their guidance and support, Dreep felt more determined than ever to safeguard the Eldergrove Forest. He knew that his journey of self-understanding and his role as a ranger were intertwined with the protection of his beloved home.
Dreep felt a wave of warmth and ease flow over him at hearing that his mother was still alive. Bringing himself out of the crowded emotional trance he answered Elder Bryndol, “Dreep stay for few moon cycles. See mother and dine with you.” With another bow Dreep leaves the Elder’s Hall and heads over to the burrow beneath the now old Oak tree with two trunks known as “Doubletree.”